Dandelion, also known as Taraxcum officinale, is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. There are over 40 species of dandelion that can be found in regions all over the world, dandelions are extremely easily found in sunny areas, gardens, growing up between pavements, in parks, grassy fields and road verges. Rich in antioxidants and can play an important part in a balanced lifestyle. Potential health benefits include lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar, and managing weight.
Fast facts on Dandelions:
Dandelions contain several different types of antioxidants throughout the roots, leaves and flowers.
Dandelions are rich in potassium, which makes them a natural diuretic.
Dandelion fights inflammation in your body.
Dandelion has been used around the world as a natural way to control Type 2 diabetes.
Dandelion roots and leaves can naturally lower cholesterol levels.
What is in Dandelion? Dandelion has medicinal properties and contains many healthful compounds. Dandelion contain many healthful compounds such as: Folates, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Electrolytes, Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium and Zinc.
You can eat all parts of the dandelion – flowers, stems, leaves and roots. However, the root contains the most active ingredients just at the time of flowering. In addition, the roots include many beneficial and valuable substances that have a overall strengthening effect on the body, Including Vitamins A, C, E and K, such as up to protein, inulin, glycoside taraxacin, unsaturated acids and bitter substances.
Nutrition Information of Dandelion
One cup of raw dandelion contains:
Calories: 27
Protein: 1.6 grams
Fat: 0.4 grams
Carbohydrates: 5.7 grams
Fiber: 2.1 grams
Sugar: 0.4 grams
Dandelion is a good source of:
Dandelion herb contains notable nutrients and is a great source of nutrition during winter. This humble backyard herb provides (% of RDA/100g)
9% of dietary fiber,
19% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
20% of Riboflavin,
58% of vitamin C,
338% of vitamin A,
649% of vitamin K,
39% of iron and
19% of calcium.
What are the benefits of Dandelion?
Dandelion is believed to have many benefits and its uses range from health and wellness to helping prevent and cure diseases. The benefits of dandelion include:
1. Anti-viral
Taraxacum officinale extract has antiviral activity in vitro, inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus type 1, Hepatitis B and C, and DengueV2. In vitro inhibition effects of hepatitis B virus by dandelion and taraxasterol - PubMed (nih.gov)
2. Fight Inflammation
Dandelion may reduce inflammation, thanks to certain compounds such as polyphenols - The inflammation triggered by oxidative stress is the cause of many chronic diseases. Polyphenols have been proposed to be useful as adjuvant therapy for their potential anti-inflammatory effect, associated with antioxidant activity, and inhibition of enzymes involved in the production of eicosanoids. Dandelion also contains Chicoric Acid makes our immune cells more efficient in attacking intruders - The main benefits of chicoric acid include antivirus, anti-inflammation, glucose and lipid homeostasis, neuroprotection, and antioxidation effects.
3. Protecting the liver
The dandelion roots contain compounds that cause an increase in bile production thereby helping improve digestion. In addition to this, the increase in bile production also assists the liver in digesting foods and removing toxins quickly as well as efficiently cleaning the liver.
4. Preventing and treating cancer
Dandelion leaves contain properties that might help prevent cancer developing. It also contains niazimicin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells and reduce the proliferation of the the damaged cells. Due to the presence of isothiocyanates.
5. Boost Immune System
Inflammation is the root cause of many diseases like cancer, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many autoimmune diseases. Dandelion is well-known as a natural antiviral and antibacterial and contains key compounds positively modulate the immune system. Dandelion is also rich in vitamins A, which increases the activity of immune cells. Vitamin A is involved in the development of the immune system and plays regulatory roles in cellular immune responses and humoral immune processes.
6. Fighting against bacterial diseases Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, Dandelion extracts might combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, and E. coli.
7. Full of Antioxidants
Dandelions contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, as it interacts directly with free radicals and is able to reduce lipid peroxidation, which causes cell membrane damage. Vitamin E is also able to minimize lipid peroxidation and prevents the propagation of newer cycles of lipid radicals
8. Highly Nutritious From root to flower, dandelions are highly nutritious plants loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins.
9. Highly Diuretic and Promote Liver Functional
Dandelion is loaded with potassium and has a long history of usage as diuretic. This means the amount of urine is increased in order to get rid of too much fluid. Increases diuresis (urination) without the loss of potassium. They and work by interfering with the sodium-potassium exchange in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidneys or as an antagonist at the aldosterone receptor.
10. Control Blood Sugars
Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds in dandelion that help decrease blood sugar levels. May improve the secretion of insulin — a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels — as well as the absorption of glucose in your muscles.
11. Treating anemia
Dandelion might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant extract is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease.
12. Vaginal Health
For Candida sufferers, a healthy functioning liver is particularly important. Candida Albicans releases a large number of toxic substances, including uric acid, acetaldehyde and ethanol. We rely largely on the liver to remove these from our bodies. Anyone suffering from Candida overgrowth or other digestive disorders, dandelion could be a useful addition to your diet due to the Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial properties of the weed.
Dandelion products are available to purchase online.
Side effects
Although Dandelion may have very few reported side effects, a healthcare professional should be consulted before it is taken.
Anyone considering using Dandelion is advised to discuss it with a doctor first.
There have been very few side effects reported.
Risks Make sure to chat with your healthcare provider if you take certain medications. Dandelion supplements may interact with some drugs, including:
Any medications that might be broken down by the liver: Dandelion extract may decrease how quickly this happens, which could lead to various side effects or complications.
Diabetes medications: Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar, which Dandelion also does effectively. It is vital to ensure blood sugar levels do not get too low.
High blood pressure medication and blood thinners: Dandelion has shown to be effective at lowering blood pressure. Taking Dandelion alongside other drugs that lower blood pressure may result in it becoming too low.
Lithium.
Certain antibiotics.
Diuretics.
Can it aid weight loss? Evidence has shown that Dandelion extract can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain. Its high vitamin B content helps with smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting food into energy, as opposed to storing it as fat. Dandelion is thought to:
reduce weight gain
help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
prevent inflammation
help the body convert fats into energy
reduce fatigue and improve energy levels Research There is plenty of recent research to back up the benefits as stated above, though many of the studies are still in the preliminary stages or the tests have only taken place on animals as opposed to humans, so there is plenty more to be done.
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