Dandelion are a family of flowering plants that grow in many parts of the world. You may be most familiar with dandelion as a stubborn weed that never seems to leave your lawn or garden.
However, in traditional herbal medicine practices, dandelion are revered for their wide array of medicinal properties. Here are a few:
- Highly Nutritious: The nutritional content of dandelion extends to all parts of the plant. It’s a rich source of many vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Could Aid Blood Sugar Control: The dandelion plant contains bioactive compounds that have been shown to reduce blood sugar in animal and test-tube studies. More research is needed to determine if the same effect would be seen in humans.
- May Reduce Cholesterol: Some of the bioactive compounds in dandelion may lower cholesterol, which may decrease heart disease risk. Some people use it as part of their diet for weight loss.
- May Lower Blood Pressure: Dandelion may lower blood pressure due to their diuretic effect and potassium content. However, very little formal research has been conducted to support this claim.
- May Fight Cancer: Several test-tube studies have found that dandelion is effective in reducing the growth of cancer cells in various organ tissues. More research is needed to draw conclusions about its efficacy for preventing or treating cancer in humans.
- May Support Healthy Digestion and Treat Constipation: Research indicates that dandelion may increase contractions and movement of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, acting as a treatment for constipation and indigestion. This effect is likely due to the prebiotic fiber inulin.
So go on and add some dandelion to your diet.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dandelion-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_13
