Plants naturally produce inulin and use it as an energy source. Once you have a lot of dried leaves, gently crush them into small bits and add them to herb tea mixes, sprinkle into soups and stews, and shake directly onto salads. Dandelion root's benefit to the digestive tract is twofold as it contains inulin and is also a bitter digestive tonic which tones the digestive system and stimulates the appetite.

Dandelion is a very rich source of beta-carotene which we convert into vitamin A. Salves like this make wonderful gifts as well. Dandelion may lower blood pressure due to their diuretic effect and potassium content. Reliable human research is still needed to better understand how dandelion may support skin health. Inside dandelion leaves lots of vitamin A and C found. Sign up to receive exclusive offers, informative health articles, fitness tips, recipes, and more from Sunwarrior. The ability to combat cancer is not a claim made lightly, but dandelion seems to show promise in study after study after study. It is interesting to note that dandelion was used by the Iroquois as well. Dandelion was traditionally used in many systems of medicine to support digestive and gastrointestinal health.*. In terms of nutritional content, the dandelion patch in your backyard can join the rankings with the rest of your vegetable garden. Other savory spices such as nutmeg, garlic, onion or lemon peel can be added as well. Also, you might want to know that Dandelion greens dry beautifully. Some research indicates that dandelion may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which could support your body’s ability to fight infection. It’s important to keep in mind that this effect is not unique to dandelion but applies to any potassium-rich food consumed as part of a healthy diet. They’re found in all parts of the plant and may help reduce blood sugar. Additionally, dandelion root is a rich source of the prebiotic fiber inulin. It calms heat and also hot emotions and is thus helpful in those that are irritated. Find out what they are here. Dandelion bears a sun-yellow flower head (which is actually composed of hundreds of tiny flowers) typical of the Asteraceae family, that closes in the evening or during cloudy weather and opens back up in the morning, much like its cousin calendula. More research is needed to understand how this plant affects levels in humans. Get dandelion root and leaves from a health food store or a reputable source, preferably organic. Yet again, this research did not specifically evaluate dandelion’s role in weight loss and obesity prevention.

Dandelion root extract, on the same note, has shown its, Recent animal studies show dandelion helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Dandelion are not a replacement for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, especially with regard to disease prevention and treatment. Dandelion will grow anywhere, but will produce more substantial roots in moist, rich, deep soil. Dandelion will grow anywhere, but will produce more substantial roots in moist, rich, deep soil. Many studies have shown that the elements contained in dandelion leaves have the ability to remove toxins. No matter what product or treatment that is puffed, sprayed or sprinkled on them, the tough little flower keeps rearing its golden head. However, very little formal research has been conducted to support this claim. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board.

Besides, by consuming dandelion leaves body can restore hydration and electrolyte balance. Our organic dandelion leaf makes an excellent addition to herbal tea blends. There have been studies to animal as the object. They even pop up in cracked sidewalks and pavement. Here are 19 healthy foods rich in prebiotics. Some researchers theorize that dandelion’s ability to improve carbohydrate metabolism and reduce fat absorption may lead to weight loss. Dandelion root is often dried and consumed as a tea but can also be eaten in its whole form. The dandelion plant contains bioactive compounds that have been shown to reduce blood sugar in animal and test-tube studies.
The young dandelion greens (rather than the older ones which become too bitter) are wonderful in salads. It is a good substitute for honey, with a surprisingly similar flavor. We encourage you to do your own research.. Seek the advice of a medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle or diet. Let’s talk about this herbal medicine in the comments below! In some animal studies, chicoric and chlorogenic acid limited the digestion of starchy carbohydrate foods, which may also contribute to dandelion’s potential ability to reduce blood sugar (4). That the highest number over all herbal source. One test-tube study showed that dandelion root extract increased the generation of new skin cells, which could slow the aging process (28). Dandelion leaf is considered energetically bitter, drying, and cooling. Vitamin A is needed by body to maintain good vision, health skin and healthy mucus membranes. Try this recipe for a healthful treat. It can help you strengthen your bones and teeth and won’t give you fat. You can start by drinking a cup of dandelion root coffee or roasted dandelion root a day to give your body time to adjust. Over time, excessive inflammation can lead to permanent damage to your body’s tissues and DNA.

If you’re taking any prescription medications, always consult your healthcare provider prior to taking dandelion. Dandelion leaves can replace some lost potassium while helping your kidney function. Some animal studies have shown reduced cholesterol levels after consuming dandelion.
Some early research seems to support these claims. Inulin, a fiber found in dandelion root, may also support healthy bones through improved digestion and the promotion of healthy gut bacteria (32). They’re also rich in another category of antioxidants called polyphenols, which are found in the highest concentration in the flower but are present in the roots, leaves and stems as well (4). Some research indicates that dandelion and their bioactive components may support weight loss and maintenance, though the data is not entirely conclusive. Improving your insulin sensitivity can reduce your risk of many diseases, including diabetes. Recent animal studies show dandelion helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Dandelion increases bile production and reduces inflammation to help with gallbladder problems and blockages. However, this notion has yet to be scientifically proven (14). Do you know of other recipes that use the dandelion herb? Here are 13 potential health benefits of dandelion, and what science has to say about them. Early research indicates that dandelion have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, though clear applications for medicinal use have yet to be determined. This may be useful in preventing and treating certain types of acne (29). It has been used in traditional Chinese healing for breast concerns, appendicitis, and stomach problems. 7 Ways Dandelion Tea Could Be Good for You, The 19 Best Prebiotic Foods You Should Eat, The 8 Best Natural Diuretics to Eat or Drink, 14 Natural Ways to Improve Your Insulin Sensitivity, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Magnesium, 14 Healthy Foods That Are High in Potassium. In a study conducted in 2009, high-quality fresh dandelion leaf hydroethanolic extract was given to volunteer subjects. Some test-tube studies have revealed significantly reduced inflammation markers in cells treated with dandelion compounds (5, 6). Gaining optimal health is not supposed to be complicated. Some people may have allergic reactions to dandelion. Soak your dandelion leaves and roots in water for a few minutes, then rinse. The use of dandelion was first recorded in writing in the Tang Materia Medica (659 B.C.E. Even it has been used a traditional medicine for generations to generations. Prebiotics are types of fiber that feed your friendly gut bacteria, leading to all sorts of benefits. More research is needed to determine if the same effect would be seen in humans. Antioxidants are molecules that help neutralize or prevent the negative effects of free radicals in your body. Dandelion are full of potent antioxidants, which may explain why this plant has such broad applications for health. When the flower is closed, to some, it looks like a pig's nose, hence one of its names, 'swine's snout.' Super-oxide dismutase or SOD is some enzyme which can fix damage cells and reduces the damage due to super-oxide –the most common free radical in human body. One animal study revealed a significant increase in the rates of stomach contractions and emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine in rats who were treated with dandelion extract (20). As we know that antioxidants can help us with free-radical damage to our cell and DNA. Additionally, the Aleut steamed leaves and applied them topically to sore throats. These can relieve pain and swelling.