Have you noticed those bright yellow flowers in your neighbor’s yard? The ones with long, jagged leaves? They are called dandelions and are native to Europe. However, they can be found in most of Northern Hemisphere. We mostly think of dandelions as ornamental plants that adorn our living rooms. Traditionally, however, dandelions have been used in Chinese medicine to cure joint pains, calcium deficiencies, as well as urinary tract infections (UTIs). Here are some more benefits of dandelions that you might be unaware of: 1. Provide Liver Support: If you have an awful drinking habit and are aware that your liver has gone for a toss, you know you need to make some drastic changes to get back on track. Dandelions promote liver health. Antioxidants like vitamin C and Luteolin in dandelions help maintain your liver and prevent quick aging. Also, the herb helps in the steady flow of bile salts that are required to stimulate digestion. Increased production of bile salt also requires increased absorption of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or the ‘bad cholesterol’. Thus, your cholesterol is also under check. Dandelion leaves have been found to promote healthy lipid profiles in people as well as reduce insulin resistance, according to a research conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. It has also been found to reduce paracetamol or acetaminophen toxicity in your blood. 2. Act As A Diuretic: Dandelions act as a diuretic, facilitating your kidneys to increase the volume of urine and flush out excess salts that might be stored in your body. This process affects your blood volume as well as the water balance in your body. In effect, it stimulates better fluid balance in your body, and consequently lowers blood pressure. Most importantly, dandelion leaves have a high potassium content that maintains the body’s pH balance and balances sodium concentration. 3. Prevent Hormonal Imbalance: Dandelions stimulate the secretion of insulin and help lower sugar levels in the blood. They are particularly advisable for patients with diabetes. Since dandelions are diuretic, they increase urination among diabetics that helps flush out excess sugar that is present in the blood. Also, they help to maintain your blood pressure levels because of the frequent urination. The fiber present in dandelions helps lower your blood cholesterol in addition to lowering your blood pressure. Also, dandelions are a positive home remedy for thyroid-related imbalances. An external application of dandelion leaves can help shrink enlarged thyroid glands, also called ‘goiter’. Make a paste of dandelions leaves and a little water. Then heat the paste in clarified butter or ghee until lukewarm. Finally, apply the lukewarm paste over the goiter. 4. Facilitate Weight Loss: Like most other green leafy vegetables, dandelions are low in calories and have a host of benefits. As mentioned earlier, dandelions’ diuretic properties help to flush out toxins. Out of the total toxins that our bodies flush out, 4% is made of fats. So, the more frequently you urinate, the more fat you will be expelling. In addition, a lot of water is lost, and ‘water retention’ or bloating is prevented. Also, the dietary fiber present in dandelions prevents hunger pangs and binge eating. 5. Soothe Digestive Problems: The flushing out of toxins ensures that your digestive tract remains healthy. Dietary fiber in dandelions is insoluble in nature, or in other words, it does not get digested. Instead, it adds to the bowel bulk and also facilitates the absorption of water as it passes through your intestines. A clean and healthy gut not only stimulates active digestion and metabolism, but also leads to healthy and glowing skin. You will no longer have to suffer acne breakouts or skin problems. Dandelions also solve constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other digestion-related issues. The word ‘Dandelion’ translates to ‘Lion’s Tooth’. The health benefits of dandelion leaves are far too many. However, they should be used in moderation. Since dandelions are capable of lowering blood sugar among diabetics, great care should be taken when adding them to your diet. You should not consume dandelions if you are on medication; otherwise, they can cause hypoglycemia or ‘insulin shock’. We need to realize and appreciate the benefits of Ayurveda and include these plants in our diet for better health.
Author Bio : Vineetha Reddy Being a regular practitioner and adviser of everything related to nutrition, fitness, health and wellness, I also have begun to write and contribute to this knowledge ecosystem. I strongly believe that the organic food you find in your pantry provide the best benefits for good health. Follow me for my best ideas and solutions : Twitter
