The Health Benefits of Dandelions
It’s that time of year when those pesky little weeds start to show their flowery yellow heads agains. Mocking you and all of your weed control efforts. They send OCD lawn enthusiasts everywhere into fits because just as they dig one up, twelve more rise up to torment them.
While they are the bane of the typical suburban homeowner, you may have noticed dandelion greens in the produce aisle of your supermarket. You may have even laughed while snarking something like, “Why would I pay for those when I can just get some from my neighbor’s lawn whenever I want?!”
Joking aside, those greens (sans flowers) are in the produce aisle because they are good for you! The bonus is that the benefits of dandelion can be taken in different forms, not just as leafy greens. They can also be consumed as teas, extracts, and supplements, which may be great for the people in your family who aren’t big on eating things that are green. I’ve one or two myself.
The health benefits of dandelions
Highly nutritious in vitamins like A, C, and K along with a little B thrown in. Also, has substantial amounts of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Contains inulin fiber which supports growth of healthy bacteria in the gut
Reduces cholesterol
High in antioxidants
Supports detoxification process and liver health
Fights certain strains of bacteria (study here)
Pretty cool, huh?
While you’re probably not going to head outside and start grazing from your neighbor’s lawn, here are some ways to get dandelion into your daily diet.
Photo by Christine Siracusa on Unsplash
Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens can be found in the produce aisle alongside the spinach and kale. Grab a bunch or two and add them to your chopped salads and smoothies (here’s a recipe to try).
Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea can be found at your local health food stores or online. It’s caffeine free and has a hearty taste which may even satisfy the coffee lover in you.
Dandelion Extract
This is just another form of ingestion and can be easily added to water to drink between meals. This form usually contains all parts of the plant like the roots, flower and stem. There are two versions of the extract, one with alcohol and one without. Make sure you check before ordering!
Pill/Softgel
This an easy way to get dandelion into your diet as well and would be great for travel.