6 Surprising Health Benefits of Dandelions
When we think of dandelions, the first thing that comes to mind is a pesky weed that invades our lawns and gardens. But did you know that this humble plant is packed with numerous health benefits? From reducing inflammation to aiding digestion, dandelions have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
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6 Surprising Health Benefits of Dandelions
Here are some of the health benefits of dandelions that you should know about:
1. Rich in Nutrients
Dandelions are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. They also help in boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Promotes Digestive Health
Dandelion has been traditionally used as a digestive aid. It stimulates the production of bile, which is necessary for the breakdown of fats in the body. This helps in improving digestion and preventing constipation. Dandelion also has a diuretic effect, which can help in reducing water retention and bloating.
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3. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems like heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Dandelion has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing inflammation in the body. This makes it beneficial for people suffering from inflammatory conditions.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems like heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Dandelion has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing inflammation in the body. This makes it beneficial for people suffering from inflammatory conditions.
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4. Supports Liver Function
The liver is an important organ that plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body. Dandelion has been found to support liver function by increasing the production of enzymes that aid in detoxification. It also helps in reducing liver damage caused by toxins.
4. Supports Liver Function
The liver is an important organ that plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body. Dandelion has been found to support liver function by increasing the production of enzymes that aid in detoxification. It also helps in reducing liver damage caused by toxins.
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5. May Aid in Weight Loss
Dandelion has been found to have a mild laxative effect, which can help in promoting bowel movements and reducing constipation. This, in turn, can aid in weight loss. Dandelion also has a diuretic effect, which can help in reducing water weight.
6. May Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common health problem that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Dandelion has been found to have a hypotensive effect, which can help in lowering blood pressure. This makes it beneficial for people with hypertension.
5. May Aid in Weight Loss
Dandelion has been found to have a mild laxative effect, which can help in promoting bowel movements and reducing constipation. This, in turn, can aid in weight loss. Dandelion also has a diuretic effect, which can help in reducing water weight.
6. May Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common health problem that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Dandelion has been found to have a hypotensive effect, which can help in lowering blood pressure. This makes it beneficial for people with hypertension.
Nutritional Benefits on Dandelions
Fresh dandelion greens, flower tops, and roots contain
valuable constituents that are known to have antioxidant, disease preventing,
and health promoting properties.
This humble backyard herb provides (%of RDA/100g)-
9% of dietary fiber,
19% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
20% of Riboflavin,
58% of vitamin C,
338% of vitamin A,
649% of vitamin K,
39% of iron and
19% of calcium.
Fresh leaves are very low in calories; providing just 45
calories per 100 g. It is also good source of dietary fiber (provide about 9%
of RDA per 100 g). In addition, its latex is a good laxative. These active
principles in the herb help reduce weight and control cholesterol levels in the
blood.
Dandelion root as well as other plant parts contains bitter
crystalline compounds Taraxacin, and an acrid resin, Taraxacerin. Further, the
root also contains inulin (not insulin) and levulin. Together, these compounds
are responsible for various therapeutic properties of the herb.
Fresh dandelion herb provides 10161 IU of vitamin-A per 100
g, about 338% of daily-recommended intake, one of the highest source of
vitamin-A among culinary herbs. Vitamin A is an important fat-soluble vitamin
and anti-oxidant, required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and
vision. Its leaves are packed with numerous health benefiting flavonoids such
as carotene-ß, carotene-a, lutein, crypto-xanthin and zea-xanthn. Consumption
of natural foods rich in vitamin-A and flavonoids (carotenes) helps body
protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. Zeaxanthin has photo-filtering
functions and protects retina from UV rays.
The herb is good source of minerals like potassium, calcium,
manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and
body fluids, which helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Iron is
essential for red blood cell production. Manganese is used by the body as a
co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
It is also rich in many vital vitamins including folic acid,
riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, vitamin -E and vitamin-C that are essential for
optimum health. Vitamin-C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Dandelion greens
provide 58% of daily-recommended levels of vitamin-C.
Dandelion is probably the richest herbal sources of vitamin
K; provides about 650% of DRI. Vitamin-K has potential role in bone mass
building by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has
established role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting
neuronal damage in the brain.
In conclusion, dandelions are a valuable addition to our diets due to their numerous health benefits. Whether consumed in the form of tea, salad, or supplement, dandelions can help in improving our overall health and well-being. So next time you see a dandelion, don't dismiss it as a pesky weed. Instead, embrace its health benefits and incorporate it into your diet.
DR. APPIAH
Dr. Appiah is a Natural Health Therapist (Naturopath) who engages the natural healing agents given by God to save lives. EAT FOOD AS MEDICINE! EAT TO LIVE, DON'T LIVE TO EAT!! FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE: WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS? WANT A PERSONAL(CERTIFIED) NATURAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER? REACH ME DIRECTLY ON WHATSAPP +233245643615 appiahinok@gmail.com
Hi!
How do I use the dandelion leaves and the rest if the plant for maximum benefit, esp of the Vit A and K and C?
Thank you and Regards!
Aquillina
Kindly blend the leaves and take half glass 1st in the morning.
With the roots, gather enough and dry and make as tea. Same dosage as the leaves.
Hope it helps