You might be amazed to know that dandelions provide many health benefits. These flowers are valued for their medicinal properties. Dandelion flowers are scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale. It has been eaten as food and a herb for centuries. Dandelions are rich in antioxidants.
What parts of the Dandelion are used?
The entire dandelion plant can be eaten raw or cooked. We can get different benefits from each part.
Dandelion Leaves:
This plant leaf helps with digestion and support blood sugar levels.
Dandelion Root:
The root extract holds a lot of nutritional value. It has been used in traditional medicine to help with liver detox.
Dandelion Flowers:
The flowers contain antioxidant properties. It can boost the immune system.
Health Benefits of Dandelion
1. Support blood sugar regulation
Dandelions contain chicoric and chlorogenic bioactive compounds that help to decrease blood sugar levels. These compounds aid the secretion of insulin which is a hormone to regulate blood sugar levels. However, dandelions can normalize blood sugar levels.
2. Highly nutritious
Dandelion roots, flowers, and leaves are highly nutritious. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Raw dandelion greens have high amounts of vitamins such as A, C, and K. It contains moderate sources of calcium, potassium, iron, and manganese. Raw dandelion greens have 86% water, 9% carbohydrates, 3% protein, and 1% fat. 100 grams of dandelion contain 45 calories. The root of the dandelion is rich in the carbohydrate inulin. It is a type of soluble fiber found in plants.
3. Support weight loss
Dandelion can improve carbohydrate metabolism. It even regulates fat absorption. Dandelion reduces fat absorption which leads to weight loss. We need a healthy carbohydrate metabolism to ensure our body uses it as energy rather than fat stores.
4. Support healthy digestion
Dandelion is usually used in traditional medicine to treat constipation and improve digestive health. This plant’s roots are a rich source of prebiotic fiber inulin. Which promotes the movement of food through the digestive system. According to research, it can increase bile flow, necessary for the digestion process and fat absorption.
5. Promote healthy bones
Dandelion leaves are loaded with calcium and vitamin K. They support healthy bones. As per research, it can have a significant increase in bone density and overall bone health. Consuming leafy green vegetables can lower blood levels of osteocalcin, a protein found in your bones.
6. Boost the immune system
Dandelion contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties. This can support your body’s ability to fight infection. According to studies, dandelion can help protect against harmful bacteria and significantly reduce the number of virus cells replicating. However, the more one is able to help their body protect against harmful bacteria the greater the immune system will be.
7. May prevent water retention in kidneys
Dandelion contains diuretic properties. This plant’s high potassium content makes dandelion a good diuretic. According to research consuming dandelion increased urinary frequency. Dandelion can help prevent water retention in the kidneys. If an individual is suffering from kidney disease consult a doctor before consuming it.