11 Health Benefits Of Dandelions

This wonderful plant is one of the most common weeds on Earth. The ubiquitous dandelion's ingenious seed-spreading adaptation is one of its most well known features. Is Mother Nature suggesting a need for this plant almost everywhere man dwells? Who among us has not blown the downy top of a dandelion and watched the tiny seedpods carried away in the wind? There are many different common names for the Taraxacum genus throughout the world originating from how the plant looks to what type of action it produces in the body.

The French 'dent-de-leon' meaning, 'tooth of the lion' seems to be the derivation of our North American common name, Dandelion. The leaves do indeed resemble sharp teeth. Dandelion greens and roots have both been consumed by many different cultures as a food source and are both nutritionally dense and healthy choices.

One pro of dandelion is that there are so many different ways to take in the nutrients from the plant. There is something called dandelion wine; you can get coffee made from the stem, seeds, and leaves; the stem and leaves can be ground into a spread; there is tea made from roots; some people even fry the flowers; you can use the leaves and stems in salads and sandwiches.

# Digestive Aid

Dandelion helping the liver was not just a guess made hundreds of years ago. It really does help. It helps because of the bitterness of the plant triggers the gastric and salivary fluids. Dandelions are also high in something called prebiotic fiber inulin. This kind of fiber can do amazing things for keeping intestinal movements strong and keep away constipation.

# Antioxidants

The antioxidants in dandelions are capable of fighting the free radicals that can cause cancer and they can normalize your metabolism. A specific kind of antioxidant called beta-carotene can protect your cells from oxidative stress.

# Blood Sugar Control

There two acids that contain bioactive compounds. These acids are called chlorogenic and chicoric. These acids are in the entirety of the dandelion plant. Early stage studies have found that the chicoric and chlorogenic are able to increase the secretion from insulin and the absorption of sugar into the muscles. This can help to lower high blood sugar levels and keep healthy blood sugar levels stable.

The diuretic powers in the plant increase urination and that can help to flush out even more extra sugar. It also removes sugars that become collected in the kidneys as a result of the more frequent urination.

# Lower Inflammation

Dandelions have bioactive compounds that are good at keeping inflammation down. It is good to keep inflammation down because if something is swelled for too long, it can actually damage your DNA and body tissue.

# Lower Cholesterol

Dandelion extract can help to lower the triglyceride and cholesterol levels in your blood. The lower amounts of cholesterol also means lower chances of heart disease. Take dandelion extract as directed on the packaging.

# Lower Blood Pressure

Dandelions have what is called a diuretic effect that helps to detox organs. Keeping your body free of extra fluids can actually lower your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure because your body is low on potassium, dandelions can help you with that as well.

# Weight Loss

It was mentioned earlier that dandelions help to keep your metabolism strong, right? Well, dandelions can help you to lose weight by keeping your metabolism in check while also reducing your body’s fat absorption and fat storing hormones.

# Cancer Fighters

dandelions are capable of stopping cancerous cells from growing. It is found that the root is best for fighting cancer cells in the colon, pancreas, and liver.

# Skincare

Dandelions can help your skin to stay clear of acne, age spots, and even damage from the sun. You can use juices from the leaves and flower of a dandelion as a natural sunblock. The plant prevents aging spots by encouraging more cell reproduction. Dandelion extract can help to keep skin inflammation down.

# Immune System

The antioxidants mixed with antiviral and antimicrobial make dandelion one of the perfect candidates for fighting off infection and viruses. If you do get a virus before you start eating dandelion, the plant can still help you since it lessens the virus’s chances of replicating.

# Strong Bones

Dandelions are decently high in vitamin K and calcium which both help to stop your body from losing bone mass. The inulin that was mentioned before can promote healthy bacteria that can actually help your bones to stay strong.

Vitamin C and luteolin are also present in dandelions and those can battle arthritis and osteoporosis. The antioxidants fight free radicals that eat bone to lower density and weaken the bone.