I had no idea dandelions could have health benefits. When thinking of dandelions most think of that weed that grows on our lawn. Dandelion root and even the flower have health benefits. So stick around for a few and let me tell you some awesome health benefits of dandelion.
Dandelion
Dandelions are a flowering plant that grows in many parts of the world. In traditional herbal medicine the dandelion plant have been used for their wide array of health benefits. They’ve been used for centuries to treat everything from acne to cancer. You can even cook them and put them on your salad or pizza.
Health Benefits Of Dandelion
The dandelion is a highly nutritious plant. From the root to the flower they are loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals. The greens can be eaten raw or cooked and is full of vitamins E, C, and K as well as B vitamins and vitamin A.
The greens are also an excellent source of minerals such as iron, potassium and magnesium. The root also has some amazing health benefits and is rich in soluble fiber that helps support the flora in your digestive tract. The root is often consumed as a tea by drying it and may also be eaten.
Antioxidant Rich
Dandelion are rich in powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help to prevent free radicals in our cells. Too many free radicals contribute to disease and accelerated aging so you want to make sure you add antioxidants to your routine.
Dandelions are high in beta carotene a very powerful antioxidant which provides strong protection against oxidative stress. Dandelions are also high in polyphenols another antioxidant.
Helps Lower Cholesterol
Certain compounds in dandelion may help decrease heart disease by lowering cholesterol. An animal study was conducted and after giving the mice dandelion extract, their triglycerides were significantly lowered.
A rabbit study was also conducted and after adding the dandelion root and leaves to their diet, their triglycerides were also lowered. More studies are needed to be done in humans to test the outcome of dandelion for lowering cholesterol.
Fights Inflammation
Inflammation in the body is your bodies response to illness or disease and injury. Too much inflammation in the body or chronic inflammation actually damages our DNA. The polyphenols in dandelion,in studies,has been shown to lower inflammation in mice. Although more studies need to be done, it would definitely benefit us to add dandelion to our health routine.
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Dandelion may help lower blood pressure due to its ability to rid the body of excess fluids. More studies need to be done but one small human study done over a short period, found that dandelion acted as a diuretic helping to rid the body of excess fluid leading to lowered blood pressure. Dandelion also contains the mineral potassium, which has been associated with lowering blood pressure.
Could Help With Weight Loss
Some studies indicate that the compounds in dandelion may aid in weight loss. Although not scientifically proven, research shows that dandelion has the ability to aid in carbohydrate metabolism and fat absorption. A study done in obese mice shows that a compound found in dandelion called chlorogenic acid was able to reduce levels of certain fat storage hormones. More research needs to be done focusing on human test subjects.
Could Help Constipation
I have personally used “> dandelion tea to help ease my constipation. Traditional herbalists have been using dandelion for centuries to aid in healthy digestion and constipation. A study done with animals who were given dandelion extract showed that dandelion helped empty stomach contents. Dandelion root is rich in inulin a prebiotic fiber which helps treat constipation.
Final Thoughts
Dandelion root taken as a tea or in “> supplements is a great addition to your diet and health routine. The health benefits are many so talk to your doctor or health care professional about adding in some dandelion. As always I welcome your comments or questions. Thanks!
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