10 Things You Should Know About Dandelions
Dandelion Greens & Roots Elixir
Dandelions are flowering plants that thrive in many parts of the world. Also known as Taraxacum spp., it is commonly frowned upon when you see them growing on your lawn. However, dandelions are known as treasures in the medical world as it can treat several ailments when eaten as a supplement.
They have long been used as a medicine to treat cancer, acne, liver disease, and digestive disorders.
Here is a list of health benefits that dandelions have.
1. High in nutrients
Dandelions contain an abundance of nutrients and are actually comparable to the nutritional content in your typical vegetables. The entire plant is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fibers, including the roots and even the flower. They can be eaten in its raw form and can be cooked as well; it is packed with vitamins A, C, K, E, folate, and traces of other B vitamins.
What’s more, they serve as a source of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium when consumed.
2. Contain antioxidants
Antioxidants are powerful components that hinder the adverse effects of free radicals in your body by counterbalancing them. This property hence contributes to several health benefits that dandelions offer. Free radicals are extremely detrimental to your body and high levels of it may result in the onset of diseases and accelerated aging. This is when antioxidants come in to prevent them from functioning.
Dandelions have a ton of the antioxidant beta-carotene which is responsible for safeguarding your body from damaged cells and oxidative stress.
3. Reduce inflammation
The onset of diseases may cause excessive inflammation to occur, and over time, it may lead to the permanent destruction of bodily tissues and DNA. Dandelions are extremely effective in countering inflammation due to the high amounts of bioactive compounds like polyphenols contained within the plant. Several test-tube studies have shown that dandelion compounds can successfully decrease inflammation markers in cells.
In another study that involved mice suffering from inflammatory lung disease, dandelion extracts enabled the reduction of lung inflammation. Due to the lack of human studies, dandelions have not been proven to help humans combat inflammation yet, though results seem promising.
4. Regulation of blood sugar levels
The presence of chronic and chlorogenic acid in dandelions contributes to it being effective in reducing blood sugar levels. Test-tube and animal studies have proven that dandelions have successfully increased insulin production and increased the rate of absorption of glucose into muscle tissues.
These processes have hence resulted in the increased susceptibility of insulin and thus a fall in blood sugar levels. However, more studies have to be done on human beings to confirm its benefits on human blood sugar levels.
5. Regulate cholesterol
Dandelions may lower cholesterol levels due to the bioactive compounds present in them, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease. A recent animal study revealed that consuming dandelions caused a significant decrease in cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels in mice.
Furthermore, a rabbit study also showed similar results when they were given dandelion roots and leaves on top of a high-cholesterol diet. However, there have to be more extensive studies done on humans to confirm its effect on human beings.
6. Reduce blood pressure
Dandelions are believed to play a role in reducing blood pressure, though the evidence is not very conclusive. Because many hypothesize that dandelions are able to detoxify several organs, dandelions are commonly used in traditional herbal medicine. In Western medicine, diuretic medications are used to reduce blood pressure, which is believed to be present in dandelions.
Due to the high content level of potassium in these plants, which is a mineral that contributes to decreased blood pressure, dandelions have been said to indirectly regulate blood pressure. However, foods high in potassium are the ones responsible for this effect and are not directly tied to dandelions.
7. Maintain a healthy liver
Animal studies have proven that dandelions contribute to the safeguarding of liver tissues and cells when faced with toxic substances and high levels of stress. A study showed that dandelions contributed considerably to the preservation of liver tissue in mice that were in contact with toxic levels of acetaminophen, due to the presence of antioxidants in dandelions.
8. May lead to weight loss
The bioactive components in dandelions have been hypothesized to help individuals lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Scientists believe that the capacity of dandelions to increase carbohydrate metabolism and decrease fat absorption may result in weight loss, although results have not confirmed it.
9. Contains anti-cancer properties
One of the more interesting health benefits of dandelions is the potential role it plays in battling cancer cells in different organ systems. A test-tube study showed that dandelion leaf extract managed to tremendously reduce the growth of cancer cells. However, it is worthy to note that extracts from the dandelion flower or root did not produce the same results.
On the other hand, other studies revealed that their root extract effectively slowed down the process of cancer cell growth in the liver, colon, and pancreatic tissues. Hence, the results are still relatively inconclusive.
10. Treats digestive conditions
Early research has proven that dandelion extract may effectively treat constipation and other symptoms associated with digestive problems.
A study confirmed that there was an improvement in stomach contractions which led to smoother bowel movements in constipated mice who were given dandelion extracts as supplements. Additionally, due to the presence of prebiotic fiber inulin in dandelion roots, dandelion elixirs are indeed potent in reducing constipation and improving intestinal activity and movement.
Borrowed from Supergreen Tonik
Is this a 4oz bottle? I would love to get the dandelion elixir!
I just can’t quite afford it right now.
Thanks for your info, always, from Barbara Williams out here in CO. :>)