Why should you eat dandelion greens?
- polyphenols are phytochemicals with powerful antioxidant properties. Polyphenols may protect us against many chronic diseases, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases. ...
- sesquiterpenes deliver oxygen to cells. ...
- triterpenes are compounds found in plants. ...
- phytosterols are plant sterols. ...
What the Heck DO I do with dandelion greens?
You can sauté them with a little garlic and a squeeze of lemon for a simple side, toss them into a stir-fry, or try them in a soup. In fact, dandelion greens can be used any time you’re making something that calls for kale, chard, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, or beet greens.
What is so great about dandelion greens?
The notable health benefits of dandelion greens include regulating blood pressure and lowering inflammation. These greens also help in detoxifying the body, regulating diabetic symptoms and digestion, and strengthening bones, among others. With a good amount of vitamin E, C, A, and K, these greens are excellent for improving skin health.
Why do people take Dandelion root for their health?
Dandelion root has a few different uses. It has diuretic properties and is sometimes included in weight-loss formulations to help drop water weight. Dandelion root is sometimes used to heal skin lesions, rashes, and acne. Dandelion root may also be helpful for managing blood sugar in people with diabetes and repairing liver damage.
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Are dandelion greens better cooked or raw?
Dandelion leaves to be eaten raw are best when they are fresh and young. As they age, the leaves get increasingly bitter. But they are still edible, particularly if you blanch them before using them in your recipe.
What are the side effects of using dandelion?
In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may also irritate the skin. People with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should consult their doctors before eating dandelion.
Are dandelion greens a Superfood?
I know…you may be shocked by this, but it's true. Dandelions are a superfood high enough in vitamin levels to put even kale and spinach to shame.
Can you eat too much dandelion greens?
When taken by mouth: Dandelion is likely safe for most people when consumed in the amounts commonly found in food. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts. Dandelion might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.
Who should avoid taking dandelion?
Do not take dandelion without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:lithium;an antibiotic, such as Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, Noroxin, and others;a blood thinner or medicine to treat or prevent blood clots;a diuretic or "water pill";heart or blood pressure medication; or.More items...•
Does dandelion cause high blood pressure?
The leaves of a dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) plant act as a natural diuretic increasing urine production. They may be used to treat conditions that require a mild diuretic, such as high blood pressure, liver disorders, and digestive issues.
Is dandelion better than kale?
Although kale has become a popular green during the past decade as an addition to many soups, salads and entrees, nutritionists have discovered that dandelions actually are higher in vitamins and nutrients.
What is the healthiest plant on the planet?
Moringa or Moringa Oleifera, the most nutrient packed plant in the world. You can get more than 92 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants in the powdered leaves of this commonly growing shrub found in Africa, India and the Philippines.
Is dandelion good for your heart?
Lower cholesterol Lowering cholesterol is a key step to reducing the risk of heart disease. Studies in animals have found that extracts from dandelion roots and leaves can naturally lower cholesterol levels.
Is dandelion good for eyes?
Dandelion greens also contain the flavonoid zeaxanthin, as well as the carotenoid lutein, both of which help shield the retina from ultraviolet rays and reduce the risk for eye damage.
Is dandelion good for the liver?
The polysaccharides in dandelion are known to reduce stress on the liver and support its ability to produce bile. They also help your liver filter potentially harmful chemicals out of your food.
Does dandelion lower blood pressure?
Dandelion may lower blood pressure as a result of its diuretic effect and potassium content.
Can I take dandelion root everyday?
According to Keene, many people drink dandelion tea daily (with some drinking it up to four times per day). “[Drinking dandelion tea] any time of day is completely fine because it is caffeine-free, but there are two times of the day I would recommend not having it,” instructs Ross.
What are the benefits of taking dandelion?
13 Emerging Health Benefits of DandelionHighly nutritious. ... Contains potent antioxidants. ... May help fight inflammation. ... May aid in blood sugar management. ... May reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. ... May lower blood pressure. ... May promote liver health. ... May aid weight loss.More items...
How quickly does dandelion work?
How long does it take for dandelion tea to work? Dandelion tea consumption should be followed by drinking filtered water. It takes roughly ten days for dandelion tea to start showing results.
What does dandelion root do for weight loss?
Dandelion tea contributes to weight loss due to its diuretic qualities. It helps to remove excess fluid from the body, which when overweight often lingers in the cells, interfering with healthy metabolic processes.
What are Dandelion Greens?
Dandelion greens are the leaves of the dandelion plant, which is easily recognizable by its yellow flower and its status as a weed in yards around the world.
Dandelion Greens Nutrition
The nutritional profile of these greens includes huge levels of vitamin K (more than 500% of your daily requirement per serving), as well as very high levels of vitamin A and C. These greens also contain moderate amounts of calcium, iron, manganese, B vitamins, dietary fiber, and other active ingredients and compounds. [3]
Dandelion Greens Benefits
The notable health benefits of dandelion greens include regulating blood pressure and lowering inflammation. These greens also help in detoxifying the body, regulating diabetic symptoms and digestion, and strengthening bones, among others.
Dandelion Greens in Diet
Despite their taste, there are many great ways to include dandelion greens in your diet, including as a normal salad green, provided you use a citrus-rich or sweet vinaigrette to counter the taste of the greens. You can also saute or braise the greens, which should reduce some of the bitterness.
What Are Dandelion Greens?
Dandelions are a type of plant native to Eurasia and North America; the two species, T. officinale and T. erythrospermum, are found as weeds worldwide. The plant is believed to have evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia.
Nutrition Facts
Dandelion is rich in many nutrients yet low in calories. In particular, it contains a good amount of fiber as well as vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C.
Benefits
Dandelion greens are jam-packed with vitamin A, fulfilling 112 percent of the daily requirements in each cup. Vitamin A is an important nutrient when it comes to eye health. In fact, vitamin A deficiency can even lead to blindness in severe cases.
Recipes
Dandelion greens are available at many supermarkets, health food stores and farmers’ markets. Once you get your hands on this delicious veggie, there are several options for how to clean dandelion greens properly before adding it to your favorite recipes.
Side Effects
For some people, consuming dandelion greens could trigger an allergic reaction, causing serious side effects like redness, itching, swelling or digestive issues. If you experience these or any other side effects after consumption, discontinue use immediately and talk to your doctor.
Nutritional benefits of dandelions
Dandelions pack a whole lot of vitamins and minerals into a small plant. “They’re probably the most nutritionally dense green you can eat — outstripping even kale or spinach,” Geib says.
Dandelion supplements
Can you get the goodness of dandelion from supplements and extracts? Possibly, though the science isn’t clear, Geib says. And since there is not a lot of research on dandelion supplements, there aren’t clear dosage guidelines.
Should you add dandelions to your diet?
Dandelions have a lot going for them, but there are some things to know before serving them for dinner. You can pick the blossoms right from your yard, “but — if you’re harvesting wild dandelions — make sure you’re picking them from an area you know hasn’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals,” Geib cautions.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Dandelion greens come loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients important for healthy eyesight. Two cups of dandelion greens -- a serving size that counts as 1 cup of vegetables, under U.S. Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines -- provide 15 milligrams of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Vitamins A and K
Dandelion greens also provide considerable amounts of vitamins A and K. Both nutrients affect your blood. Vitamin K regulates the formation of blood clots, while vitamin A supports new blood cell growth. Vitamin A also plays a role in eye function and supports your immune system, while vitamin K helps maintain healthy bones.
Calcium and Vitamin C
Incorporate dandelion greens into your diet as an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as a vegetarian-friendly source of calcium. Vitamin C and calcium both positively affect your bones -- you need calcium to maintain bone density and rely on vitamin C to produce collagen, which makes your bones resistant to damage.
Consuming More Dandelion Greens
Raw dandelion greens' bitter taste might take some getting used to, but cooking the greens mellows their flavor. Try sauteing them in low-sodium broth along with diced onions or minced garlic, or steam them for a healthful side dish.
Overview
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an herb native to Europe. The leaf, flower, and root have been used for various infections, but with little evidence.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Dandelion is likely safe for most people when consumed in the amounts commonly found in food. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts. Dandelion might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy and breast -feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if dandelion is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of dandelion might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Traditional and Modern Uses of Dandelion
According to Chinese old medical text (659 A.D), this plant was used at the time for example to treat indigestion, inflammation of the caecum and inflammation of the breast.
Diuretic Effect of Dandelion
Dandelion has been recommended to use as a diuretic. However, it is not yet known which substances are responsible for the diuretic effect (the increased production of urine). Some scientists have suggested that the diuretic activity of this plant may be due to the high potassium content of the leaves and roots.
What is a Diuretic?
Diuretics are substances that promote diuresis, the increased production of urine. They are also anti swelling agents. Diuretics promote the elimination of electrolytes and water from the body through a variety of mechanisms, thereby reducing the amount of extracellular water.
Dandelion Can Potentially Cure Cancer
This mighty root boosts immune system and improves blood. According to Dr. Carolyn Hamm from the Windsor Regional Cancer Center in Ontario, Canada – dandelion root extract is the only thing that helped with chronic myelomonocytes. This form of cancer usually affects older people.
Eating Green Vegetables and Drinking Dandelion Tea Will Strengthen Your Health
For example, dandelion roots and stems help fight diabetes. It`s because they stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin, which in turn stabilizes the blood sugar level.
Caution
Be careful when you consume dandelion root as the plant can cause excessive excitement. In addition, this plant can cause cardiac arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, we recommend to consult with a qualified therapist or physician when you are pregnant, breast-feeding or taking other different medications.
Dosage and Supplement Forms
You can eat dandelion leaves, stems and flowers in their natural state – raw or cooked. Roots are usually dried, ground and consumed as a tea or extract. This superpalnt is also available in dietary supplemental forms, such as extracts, tinctures and capsules. However, there are no clear consensus on dosage guidelines.
Eating and Preparation
Dandelion, like other wild greens, can be prepared in a variety of ways. They can be sautéed in oil -- for use in casseroles, for example -- or eaten raw in salads and sandwiches. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics does note, however, that wild greens can have an overpowering flavor and should be taste-tested beforehand.
Tasty Options
The Fine Cooking website describes the taste of dandelion greens as earthy, nutty and pleasingly bitter, similar to the taste of endive or radicchio. It recommends pairing dandelion greens with bacon, goat cheese, nuts and lemon to complement the taste. You can eat every part of the dandelion—roots, stems, leaves and flowers.
Other Edible Wild Greens
Other similar edible wild greens include lambsquarters, amaranth, nettles, purslane and sorrel, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Each of these offers a variety of vitamins and nutrients, though they may be best suited to different culinary preparations than dandelion.
Where to Find your Greens
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics warns against picking your own edible wild greens unless you’re an expert. Not only can these wild greens have potentially hazardous lookalikes in nature, they could contain harmful pesticides. The safest option is picking up your greens at a grocery store or farmer’s market.
Warning
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics warns that wild greens are high in vitamin K, which can make the blood clot faster. If you're taking blood-thinning medications, you should consume wild greens in careful moderation and only with your doctor's knowledge.
