Well provided below are some of the medicinal benefits if dandelion.
1. Promotes and Stimulates Digestion:
Dandelion acts as a mild laxative that promotes digestion, stimulates appetite, and balances the natural and beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
It can increase the release of stomach acid and bile to aid digestion, especially of fats.
2. Prevents Water Retention in the Kidneys:
This weed-like superfood is a natural diuretic, which helps the kidneys clear out waste, salt, and excess water by increasing urine production and frequency of urination.
In French, it is popularly called pissenlit, which roughly translates to ‘wet the bed.’
This inhibits microbial growth in the urinary system and prevents urinary tract infections.
Dandelion also replaces some of the potassium lost in the process.
In a study conducted in 2009, high-quality fresh dandelion leaf hydroethanolic extract was given to volunteer subjects.
Results showed that the urine output and frequency increased in the two out of three instances dandelion extract was ingested.
3. Detoxifies the Liver:
Dandelion has been shown to improve hepatic function by detoxifying the liver and reestablishing hydration and electrolyte balance.
It also increases the production and release of bile.
A laboratory study on mice showed this medicinal plant’s ability to slow down the progress of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis or scarring.
4. Boosts Antioxidant Activity:
Every part of the dandelion plant is rich in antioxidants, which prevents free radicals from damaging cells and DNA, slowing down the aging process in our cells. It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A as beta-carotene and increases the liver’s production of superoxide dismutase.
What is superoxide dismutase?
This is an enzyme that speeds up or catalyzes the breakdown of the oxidative stress-causing superoxide by-product.
5. Has Been Used In Cancer Research:
The ability to combat cancer is not a claim made lightly, but dandelion seems to show promise in study after study after study.
Dandelion may slow cancer’s growth and prevent it from spreading.
The leaves are especially rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients which combat cancer.
Dandelion root extract, on the same note, has shown its ability to induce apoptosis or cell death in prostate and pancreatic cells.
6. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels:
Recent animal studies show dandelion helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.
Most of this is done through its ability to control lipid levels and stimulate the pancreatic cells to produce more insulin when needed.
7. Aids in the Management of High Blood Pressure:
As a natural diuretic, dandelion increases urination which then lowers blood pressure.
The fiber and potassium in dandelion also help regulate blood pressure.
8. Reduces Cholesterol Levels:.
Animal studies have shown how dandelion lowers and controls cholesterol levels while improving cholesterol ratios by raising HDL.
9. Protects the Gallbladder:
Dandelion increases bile production and reduces inflammation to help with gallbladder problems and blockages.
10. Boosts the Immune System
Studies also show dandelion boosts immune function and fights off microbes and fungi.
12. Prevents UVB:
Damage on the Skin at the Cellular Level
A study published in 2015 on the journal of Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity made the following conclusions :
Dandelion extracts prepared from dandelion root, leaves, and flowers protect the skin cells from UVB-induced cell death.
Dandelion flower and leaf extract can help with UVB-related oxidative stress.
Dandelion leaf extract protects the skin from free radical-induced aging.
Dandelion leaf extract absorbs UV radiation better than dandelion flower extract.
Here Is How to Use Dandelion Root, Leaves, and Flowers for Health
Dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots are all edible.
They have a slightly bitter flavor that can be minimized by harvesting them in the fall or spring.
The young leaves are more tender and less bitter, making a great addition to raw salads. Cooking dandelion cuts the bitter flavor of both the leaves and the roots.
You can start by drinking a cup of dandelion root coffee or roasted dandelion root a day to give your body time to adjust.
Then, increase your intake to two to three cups a day.
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