Overview:
Although often dismissed as a stubborn lawn weed, people have used dandelion in forms of traditional medicine for centuries.
Overview of Benefits:
Highly Nutritious
Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins. Dandelion greens provide several minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Dandelion root is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, a type of soluble fiber found in plants that supports the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria in your digestive tract.
Dandelion root is often dried and made into tea, but you can also eat it whole like other root vegetables.
Contains Potent Antioxidants
Dandelion contains potent antioxidants, which may explain many of its medicinal properties.
Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize free radicals — molecules that are a product of normal metabolism but contribute to chronic disease risk if levels get too high in your body. Therefore, antioxidants are crucial for your overall health.
Dandelions contain high levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which may protect against cell damage and oxidative stress
.
They’re also rich in another type of antioxidants called polyphenols, which are found mainly in the flower but occur in the roots, leaves, and stems.
Cholesterol
Some compounds in dandelion may decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which are key risk factors for heart disease.
Some of the polyphenols in dandelion, such as flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, may have cholesterol and triglyceride-lowering properties.
Another review noted that dandelion may have cardioprotective effects, including lowering cholesterol levels.
Weight Loss
Some research indicates that dandelions and their compounds may support weight control, though the data isn’t conclusive.
Some researchers suggest that dandelion’s ability to improve carbohydrate metabolism and reduce fat absorption may lead to weight loss. However, this theory has yet to be scientifically proven.
One study in mice also suggests that dandelion extract may aid weight management by reducing fat absorption.
Another study in mice found that chlorogenic acid, a compound found in dandelion, reduced body weight, decreased fat accumulation, and altered levels of specific proteins involved in weight control.
Healthy Digestion
Dandelion is often used in traditional medicine to treat constipation and improve digestive health.
One older animal study found a significant increase in the rates of stomach contractions and stomach emptying in rats treated with dandelion extract.
Dandelion root is also a rich source of the prebiotic fiber inulin, which has been shown to reduce constipation and promote the movement of food through the digestive system.
Furthermore, with more than 3 grams of fiber per cooked cup (105 grams), dandelion greens may bump up your fiber intake. Fiber supports bowel regularity and protects against various digestive conditions, including hemorrhoids and diverticulitis