Dandelion benefits are becoming considered in the healthcare world. Despite its reputation as a stubborn weed, it turns out that people have used this plant in traditional medicine.
All parts of this plant are also so rich in nutrients that many scientists consider dandelion a herb. Let’s get to know dandelions more closely!
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What is Dandelion?
Dandelion (Taraxacum) is a plant native to North America and Eurasia. Because of its beauty, this flowered weed becomes a symbol of hope, love, and happiness.
In addition to having a beautiful appearance, this flower has various benefits. Traditional people use the root leaves and flowers as tea ingredients and herbal supplements.
Dandelion benefits are not just a figment. Various studies have proven that it contains antioxidant nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are important for body health.
List of Dandelion Health Benefits
As described above, dandelion has some health benefits. Despite its ordinary-flower look, there are many good nutrients and compounds in it.
Here are several reasons why this plant becomes an alternative to herbal medicine.
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Putting Your Blood Sugar Under Control
The imbalance of blood sugar can cause various diseases, including diabetes. This disease has many triggers, especially an unhealthy lifestyle.
Fortunately, dandelion contains compounds that can prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. One of them is anti-hyperglycemic which can avert the increase in blood sugar.
In addition, it also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, which are very useful for wound healing in patients with this disease.
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Lowering Cholesterol Level
An unhealthy lifestyle can cause various diseases, such as cholesterol disorders. When we leave it untreated, this disease can lead to more severe conditions, such as high blood pressure or stroke.
In case you have this problem, then try therapy with dandelion. This plant has bioactive compounds that can help lower cholesterol levels.
Based on in vitro and in vivo studies, this plant can reduce blood fat, which is one of the sources of high cholesterol.
However, dandelion benefits as a medicine for cholesterol still have to undergo further research. So far, its use is still limited to traditional antidotes.
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Lowering Blood Pressure
People believe that dandelion can lower blood pressure since this plant contains potassium.
Based on various studies, potassium is a substance that can lower blood pressure. However, its use as a high blood pressure medicine is still not scientifically proven.
At least one meta-analysis tested 15 people with high blood pressure. Giving dandelion to respondents was able to lower blood pressure.
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Dandelion Benefits for Liver
The liver is a valuable organ that functions to filter toxins. But unfortunately, many threats may make it unable to work well.
However, dandelion brings good news.
Various sources say that the use of this plant may help overcome several types of liver diseases, including those related to alcohol.
Animal testing shows that dandelions can help repair damaged organs. The reason is that this plant contains sodium dichromate which can overcome injury to the liver.
People also believe that the consumption of dandelion can maintain the maximum performance of this organ. However, this still requires further research.
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It May Help in Losing Weight
One of the most favorable dandelion benefits is that it helps maximize your weight loss programs.
Researchers believe that this plant can reduce fat absorption and increase carbohydrate metabolism.
It is one of the dandelion flower benefits.
Dandelion’s flower essence also has antioxidants that can improve digestion and other body organs so that it helps burn fat and then removes it from the body.
In various studies, this plant contains chlorogenic acid, which is a compound that helps dissolve fat deposits.
Moreover, it can maximize protein that plays a role in weight loss.
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Fighting Cancer
This disease is one of the most feared by modern society. The cause is unknown with certainty, but the impact can be very deadly.
However, recent studies reveal that dandelion may inhibit the development of cancer cells. In several studies, this plant can slow down cancer cell development.
Other more specific studies mention that one of the dandelion benefits is for reducing the development of liver cancer.
Other studies also support these findings and state that this plant may be able to prevent the development of cancer cells in the breast, pancreas, and prostate.
Although it is still conjecture, this can be good news for the world of health. At least dandelion extract can help slow down and prolong the life expectancy of cancer patients.
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Maintaining the Digestive Health
One of the most well-known dandelion leaf benefits is maintaining digestive health. Traditional medication includes dandelion as a healing agent for constipation and other disorders.
A study revealed that dandelion leaves contain prebiotic fiber inulin, which plays a role in facilitating the movement of food in the stomach.
The study was animal testing based on mice and gave encouraging results.
Rats undergoing dandelion therapy experienced a significant increase in abdominal contractions so that they could empty their stomach without hassle.
The result of human consumption is similar.
In addition to dealing with constipation problems, dandelion also helps with other digestive disorders such as hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.
People believe that consumption as a supplement or tea will give good results.
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It is Effective to Boost Your Immune Level
Based on the above review, you have understood that weed plants such as dandelions also have various extraordinary benefits.
Now, your admiration will probably increase.
Scientific research reveals that this plant also has anti-microbial and antiviral compounds. In sufficient quantities, this substance will help you fight germs that attack the body.
In addition to its ability to fight various infectious diseases, studies also prove the benefits of dandelion as a virus inhibitor.
Several compounds inside dandelion can kill harmful bacteria effectively.
Again, these dandelion benefits are still animal testing-based. Although scientific evidence is not very strong, the people’s belief in the miracle of this plant is deeply rooted.
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Promoting Bone Health
One of the dandelion benefits is how it can improve your bone density. Several studies find that the plant also contains calcium and vitamin K, the best nutrition for bones.
Various studies say that green vegetables with vitamin K can help increase bone density so that it is not easily porous.
Science has never directly tested these dandelion benefits on bones. However, the discovery of vitamin K in the leaves indicates that it is also beneficial for bones.
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Dandelion Benefits for Skin
Besides having health benefits, dandelion also covers the skincare scope. As is known, this plant contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, which are very good for the health of skin cells.
Antioxidants are substances that can protect the skin layer from exposure to UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
These rays will damage the human skin and lead to problems like acne, hyperpigmentation, and the risk of skin cancer.
The benefits of this antioxidant lie in all parts of the plant except the roots.
However, this lowest part promotes cell regeneration, accelerates wound healing, fades hyperpigmentation, and fights signs of aging.
The anti-inflammatory substances also fight acne, breakouts, and others. Other benefits are becoming a substance that stimulates collagen production and helps hydrate the skin.
These dandelion benefits have been clinically-proven. However, the research is still animal testing-based, and there are no studies that specifically carry out testing on humans.
How to Get the Dandelion Benefits
People believe in dandelion leaf benefits which have high antioxidant content. Turning it into a salad might be a good choice.
However, many people are worried about eating it raw. The reason is that many potential chemicals and harmful substances may be attached to plant parts.
If you can find toxin-free fresh plants, then direct consumption will be better. The following is a recommended dosage guide based on PubMed Central.
- Raw leaves (fresh and dried): 4–10 grams daily
- Leaf tincture: 0.4–1 teaspoon (approximately 2–5 mL). You can consume it three times daily
- Juiced fresh leaf: 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 mL). You can consume it twice per day.
- Fluid extract: 1–2 teaspoons (approximately 5–10 mL) per day
- Roots (fresh): 2–8 grams per day
- Dried powder: 250–1,000 mg four times daily
But now, many supplements use dandelion as the main ingredient. Apart from being in capsule form, people can also enjoy it in the form of tea.
Conclusion
As a wild plant, dandelion benefits have helped many people overcome many health issues. This is due to the substances are beneficial for the body.
The dandelion extract can help lose weight, prevent cancer, overcome blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure problems.
In addition, regular consumption will also be beneficial for the organs.
However, there is not much research on dandelion benefits. Its use as an ancient medicine is only on the people’s experience.
However, various sources reveal that the substances in it do help meet the body’s nutrition.
Apart from the dandelion benefits, its use is also safe and does not cause significant side effects. However, some people with allergies may not be comfortable with this plant.