More often than not, we see dandelion growing in gardens and grass lawns. There are times you may get annoyed with these plants in sidewalk cracks. Nevertheless, what most people don’t actually know is that this particular plant is a very good food source and as well as an herbal medicine. The root of the dandelion is beneficial in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Read on to learn the different health benefits of dandelion.
What is Dandelion?
Dandelion is actually a flower and also a broad term for various types of flowers which are native to North American and European regions. The plant belongs to the taraxacum, a large genus of plants. Furthermore, dandelions are herbaceous and are perennial plants that grow well in temperate climates. They also grow very quickly. This is why it is easy to cultivate lots of dandelions at the same time. What’s interesting about the name is that the term dandelion translates into the “lion’s tooth” in French.
In spite of the health benefits dandelions have, they are far more popular as ornamental flowering plants rather than as medicines. The flowers are brilliantly colored and are often seen in gardens and in parks. When it comes to history, the plant is thought to have evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia.
The dandelion root is actually dark brown in color, fusiform, stout, and is a fleshy taproot. Inside, the meat looks somewhat like the yam’s root. The root carries a more bitter milky latex than the leaves and stems.
Nutrition Facts of Dandelion
The dandelion is rich in fiber and carbohydrates and is low in calories. Furthermore, it contains vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin A. Not just that, the minerals in it include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron.
| Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Energy | 45 Kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 9.20 grams | 7% |
| Protein | 2.70 grams | 5% |
| Total Fat | 0.70 grams | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.50 grams | 9% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 27 micrograms | 7% |
| Niacin | 0.806 milligrams | 5% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.084 milligrams | 1.5% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.251 milligrams | 19% |
| Riboflavin | 0.260 milligrams | 20% |
| Thiamin | 0.190 milligrams | 17% |
| Vitamin A | 10161 IU | 338% |
| Vitamin C | 35 milligrams | 58% |
| Vitamin E | 3.44 milligrams | 23% |
| Vitamin K | 778.4 micrograms | 649% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 76 milligrams | 5% |
| Potassium | 397 milligrams | 8% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 187 milligrams | 19% |
| Iron | 3.10 milligrams | 39% |
| Magnesium | 36 milligrams | 9% |
| Manganese | 0.342 milligrams | 15% |
| Phosphorus | 66 milligrams | 9% |
| Selenium | 0.5 milligrams | 1% |
| Zinc | 0.41 milligrams | 4% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-α | 363 micrograms | — |
| Carotene-ß | 5854 micrograms | — |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 121 micrograms | — |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 13610 micrograms | — |
How Do You Consume Dandelion?
There are many ways of consuming dandelion in the diet, as it is available in various forms. You can consume dandelion in the following ways:
- Dandelion greens may be ground up and made into pesto and sauces.
- Dandelion root tea is a great beverage that can be a good addition to breakfast.
- You may also enjoy dandelion in the form of wine, fritters, coffee, and so much more.
- You may use dandelion greens in salads.
But before you take dandelion, you should first consult your doctor.
Health Benefits of Dandelion
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of dandelion:
- Good for weight loss: the plant is beneficial in promoting urination and can help you lose water weight with no side effects.
- Helps prevent acne: since the dandelion juice is a detoxifier, diuretic, and stimulant, it is beneficial in regulating proper hormone secretion, widening the pores, and increasing sweating.
- Helps prevent gallbladder conditions: the leaves of the plant can help stimulate a lethargic gallbladder into bile excretion.
- Prenatal care: the vitamin A content of dandelion helps in protecting pregnant women against night blindness.
- Prevents anemia: the good levels of protein, vitamins, and iron in the plant are beneficial in preventing the onset of anemia.
- Prevents cancer: the extracts of dandelion are high in antioxidant properties. These properties can be beneficial in reducing free radicals in the body, thus reducing the risk of cancer.
- Regulates blood pressure level: dandelion juice is diuretic in nature, thus it may increase urination in both frequency and quantity.
- Treats jaundice: the supplements that come from dandelion are beneficial in treating jaundice. Furthermore, they can promote a healthy liver and bile production.
Safety Profile of Dandelion
Even though the herb has some bitter properties, healthy individuals may still safely use it with few reservations. Individuals who are undergoing diuretic therapy may worsen due to potassium toxicity. Dandelion may also cause an allergic reaction in individuals who are sensitive to the plant. You should be careful of your intake and usage of dandelion if either of these scenarios describe your situation.
Nonetheless, it is no wonder that the dandelion is very beneficial for health. If you want to take your health to the next level and give it a boost, you may try using dandelion in your diet!
