The name “dandelion” originates from the French phrase “dent de lion,” which translates to “lion’s tooth,” due to the leaves’ uneven texture. Because of its lengthy tap root, it is known as “Pu Gong Ying” in Chinese. a short-lived, deeply rooted perennial tap root that can be found almost anyplace. The common dandelion, which is native to Eurasia, was introduced by European settlers to eastern America where it was used for food and medicinal.
Since its introduction to North America in the middle of the 1600s, Taraxacum officinale, sometimes known as common dandelion, has grown as a weed throughout the continent. You probably won’t be able to stop dandelion spread in your yard, no matter how many leaves and blossoms you harvest early in the season to consume. Generally speaking, dandelion problems are limited to lawns that aren’t expanding quickly enough to outcompete the weeds.
Incredibly nourishing
Dandelions are incredibly nutrient-dense plants that are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals from root to blossom.
Dandelion greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K and may be consumed fresh or cooked. In addition, they have trace levels of folate, vitamin E, and other B vitamins. A number of minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are found in dandelion greens.
The soluble fiber known as inulin, which is abundant in dandelion root, is a form of carbohydrate that helps the good bacteria in your digestive system grow and thrive.
Read the full article at this link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5739857/
Like other root vegetables, dandelion root can be eaten whole or dried and used to make tea.
Has strong antioxidants
Strong antioxidants found in dandelion may account for many of its therapeutic benefits.
Free radicals are molecules that are a byproduct of regular metabolism but increase the risk of chronic disease if your body produces too many of them. Antioxidants are substances that help neutralize free radicals. Antioxidants are therefore essential for maintaining your general health.
High concentrations of the antioxidant beta-carotene found in dandelion flowers may offer protection against oxidative stress and cell damage.
They also contain a lot of polyphenols, which are another class of antioxidants that are mostly found in flowers but may also be found in the stems, roots, and leaves.
Potentially beneficial for reducing inflammation
Dandelion has substances like polyphenols that may help lower inflammation.
An immune system’s natural reaction to damage or infection is inflammation. On the other hand, chronic inflammation can irreversibly harm DNA and bodily tissues.
Studies conducted in test tubes have observed a noteworthy decrease in inflammatory markers in cells that have been treated with chemicals derived from dandelion.
A dandelion tincture was shown to have cardioprotective properties and to lower oxidative stress in rats.
Human research is still required.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9454954/s.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707789/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10053582/.
Encourages Gut Health
According to Dr. Li, the dietary fiber in dandelion may help to support the gut microbiota. More precisely, inulin, a prebiotic found in dandelion roots, encourages the development of healthy bacteria in the stomach. Probiotics, the beneficial gut bacteria that maintain a healthy microbiome, rely on prebiotics as a food supply.Dandelion is frequently used to control the digestive system and increase appetite. The anti-inflammatory and perhaps digestive-system-improving sesquiterpene lactones found in dandelion root are the active ingredient.
Could Combat Cancer
Dandelion’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may also help inhibit the growth of cancer. Applying 1.5 milligrams of dandelion extracts directly to human breast cancer cells has a cytotoxic impact, halting the growth or division of cancer cells, according to a recent study.
Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Lifestyle variables like being overweight, eating a lot of fat, and not getting enough exercise are common causes of type 2 diabetes. High levels of chronic inflammation, brought on by the disease’s hallmark abnormally high blood glucose (sugar) levels, might harm several organs.
Some of the chemicals found in dandelion greens are believed to mitigate these effects; they include taraxasterol, sesquiterpene lactones, chicoric acid, and chlorogenic acid.
Taraxasterol has anti-inflammatory and liver-enhancing effects, according to mouse studies. The liver is responsible for making and releasing glucose when the body requires energy. Lowering blood sugar levels is possible with this method.
Our team’s expertise includes Wirngo FE, Lambert MN, and Jeppersen PB. Dandelion root’s (Taraxacum officinale) physiological effects on type 2 diabetics. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2016 Summer-Fall;13(2-3):113-31. doi:10.1900/RDS.2016.13.113.
The results are encouraging, but we still don’t know if they work on people.
Manage Your Weight
One of the primary causes of diabetes is obesity, and dandelion has shown promise in treating this condition in animal studies.
Results in humans have been inconclusive, despite evidence that a dosage of 150–300 mg/kg may alleviate obesity in rats.
You might see dandelion leaves in salads from time to time, but it’s not always the case. The presence of chemicals or animal feces makes picking dandelion in a backyard a dangerous activity.
Nonetheless, you may find dandelion root infusions in teas and coffees, as well as dandelion supplements. In general, dandelion is considered safe to add in food products by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Very little is known about the optimal dosage of dandelion supplements. The efficiency and potency of this supplement, like those of other brands, might vary greatly.
Certain individuals may experience adverse responses when taking dandelion supplements. For those who have severe allergies to dandelions or other flowers or plants like ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds, dandelion supplements are not a good idea.
Anyone interested in trying a supplement should consult a doctor first and always take the dosage exactly as directed on the package.