Chicory

Overview

Chicory provides high inulin content and can be used as a coffee substitute, supporting gut microbiome diversity. Prebiotic fibres including inulin (chicory, onions) support Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia; ↑ butyrate production; improved gut barrier.

Recipes

no recipes found

Substances

3 substances in this food

Acetate

Most abundant SCFA supporting gut barrier integrity and immune regulation

Butyrate

Key SCFA supporting mitochondrial function, gut barrier integrity, and neuroinflammation reduction

Propionate

SCFA supporting neuroinflammation reduction, blood-brain barrier protection, and neurotransmitter regulation

Preparation Notes

• Can be consumed as root vegetable or coffee substitute
• High inulin content
• Part of diverse prebiotic fiber strategy
• Supports Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia

Biological Target Matrix

Biological Target	Substance	Contribution Level	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS)	Acetate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Byproduct of fibre fermentation; supports intestinal barrier integrity; regulates immune responses; promotes synthesis of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin
Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS)	Butyrate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Byproduct of fibre fermentation; supports intestinal barrier integrity; regulates immune responses; promotes synthesis of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin
Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS)	Propionate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Byproduct of fibre fermentation; supports intestinal barrier integrity; regulates immune responses
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	Acetate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Supports immune regulation and anti-inflammatory processes
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	Butyrate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Has anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing neuroinflammation; deficiencies linked to many neurological disorders including ADHD
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	Propionate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Helps reduce neuroinflammation and protects the blood-brain barrier; enhances cognitive function
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Butyrate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Supports mitochondrial function, enhancing brain energy metabolism; aids in reducing cholesterol and neuroinflammation
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Propionate	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Stimulates secretion of norepinephrine and may influence dopamine regulation; promotes synthesis of key neurotransmitters

References

• Prebiotic Fibres: Inulin (chicory, onions), GOS (legumes), resistant starch (cooled potatoes, green bananas), pectin (apples)
• Chicory root: Coffee substitute, high inulin
• Inulin (chicory, onions) supports Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia; ↑ butyrate production; improved gut barrier