13 Surprising Benefits of Dandelion

Dandelion amazing health benefits includes enhancing bone health, preventing and curing liver disorder, preventing diabetes, curing urinary disorder, rejuvenating skin, curing acne, maintaining weight loss, combating cancerous cells, curing jaundice, treating gallbladder disorders, treating constipation, preventing anemia and regulating blood pressure.

What is Dandelion?

Dandelions are more popular as ornamental flower plants, but most people are unaware of their medicinal benefits for health. In many parts of the world, people use dandelion for preventing and curing conditions like diabetes, liver disorders, urinary disorders, jaundice, acne, anemia, and cancer. It is also helpful in rejuvenating skin, maintaining bone health, and weight loss.

Dandelion flowers are very pleasing to the eyes. It has many varieties, but the most common one is called Taraxacumofficinale which is the scientific name of the flower. The primitive plants of dandelion were discovered in Eurasia about 30 million years ago.

Nutritional Value of Dandelion

Dandelion is abundant with nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium. Dandelion comes with a host of benefits for health besides looking lovely in our gardens. Here are some of its benefits.

13 Surprising Benefits of Dandelion

1. Enhances Bone Health

Dandelion contains calcium, and it is the most important nutrient needed for healthy bones and their overall health. Dandelion also has copious amounts of antioxidants including luteolin and vitamin C. Age-related decline in bone health is a result of free radicals in the aging body and is manifested through weakness, bone frailty and declined density.

2. Prevents and Cures Liver Disorders

Consuming dandelion can prevent liver hemorrhaging because of the presence of rich amounts of antioxidants like vitamin C and luteolin. Along with maintaining the optimal functioning of the liver, dandelion also stimulates the liver, promotes digestion and supports the proper flow of bile. Properly working digestive system prevents constipation thereby reducing the incidence of other gastrointestinal issues.

3. Prevents Diabetes

Dandelion juice is ideal for lowering the heightened blood sugar levels because it increases the generation of insulin in the pancreas. Another added benefit is due to dandelion being diuretic in nature which causes diabetic people to urinate frequently, ultimately leading to the washout of excessive sugar in the body.

The problem of diabetics is also cured because of the diuretic nature of dandelion. Since dandelion juice is also somewhat bitter, therefore it successfully lowers down the level of sugar in the blood. Consistent production of insulin and excretion of excessive sugar from the blood makes the dandelion extracts a perfect solution for diabetics.

4. Cures Urinary Disorders

Toxic substances are readily washed off because of the dandelion’s highly diuretic nature. Dandelion also has disinfectant properties that help prevent the growth of microbes in the urinary system.

5. Rejuvenates Skin

Dandelion milk is the sap which comes from the plant. Microbial and fungal infections cause a lot of skin related issues, and the dandelion milk is ideal for treating them. Since dandelion milk has a range of benefits in killing germs and insects and is exceedingly alkaline, it is highly advantageous for the skin. However, avoid contacting the sap with your eyes because it can irritate. The sap is also very useful for other skin conditions including ringworm, eczema, and itches as it does not cause any hormonal imbalance or other side effects which are usually caused by other pharmaceutical skin treatments.

6. Cures Acne

Dandelion acts as an antioxidant in the body, and additionally, it can perform detoxification actions as well. All these properties make it an ideal treatment for acne. Acne is often a result of an abundant flow of hormones that the body releases in the physiological development phase of teenagers. The regulation of these hormones is necessary or else they can deposit toxic substances in the body. The secretion of more oil because of these hormones blocks the pores thereby obstructing the secretion of toxins.

The diuretic, detoxifier, antioxidant and stimulant properties of dandelion help release the excessive hormones thereby curing the acne and related issue. The presence of vitamin C in the dandelion also helps speed up the process of healing.

7. Maintains Weight Loss

Dandelion has amazing diuretic properties, and it helps in both, from gaining and in losing the dreaded ‘water weight.’  4% of fat is present in the urine and the more water we drink, the more chance of losing excess weight that the body has gained due to making reserves of water. The best part about losing weight through natural diuretic is that it does not account for any side effects. Also, dandelions are very low in calories while the benefits they offer are huge, which make them a great choice for consumption if you are diet conscious or wish to lose weight.

8. Combats Cancerous Cells

Copious amounts of vitamin C and luteolin present in dandelion are highly beneficial in eliminating free radicals which become a major cause of cancer cells. Especially luteolin has a specific characteristic of disabling the effect of cancerous cells when it binds with them. Research has shown this characteristic of luteolin to be at work most notably prostate cancer.

9. Cures Jaundice

The overproduction of bile in the liver interferes with the body’s metabolism when released into the bloodstream; this condition is called jaundice. The diuretic and bile regulatory properties of dandelion are beneficial in all three steps of treating jaundice, which include curbing the production of bile, removing excess bile from the body and finally combating with the underlying viral infection.

10. Treats Gallbladder Disorders

Dandelion regulates the secretions from liver and gallbladder and protects them from harmful effects of infections and oxidants.

11.  Treats Constipation

Great amounts of dietary fiber in the dandelion make it ideal for digestive and intestinal health. Dietary fiber provides bulk to stool and regulates the bowel movements, and eases the process of excretion. You can use it for children to cure their constipation. It also helps regulate appetite after someone has experienced an injury or trauma.

12.  Prevention of Anemia

Dandelion packs a lot of protein, iron and other beneficial vitamins. Protein and vitamin B are important in the production of red blood cells while the iron is an essential component of hemoglobin in the blood. Intake of dandelion juice is ideal for those with anemia in curing the condition.

13.  Blood Pressure Regulation

Most medicines suggested for lowering the blood pressure work on the diuretic properties. Because dandelion is already diuretic in nature, it lowers down blood pressure without causing any harmful side effects. The fiber in dandelion also lowers down cholesterol levels which also regulates blood pressure.

Word of Caution

Individuals already taking blood sugar modulators must avoid excessive intake of dandelion or otherwise it may result in hypoglycemia. Also, a component present in dandelion called inulin cause allergy to certain people, so it is ideal to discuss with your doctor before consuming dandelion in any way.