Even though the Taraxacum officinale is the most known dandelion species, there are many others.
The leaves, roots, and flower not only give a splash of color to your plate, but they're also frequently found in herbal teas and supplements, where they're used as a natural cure to help manage blood sugar and improve skin, liver, and heart health.
What Is Dandelion?
Dandelions are relatives of dahlias, thistle, ragweed, lettuce, artichokes, and sunflowers since they belong to the daisy family of plants.
Dandelions produce florets, which are little yellow blooms that constitute a single flower head. The flower head dries out, the florets fall off, and a seed head develops when it has completed flowering.
The seeds of the dandelion are then disseminated naturally by the wind... or by those wanting a free wish.
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Here are 8 surprising benefits of dandelion.
Exceptionally nutritious.
Dandelions are incredibly nutritious plants that are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber from root to blossom.
Dandelion greens are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and can be eaten cooked or raw.
Vitamin E, folate, and trace levels of other B vitamins are also found in this amazing plant.
The carb inulin, which is present in plants and helps the formation and maintenance of good gut bacteria, is abundant in the root of the dandelion.
Furthermore, dandelion greens include a significant amount of iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, among other elements.
The Dandelion root is commonly dried and used to make tea, but it can also be eaten raw like other root vegetables.
Full of Antioxidants.
Dandelions are rich in Provitamin A, an antioxidant that may defend cells against oxidative stress and damage.
Polyphenols, which are found predominantly in the flower but also in the roots, leaves, and stems, are another form of antioxidant.
Stress, pollution, and a bad diet can all cause free radicals to develop in your body. Cell damage and chronic disease can result from an accumulation of free radicals over time.
Antioxidants have been found to lessen the incidence of heart disease and cancer by assisting in the neutralization of these toxic molecules.
Dandelion extract appears to prevent skin from UV damage, aging, and acne when applied topically.
May Prevent cancer cells.
One of the most surprising health claims regarding dandelion extract is that it can stop malignant cells from growing in different organ systems. Dandelion root extract has been shown to reduce the growth of cancer cells in the liver, colon, and stomach tissue in a number of investigations.
These studies are encouraging, however there is still more research to be done.
Reduce High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol.
One of the leading causes of coronary artery disease is high cholesterol. The simplest way to lower cholesterol is to change your diet.
Including more whole foods like fruits and vegetables, along with minimizing your intake of processed foods, can help decrease cholesterol.
It's been proven that one of the many dandelion root benefits is to assist lower cholesterol levels.
Rabbits were fed a high-cholesterol diet with dandelion root added as a supplement in one research. Dandelion lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, and harmful LDL cholesterol while raising good HDL cholesterol.
Another Dandelion health benefit is that it may also assist to manage high blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels, according to studies.
The liver is vital to many areas of health, from filtering pollutants to metabolizing medications.
Dandelion root is good for your liver since it protects it from oxidative stress and keeps it functioning properly.
Indeed, folk medicines from China, India, and Russia have long recognized the benefits of dandelion as a liver tonic, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties and capacity to combat oxidative stress.
Dandelion has natural diuretic properties, which means it increases the frequency of urine, which can help maintain the kidneys healthy.
Native Americans have used dandelion to cure kidney disease, as well as other digestive ailments such as heartburn and upset stomach, for generations.
Helps the Immune System and Fights Bacteria.
Dandelion root has antibacterial and antiviral characteristics that can help inhibit the growth of disease-causing bacteria and pathogens, in addition to its many other health advantages.
Although additional research is needed, dandelion root could be an effective natural way to help the immune system battle bacterial infections.
Helps Strengthen Bones and Promotes Skin Health.
Vitamin K helps form strong bones by increasing amounts of a specific protein, which is why insufficient vitamin K intake has been associated in an increased risk of fractures and decreased bone density.
Dandelion is a good source of vitamin K, that is a necessary nutrient for bone health.
Dandelion also includes calcium, which helps to keep bones and teeth strong by forming the structure of the bones and teeth.
Another dandelion root benefit is that every serving of dandelion has a considerable amount of antioxidants, which can help to protect skin cells from harm, reduce the aging process, and keep you looking your best.
Naturally rich in fiber.
Dandelion roots are high in inulin, a soluble fiber.
Fiber has been associated with numerous of health advantages, including blood sugar regulation. Fiber greatly reduces the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, which can assist improve long-term blood sugar regulation, because it passes through the body undigested.
Fiber can help with constipation, stomach aches, hemorrhoids, GERD, and stomach ulcers, in addition to keeping blood sugar levels stable.
Possible side effects.
When consumed in the proportions frequently seen in meals, dandelion is generally safe for most individuals.
When ingested in excessive amounts, it is possibly safe. Some people may get allergic reactions, gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea, or heartburn as a result of consuming dandelion.
Conclusion
Dandelion tinctures, liquid extracts, teas, tablets, and capsules are among the many dandelion-based products available.
Dandelions can be found in abundance in both backyards and supermarket stores. While it is fine to select and utilize dandelions from your own yard, you should avoid places where weed killer or pesticides have been sprayed.
Pull away all the stems that the blooms may be clinging to and dig a little deeper into the soil to collect the roots. Before using, thoroughly wash the roots to ensure that all dirt is washed away.
Despite the fact that many people consider dandelion to be nothing more than a weed, it has a long list of health advantages for the digestive and immune systems.
Dandelion can be used to cure a variety of ailments. While it isn't a medicine, it can help with oxidative stress, liver disease, high cholesterol and blood pressure, high blood sugar, cancer, kidney problems, and infections when taken as a supplement.
Dandelion root can be taken as a supplement in the form of pills or extracts, or used to make a caffeine-free cup of coffee or tea.
Disclaimer: All information posted is merely for educational purposes.
It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
Should you decide to act upon any information on this website, you do so at your own risk.