5 Amazing Health Benefits of Dandelion
Also known as Taraxacum spp., dandelions are flowering plants found in various corners of the world. They are considered quite valuable in traditional herbal remedies because of their medicinal properties.
In the past, dandelion has been used to treat many different physical illnesses, including acne, cancer, liver disease, and digestive disorder.
Listed below are 5 health benefits of dandelion.
1. Very Nutritious
When it comes to nutritional content, dandelion is about as healthy as any other vegetable.
Dandelions are packed with healthy components such as vitamins, fiber, and minerals from root to flower.
Cooked or raw dandelion greens are a fantastic source of vitamins, including vitamin A, K, and C. They also possess vitamin E, folate, and other B vitamins in small amounts.
The minerals that dandelions are rich in include iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
2. Highly Effective In Combating Inflammation
Dandelion may help decrease inflammation that results from ailments through the several bioactive compounds present inside it.
Inflammation is a natural response of your body to sickness or injury. However, excessive inflammation can cause your DNA and the body's tissues to get damaged.
According to various test-tube studies, cells treated with dandelion compounds experienced a significant reduction in inflammation markers.
3. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Dandelion's two active compounds are chicoric and chlorogenic. They are present in each part of the plant and may help lessen blood sugar levels.
Animal and test-tube studies depict that these compounds are effective in improving insulin secretion from the pancreas while at the same time augmenting the absorption of glucose into the muscle tissue.
This leads to better insulin sensitivity and lowered blood sugar.
4. Rich In Healthy Antioxidants
Dandelions are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants help keep the free radicals in your body from causing harm. Free radicals are a result of normal metabolism but can be highly dangerous. If too many of these free radicals are present in your body, disease development and aging can accelerate. This is why antioxidants are vital for your body.
The antioxidant beta carotene is present in dandelion in large amounts. This antioxidant is believed to keep cellular damage and oxidative stress from occurring.
5. Helpful In Decreasing Cholesterol
Some of the bioactive compounds found in dandelion may be helpful in reducing cholesterol, which in turn may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Researchers observed an astonishing drop in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in an animal study conducted on mice that were given dandelion extracts.
A study conducted on rabbits also showed the effect of using dandelion roots and greens in a high-cholesterol diet. Rabbits that were treated with dandelions had significantly reduced cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
While dandelions are not a total replacement for your diet's other components, they can still be a healthy addition.
Dandelions contain many therapeutic properties that provide several important health benefits.
Dandelions also rarely cause any harm unless you are allergic to any of their ingredients or are on certain medications.
