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We often believe that dandelions are just those annoying weeds growing in our backyards. But do you know these can offer an array of health benefits? Yes, these flowers are valued for their medicinal properties and may help treat diabetes (1).
In addition, these flowers may also cut down the risk of cancer and combat inflammation. However, quality research is warranted in this aspect. These flowers are scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale, and their potential benefits are gaining attention fast.
Learn more about the health benefits of dandelions. Read on.
Stylecraze Trivia The jagged leaves of the dandelion were called “Dent de lion” in Old French, meaning ‘lion’s tooth’ due to their striking resemblance to a lion’s tooth.
In This Article
What Are The Potential Health Benefits Of Dandelions?
The bioactive compounds in dandelions may help fight inflammation and even cancer. They may also help lower blood sugar levels. While their calcium and vitamin K content can strengthen bones, their iron content may help prevent anemia.
1. May Help Fight Inflammation
Cells treated with dandelion compounds were found to have lower levels of inflammation. The polysaccharides from dandelion possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties that play a promising role in this regard (2).
Dandelion works by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are compounds usually involved in the body’s inflammation (3).
In another study involving mice with lung inflammation, the introduction of dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum, grown in China) was found to improve the condition (4).
Related: Skin Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment
2. May Cut Cancer Risk
Studies done on dandelion root (and lemongrass extracts) found that it had anti-cancer potential. The root was found to induce apoptosis (cancer cell death) and enhance the effects of chemotherapy. This study was conducted on prostate cancer cells (5).
Dandelion root extract could be a non-toxic and effective anti-cancer alternative. It was able to trigger programmed cell death of cancer cells in colorectal cancer models. The molecular complexity (a particular parameter involved in drug discovery) of the root extract could be responsible for this anti-cancer activity (6).
Dandelion root extract was also found to prevent cancer of the liver (7). Similar effects were observed in pancreatic cancer as well (8).
Though these findings are encouraging, more research is needed to understand and establish how dandelion may prevent and treat cancer in humans.
3. May Aid Diabetes Treatment
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The chicoric and chlorogenic acids in dandelion possess great potential as anti-diabetic nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals for regulating diabetes. The acids contain phenolic compounds that may promote the flower’s anti-diabetic effects (1).
In a study, both dandelion leaves and the roots were found to have similar therapeutic effects on individuals with diabetes. These could promote the long-term health and well-being of the patients (9). However, the long-term effect of dandelion consumption needs to be investigated.
Other bioactive compounds in dandelion that offer anti-diabetic benefits include phenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenes. The root of dandelion contains inulin, which contains complex carbohydrates. These help normalize blood sugar levels (1).
Related: 15 Herbs For Diabetes That Keep Your Sugar Levels In Control
4. May Promote Heart Health
Mice treated with dandelion extracts showed a dramatic decrease in the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. When mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with the extract, there was reduced hepatic lipid accumulation observed (10).
Similar findings were observed in a rabbit study. In rabbits that were fed a high-fat diet, the introduction of dandelion root improved the antioxidant status and lowered serum cholesterol levels. The root combats oxidative stress as well and may promote heart health (11).
Dandelion may also promote heart health by lowering blood pressure levels. The plant contains potassium (12). Studies show that regular dietary potassium can help lower blood pressure levels (13).
5. May Help In Weight Loss
Dandelion was found to have effects similar to a popular weight loss drug (Orlistat), which works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase. Pancreatic lipase is an enzyme released during digestion that assists in fat breakdown. Inhibiting this enzyme can alter the way fat is absorbed in the body, possibly aiding weight loss (14). However, further studies are required to elucidate the anti-obesity effects of dandelion in humans.
Dandelion is a bitter herb. Studies show that bitter herbs, when taken as teas prior to eating, can stimulate gastric secretions and promote cholesterol and fat breakdown. This way, they may complement your weight loss efforts (15).
6. May Promote Bone Health
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Dandelion greens are good sources of vitamin K and calcium (12). Both these nutrients are associated with bone health.
Vitamin K is known to increase the formation of bone. It also can regulate calcium balance and bone metabolism. In addition to increasing bone mineral density, vitamin K also reduces fracture rates (16).
Calcium intake also influences bone health in a positive way. It plays an important role in preventing bone loss and fractures (17).
The compounds in dandelion contain prebiotics, which were found to enhance calcium absorption. This way, they also may a role to play in bone health (18).
Related: 11 Best Foods For Building Strong Bones And Muscles
7. May Improve Liver Health
Dandelion root may promote liver health in multiple ways. In a study, it could alleviate high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and also reduce alcohol-induced oxidative stress (19).
Some research also suggests that dandelion can promote recovery from liver injury (20).
8. May Boost Immunity
The flavonoid contents of dandelion may have a major impact on the human immune system. It contains short-chain fatty acids, which were found to boost immune function and prevent infectious diseases in weaned pigs (21).
Dandelion also may nourish the blood cells in the body. Mice studies show it can help achieve normal red blood cells and white blood cells balance. This way, it may boost the immune system (22).
9. May Prevent Anemia
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There is less information available in this aspect. Some research states that dandelion can help prevent anemia as it contains iron (23). One cup of chopped dandelion (55 g) contains about 2 mg of iron (12).
10. May Prevent Water Retention In Kidneys
The diuretic properties of dandelion can help here. Its high potassium content makes dandelion a good diuretic (24).
In a study, intake of dandelion increased the urinary frequency in subjects over a period of 5 hours (25). Hence, this plant shows promise as a diuretic in humans and may help prevent water retention in kidneys. However, if you have kidney disease, consult your doctor before using dandelion.
11. May Boost Skin Health
Studies show that dandelion extracts can protect the skin from UVB damage. They exhibited protective effects against photoaging (26).
In folk medicine, dandelion (especially the sap of the plant) was believed to be used to treat warts and eczema, among other skin disorders (27).
Some evidence also states that the sap of dandelion may be used to combat acne (28). However, more research is warranted in this regard.
Did You Know? In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion is used to treat stomach issues and appendicitis.
These are the ways dandelion can make your life better. Though we know a few of the nutrients present in this plant, well, there is a lot more. In the following section, we will take a detailed look at dandelion’s nutrition profile.
What Is The Nutritional Profile* Of Dandelions?
| Nutrient | Unit | 1Value per 100 g | 1 cup, chopped = 55.0g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | g | 85.6 | 47.08 |
| Energy | kcal | 45 | 25 |
| Protein | g | 2.7 | 1.49 |
| Total lipid (fat) | g | 0.7 | 0.39 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | g | 9.2 | 5.06 |
| Fiber, total dietary | g | 3.5 | 1.9 |
| Sugars, total | g | 0.71 | 0.39 |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium, Ca | mg | 187 | 103 |
| Iron, Fe | mg | 3.1 | 1.71 |
| Magnesium, Mg | mg | 36 | 20 |
| Phosphorus, P | mg | 66 | 36 |
| Potassium, K | mg | 397 | 218 |
| Sodium, Na | mg | 76 | 42 |
| Zinc, Zn | mg | 0.41 | 0.23 |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | mg | 35 | 19.2 |
| Thiamin | mg | 0.19 | 0.104 |
| Riboflavin | mg | 0.26 | 0.143 |
| Niacin | mg | 0.806 | 0.443 |
| Vitamin B-6 | mg | 0.251 | 0.138 |
| Folate, DFE | µg | 27 | 15 |
| Vitamin A, RAE | µg | 508 | 279 |
| Vitamin A, IU | IU | 10161 | 5589 |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | mg | 3.44 | 1.89 |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | µg | 778.4 | 428.1 |
| Lipids | |||
| Fatty acids, total saturated | g | 0.17 | 0.094 |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | g | 0.014 | 0.008 |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | g | 0.306 | 0.168 |
*values sourced from USDA, dandelion greens, raw
That’s an impressive nutritional profile, isn’t it? Including dandelions in your diet is quite easy. Up next, we will discuss a few simple ways to do just that.
How To Consume Dandelions
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- The simplest way to consume dandelions is to include them in a salad. Just toss a few dandelion greens into your evening vegetable salad.
- Sauteéd dandelions are another good option. Cooking dandelions removes their bitterness. You can boil the greens for about 5 minutes and then transfer them to a pan with garlic and hot olive oil. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. Eat as it is.
- You can also use dandelion flower petals in your preparations. You can add the petals to your bakery items like muffins, cookies, or even plain bread.
The most popular way of enjoying the goodness of dandelion is in the form of tea. But how do you make it?
How To Make Dandelion Tea
The process is simple.
- Throw the dandelion roots into a food processor and process.
- Dry them at 250o F in an oven until they are completely dry.
- Roast in the oven at 350o F until they turn brown.
- Add the roots to water in a pan and bring to a boil. You can add 2 tablespoons of the root for every 16 oz of water.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and drink.
What Is The Ideal Dosage Of Dandelions?
The American Botanical Council recommends the following doses (29):
- For the powdered root, the dosage is 3 to 4 grams, thrice daily.
- If you are taking a decoction, boil 3 to 4 grams of powdered root in 150 ml of water.
- In case of an infusion, you can steep 1 tablespoon of cut root in 150 ml of water.
- If you are having a tincture, stick to 10 to 15 drops, thrice daily.
If you are taking a dandelion supplement, you can follow the dosage prescribed by your health care provider. Dandelion has been given the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status and approved by the US FDA for use as a supplement (30).
Before you start making dandelion a regular part of your diet, you need to be aware of its side effects.
Do Dandelions Have Any Side Effects?
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- May Cause Allergies
Dandelions may cause allergic contact dermatitis. This can be attributed to the presence of compounds called sesquiterpene lactones, which are irritants. The symptoms of these allergies include dry and itchy eczema-like reactions (31).
- May Interfere With Blood Thinners
Dandelion is rich in vitamin K, which aids blood clotting. Dandelion may interfere with blood thinners like Warfarin (32).
- May Cause Kidney Failure In Susceptible Individuals
There is less research on this. However, a herbal remedy containing dandelion as one of the primary ingredients caused renal failure (33). If you have kidney issues, please avoid dandelion and check with your doctor.
There is no information on the safety of dandelion during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hence, consult your doctor in this regard.
Infographic: How To Use Dandelion For Skin
Dandelion extracts can help treat several skin conditions like eczema and warts and protect the skin from the harmful effects of photodamage. Though you can make lotions and creams with dandelion extracts, the steam method is one of the easiest ways to use dandelion for the skin.
Check out the infographic to know how to use dandelion for the skin efficiently.
Fun Fact A dandelion represents the sun, the moon, and the stars. The yellow petals symbolize the sun, the seeds represent stars, and the white puffball is the moon.
Dandelion, often dismissed as a weed, might prove beneficial to your health in several ways. Rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial compounds, dandelions may help improve your cardiovascular, digestive, liver, and bone health while boosting your overall health and immunity. Including dandelions in a salad, having them sauteed or made into dandelion tea are a few of the easiest ways to include them in your diet. However, these should be consumed in moderation to avoid potential risks and side effects of drug interaction and allergies.
