Health Benefits Of Dandelion Root

Ok, so I’ll admit, here I was thinking that dandelions were these annoying little weeds that would pop up in the summer time and and ruin my beautifully landscaped lawn. Although partly true, dandelions are packed with nutritional value and pack quite a punch when it comes to being healthy. Lets take a closer look!

Dandelion Nutritional Facts:

Dandelion greens compare favorably in nutritional content to other commonly consumed green vegetables, providing four times as much calcium, 1.5 times as much vitamin A and 7.5 times as much vitamin K as broccoli. This leafy green vegetable also contains twice as much iron and three times as much riboflavin as spinach, and, while spinach provides no vitamin E or carotenoids, dandelion greens boast 17 percent of the daily adult dose of vitamin E and 13,610 international units, or IUs, of lutein and zeaxanthin per 3.5-ounce serving. However, dandelion greens are lower in vitamin C and folate than either spinach or broccoli.

Dandelion And Liver Disorders:

Dandelions can help the liver in many ways. While the antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin keep the liver functioning in optimal gear and protect it from aging, other compounds in dandelions help treat hemorrhaging in the liver. Furthermore, dandelions aid in maintaining the proper flow of bile, while also stimulating the liver and promoting digestion. Proper digestion can reduce the chances of constipation, which in turn reduces the risk of more serious gastrointestinal issues.

Beneficial For Your Kidneys:

Clinical research suggests that dandelion is an effective diuretic that increases urine output by the kidneys. In a study published in the “Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine” in 2009, human subjects consumed dandelion extract for one day while their urine production was monitored every few hours. Researchers found that dandelion caused a significant increase in urine output compared to the amount measured on the previous two days. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, increasing urine production dandelion could help rid your body of excess fluid, reduce high blood pressure and improve liver problems.

Dandelion And Protein:

Dandelion greens have more protein per serving than spinach. The greens themselves are 14% protein and contain all essential amino acids so it’s a complete protein. One chopped cup contains 1.5 grams of protein.

Associated Side Effects:

There are very few side effects linked to using dandelion root. Allergic reactions to the herb have been reported. People taking prescription lithium, a diuretic, medication to lower blood pressure or medication to lower blood sugar should not take dandelion root. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking this herb.

Raw dandelion greens’ bitter taste might take some getting used to, but cooking the greens mellows their flavor. Try sauteing them in low-sodium broth along with diced onions or minced garlic, or steam them for a healthful side dish. Alternatively, mix chopped dandelion greens with other leafy greens — such as spinach or romaine lettuce — for a flavorful and nutrient-dense salad. Add a handful of greens to your favorite soup, or use a few dandelion leaves in a sandwich or wrap for flavor.

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Thanks for Reading!

Chris