You are far from the truth if you were under the impression that Dandelion is just a weed. Also called Taraxacum officinale, Dandelions have medicinal properties that made their place in traditional medicine. Dandelions grow in many parts of the world and are a family of flowering plants. As a result, you can treat many physical ailments, including cancer, acne, digestive disorders, and liver disease, and have been used by medical practitioners for centuries.
In this article, we have discussed the benefits of Dandelion in detail which will help you understand the Dandelion in a better way. Read on!
Dandelion Nutritional Information:
Dandelions are a great source of nutrition and contain notable nutrients. Here is the list of the nutritional information with the serving of 100 grams:
- Dietary fiber-9%.
- Vitamin Bl- 19%.
- Riboflavin- 20%.
- C Vitamin- 58%.
- Vitamin K- 649%.
- Vitamin A- 338%.
- Iron- 39%.
- Calcium- 19%.
[Read: Dandelion Tea While Pregnant]
Incredible Health Benefits of Dandelion:
Dandelion might not be a simple weed because several health attributes are associated with it. The following section will discuss all the health benefits of Dandelion in detail.
1. Anti-Oxidants:
Dandelion’s broad application for health comes from the potent anti-oxidants that help neutralize the adverse effects of your body’s free radicles. However, too many free radicles can result in accelerated ageing and disease development, so your body must have ample anti-oxidants.
Dandelion helps provide strong protection against oxidative stress and cellular damage as it contains high levels of anti-oxidant beta-carotene (1). In addition, the highest concentration of another anti-oxidant polyphenol is found in stems, leaves, and roots (2).
2. Aids Weight Loss:
Dandelion for weight loss works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, similar to a popular weight loss drug (Orlistat). In addition, the fat breakdown during digestion releases pancreatic lipase, which aids in weight loss by altering how fat is absorbed (3). However, the anti-obesity effects of Dandelion in humans need further studies.
According to studies, consuming teas made from bitter herbs like Dandelion can promote cholesterol and fat breakdown by stimulating gastric secretions, which help you lose weight (4).
3. Lowering Blood Pressure:
Some people say Dandelion health benefits include lowering blood pressure, though limited evidence supports the claim. The diuretic effects of Dandelion help lower blood pressure by getting rid of excess fluid in the body, as per Western medicine.
Dandelion has high amounts of potassium associated with lowering blood pressure in many people (5). However, there is no direct evidence to prove the same.
4. May Help to Lower Cholesterol:
The benefit of eating Dandelions is that they help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering the cholesterol level in your body. For example, mice treated with Dandelion extracts had dramatically reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels (6).
Although there are positive results in the animal studies conducted on the effect of Dandelions on lowering cholesterol, more research is needed to prove the same for humans.
5. Reduced the Fasting Blood glucose levels:
The anti-diabetic effects of the Dandelion flower come from the phenolic compounds from the chicoric and chlorogenic acids that help regulate diabetes by acting as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals (7).
Dandelion for diabetes has the same therapeutic effects, whether from leaves or roots, promoting long-term well-being and health (8). However, there needs to be an investigation regarding the long-term impact of Dandelion consumption.
Dandelion has bioactive compounds phenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenes that have anti-diabetic effects. In addition, the complex carbohydrate present in the root of Dandelion helps normalize blood sugar levels as it contains insulin (9).
[Read: Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea]
6. Reducing Cancer Risk:
There is anti-cancer potential found in Dandelion roots, according to studies. For example, as per a study conducted on prostate cancer cells, the Dandelion root enhances the effects of chemotherapy by inducing apoptosis (death of cancer cells) (10).
The root extracts of Dandelion were found to prevent liver cancer (11), and there was a similar observation regarding pancreatic cancer (12). Though these are encouraging findings, more research is needed to know the effect of Dandelion on cancer in humans.
7. Helps Liver Health:
Dandelion is good for the liver in many ways. For example, a study helps reduce alcohol-induced oxidative stress and alleviate high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver (13).In addition, Dandelion’s anti-oxidant content has been attributed to the protection of liver tissue in mice exposed to Tylenol, as per researchers (14).
In another study, dandelion extracts protect your liver against oxidative stress in the liver tissue by reducing the levels of excess fat stored in the liver (15). However, there is a need for more research on humans.
8. Helps to Improve Immune System:
Dandelions significantly impact your immune system with the help of their flavonoid contents. In addition, they boost immune function and prevent infectious diseases in weaned pigs since they contain short-chain fatty acids (16). As per Mice studies, Dandelion might also help achieve an average balance between WBC and RBC and helps nourish your body’s blood cells (17).
9. Improves Kidney Function:
Dandelion’s health benefits include improving kidney function with the help of its diuretic properties because of its high potassium content (18). In addition, there was an increased urinary frequency in subjects over 5-hour periods after intake of Dandelion in a study (19).
Therefore, Dandelion helps prevent water retention in the kidneys by acting as a diuretic in humans. But consult a doctor before using Dandelion if you have kidney disease.
10. Reduce Skin Inflammation:
There is a significant reduction of inflammation levels in the cells treated with Dandelion compounds. The exceptional Dandelion uses come from the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that produce the polysaccharides (20). Dandelion reduces the production of compounds involved in the inflammation in our body pro-inflammatory cytokines.
11. Soothes Digestive Problems:
Some early research suggests that Dandelion can treat constipation and other symptoms related to digestive impairment when used as traditional herbal medicine. For example, according to a study, the rats treated with Dandelion extracts significantly increased stomach contractions and emptying of stomach contents into the rats’ small intestines (21).
Dandelion also contains prebiotic fibre inulin that can increase intestinal movement and reduce constipation (22).
Side Effects of Dandelion:
Dandelions have several benefits that can be helpful for the health of your body. But we have presented you with the list of all the side effects of eating Dandelions in detail.
- Dandelions have compounds called sesquiterpene lactones which are irritants that might cause contact dermatitis caused by allergies. Itchy and dry Eczema-like reactions are some of the symptoms of these allergies.
- The high amounts of vitamin K present in Dandelion help blood clotting, which might interfere with medication like Warfarin, a blood thinner.
- It is better to avoid using Dandelion and check with your doctor if you have kidney issues.
- You need to consult your doctor before using Dandelion, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because there is no direct evidence.
[Read: Honeysuckle Health Benefits]
Dandelions have several benefits, though they seem like simple weeds. However, these benefits for humans need more research, and it is best to be aware of the side effects. Keep in mind that dandelions are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. Make sure to consult a practitioner before if you are taking certain medications or allergic to them.
Disclaimer: The information we have provided in this article is based on pure research and not a replacement for professional advice. If you are unsure, consult a professional for guidance. The website is not responsible for the authenticity or accuracy of the information.
FAQ:
1. Is there caffeine present in dandelion tea?
Ans: No! Dandelion tea doesn’t contain caffeine. But dandelion coffee has the effects of caffeine with a coffee-like blend.
2. Is it possible for people to feel sleepy after drinking dandelion tea?
Ans: No! There is no evidence to prove that dandelion tea makes you sleep. Therefore, it is not considered a sleep-inducing food.
3. In what dosage can we take dandelions?
Ans:
- The dosage for powdered root is 3 to 4 grams, thrice daily.
- If you take a decoction, boil three to four grams of powdered root in 150 ml of water.
- In case of an infusion, you can steep one tablespoon of cut root in 150 ml of water.
- If you have a tincture, you can stick to 10 to 15 drops thrice daily.