Dandelions are unlikely to be welcome in your yard, but what most people don’t know is that they offer a lot of health benefits. These leafy green plants are low in calories but rich in vitamins and essential nutrients that are significant to our bodies. They can lower inflammation, regulate blood pressure, strengthen the bones, regulate diabetic symptoms, prevent various types of cancer and detoxify the body. Keep reading to learn more!
What are Dandelion Greens?
Dandelion greens are the leaves of the dandelion plant, which we recognize from its yellow flower. Scientifically known as taraxacum officinale, it is considered a weed. Some argue, saying we shouldn’t treat it as a pest, but rather as a sustainable source of green vegetables that provides many nutrients.
Dandelion greens are edible, but if you’re gonna start picking some, be careful that they haven’t been treated with any chemicals or herbicides. Dandelion greens have a pleasing but slightly bitter taste that makes them a bit difficult to incorporate into cooking, but they are more dense in nutrition than many other popular green leafy vegetables.
Nutritional Value of Dandelion Greens
Dandelions actually have a huge amount of vitamin K. In fact, just one serving of the greens will give you 5 times your daily requirements. They are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, dietary fiber, vitamin B complex, manganese, iron and calcium, as well as other active compounds and ingredients. Just a single cup contains less than 25 calories, a small amount of fat and 1.5 grams of protein.
Health Benefits of Dandelion Greens
Here are some of the best health benefits of dandelion greens:
Helps detoxify the body. Dandelion greens have diuretic properties, which may help flush out the system. This helps eliminate excess toxins and reduces strain on the metabolic system, liver and kidneys.
Helps make bone stronger. Since dandelions are rich in minerals, they boost the mineral density of bones. They are also beneficial in preventing the onset of osteoporosis and other bone conditions.
Helps treat inflammation. studies show that dandelion greens may effectively prevent inflammation and reduce irritation and swelling of both the skin and various other organs.
Helps treat digestion. Dandelions are rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for gastrointestinal health, particularly improving nutrient uptake and regulating peristaltic motion. This may also help prevent the symptoms of various stomach issues like diarrhea and constipation.
Helps treat chronic diseases. This is one of the best health benefits of dandelion greens. The nutrients in the plant may help cut down oxidative stress, which may lead to cancer and other illnesses like arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Helps improve skin health. Dandelion greens are rich in essential vitamins like vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. These vitamins may act as antioxidants, which may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. They also help reduce the appearance of blemishes, age spots and wrinkles.
Is it Okay to Add Dandelion Greens to Your Diet?
The answer to this question is: of course. Even though dandelion greens are a bit bitter, there are many ways to include it in your meals. If you want to put them in your salad, just add something to counter their bitter taste. There are also some people who enjoy it as part of a morning vegetable smoothie, since there will be other ingredients that cover its bitter taste. No doubt, dandelion greens are good for the health and a good addition to diets.
