Witlof

Cichorium intybus var. foliosum

Other Names : Cichorium intybus var. foliosum, Dutch Witlof, Belgian Endive, Witloof, chicorée de Bruxelles, chicorée Witloof, chicon, Salatzichorie, Almindelig Cikorie, Cikoriesalat, Julesala, Salaattisikuri, punasikuri, Cikoriasallat
Witlof is a white vegetable. This is done by growing underground shoots of the chicory plant. Due to lack of light, it does not develop chlorophyll and the Witlof remains white.
See also : Chicory (Roots of Cichorium intybus)

Special Precautions

• Don't confuse with Endive (Cichorium endivia)

Health Benefits and uses of Witlof

• Low Calories : Witlof is perhaps one of the healthiest vegetables available when it comes to calories. Only fifteen calories can be found in one hundred grams of Witlof. In addition, there are no fats and only half a gram of carbohydrates. About ninety percent of a Witlof consists of pure moisture. When preparing a chicory or eating the vegetable, the moisture evaporates, allowing you to snack easily digestible.
• Rich in potassium; a mineral that, together with chlorine and sodium, is involved in regulating fluid balance and blood pressure in the body.
• Vitamin C : Witlof is a source of vitamins and contains no fats, so this makes the vegetables super healthy for the body. One of the most important vitamins in Witlof is vitamin C. Vitamin C can not be produced by our body itself and we therefore have to get in through our food, for example by eating Witlof. Vitamin C helps to fight diseases and can even prevent cancer. A general practitioner can recommend taking extra vitamin C in case of a cold. This combats the symptoms of a cold and makes you better. So take an extra Witlof with a cold.
• Diarrhea : You have probably heard that a biscuit is good against a stomach that is upset. Witlof, on the other hand, works much better against diarrhea than a biscuit. In Witlof are certain fibers and probiotics that ensure that your body is restored in a natural way. Probiotics such as Witlof contain bacteria that are beneficial for your intestinal flora. They ensure that your intestines are healthier and recover faster from diarrhea. So it is better to eat a plate full of Witlof instead of a biscuit.
• The German Commission E, in 1990 published that the dried parts, above ground or below, of the Chicory can be used for loss of appetite and dyspepsia. Also stated that this herb contains bitter principles, Inulin and pentosans.