Dandelion (also known as Taraxacum spp.) is valued in traditional herbal medicine for its vast range of therapeutic qualities.
They’ve been used to cure a variety of medical diseases for ages, including cancer, acne, liver disease, and digestive problems.
Dandelions are nutrient-dense plants that are high in vitamins, minerals, and fibre from root to bloom.
Dandelion greens are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and may be consumed cooked or raw. Vitamin E, folate, and tiny quantities of other B vitamins are also present. Furthermore, dandelion greens are a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, among other nutrients.
The carbohydrate inulin, which is present in plants and helps the establishment and maintenance of a healthy bacterial flora in your digestive system, is abundant in the root of the dandelion.
Dandelion root is commonly dried and used as a tea, but it may also be eaten whole.
Rich in Anti-oxidants
Dandelion leaves are high in antioxidants, which may explain why this plant has so many health benefits. They have a high concentration of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is known to protect cells from oxidative stress and damage.
They’re also high in polyphenols, which are found in the highest concentration in the flower but also in the roots, leaves, and stems, because of the presence of numerous bioactive components like polyphenols inside the plant, dandelion may be beneficial in decreasing inflammation induced by illness. One of your body’s natural reactions to injury or sickness is inflammation. Excessive inflammation might result in irreversible harm to your body’s cells and DNA over time.
In several test-tube investigations, cells treated with dandelion chemicals showed considerably lower inflammatory markers.
In a research of mice with artificially produced inflammatory lung illness, those that were given dandelion exhibited a substantial decrease in lung inflammation, although more research is needed.
Helps in regulating blood sugar levels
Dandelion contains two beneficial compounds: chicoric and chlorogenic acid. They may be found in all sections of the plant and may aid with blood sugar control.
These chemicals can increase insulin production from the pancreas while also increasing glucose (sugar) absorption in muscle tissue, according to test-tube and animal research.
Improved insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels are the results of this therapy.
Chicoric and chlorogenic acid present in Dandelion inhibited the digestion of starchy carbohydrate foods in some animal studies, which could explain why dandelion has the potential to lower blood sugar levels.
While the findings of this preliminary study are promising, additional research is needed to see if dandelion works in the same manner in humans.
It’s role in reducing cholesterol
Some of the bioactive chemicals found in dandelion may help to reduce cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease.
In one animal research, mice fed with dandelion extract had significantly lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels
The effects of adding dandelion roots and leaves to a high-cholesterol diet were studied in rabbits. Dandelion-fed rabbits showed significantly lower cholesterol levels.
These findings are impressive, but further research is needed to assess dandelion’s potential cholesterol-lowering effects in people.
May lower blood pressure
Dandelion is used in traditional herbal medicine for its diuretic action, which is thought to help cleanse specific organs.
Diuretic medicines are used in Western medicine to clear the body of extra fluid, which can reduce blood pressure.
Dandelion was shown to be an efficient diuretic in a human research. However, this study was conducted over a short period of time and just 17 participants were participated. Potassium is found in dandelion and has been linked to reduce blood pressure in people who have previously had high blood pressure. Because of its potassium concentration, it may have an indirect influence on blood pressure.
Promotes liver health
Dandelion leaves have been proven to protect liver tissue against toxic chemicals and oxidative stress in animal experiments, but more study is needed to evaluate their effect on human liver health.
Cancer fighting potential
Dandelion root has recently been researched for its cancer-fighting properties, with encouraging findings thus far.
Dandelion root extract causes cell death in melanoma cells while having little effect on non-cancerous cells, according to a 2011 Canadian research. It also kills pancreatic cancer cells, according to another research.
Although the anti-cancer properties of dandelion tea have yet to be shown, the potential is promising.
