The dandelion is an edible plant that offers numerous benefits for digestion and the immune system. Discover all its benefits here.
The dandelion, also known by the scientific name Taraxacum officinale, is a plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a very common perennial plant. The dandelion was already recognized by medieval Arab physicians, who considered it one of the important plants for stimulating the liver. It is also mentioned in almost all treatises from the Middle Ages due to its diuretic properties.
It grows wildly, and it is very likely that you will encounter it in a flowerbed as you walk on the street or even on wastelands. Dandelion is considered a PANC, a Non-Conventional Food Plant. It is an edible plant, often thought of as a weed, rich in dietary fiber. Dandelion flowers can be consumed in salads, and the young peeled roots can be fried and cooked as if they were asparagus. However, the simplest is Iswari dandelion root powder, used in a simple infusion.
Dandelion has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. It is an excellent substitute for coffee, with its malty flavor, slightly sweet, and without the presence of caffeine. Dandelion has numerous benefits. Some of them are the following:
Let us now explain these benefits in more detail.
Dandelion is a plant rich in fiber, as well as in antioxidants, vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Studies also suggest that dandelion may help reduce the onset of different types of cancer, lower cholesterol levels, and support liver function. Dandelion also supports the immune system by being rich in vitamins and minerals. It supports a healthy gut, by aiding the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria, being rich in inulin, a type of soluble fiber found in plants.
Chicory acid and chlorogenic acid, two compounds found in the dandelion plant, may also help lower blood sugar levels. Both acids can also limit the digestion of starch-rich foods and carbohydrates, which can further contribute to dandelion's ability to reduce blood sugar levels.
Studies show that dandelion root is especially rich in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, polyphenols, coumarins, and derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acids – which may be responsible for many of its health benefits, as it allows it to fight free radicals.
Rich in fiber, dandelion supports the digestive system. Dandelion roots are a great source of fiber and especially rich in a type of soluble fiber, inulin. Fiber is associated with several health benefits for the body, mainly for digestion and regulation of blood sugar levels.
Deaths from cardiovascular diseases rose globally from 12.1 million in 1990 to 20.5 million in 2021, according to a report by the World Heart Federation. Indeed, in 2021, cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death for women worldwide, accounting for 35% of annual deaths, according to the medical journal The Lancet. The main known causes are high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, diabetes, and lack of physical activity. Some compounds of dandelion, such as flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, may lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, which are the main risk factors for heart diseases.
Dandelion is known for its diuretic effects, which can support liver health. It is important to note that the liver is the second largest organ in the human body, essential for the elimination of toxic substances and the production of bile, an essential product for the digestion of fats. According to the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, dandelion gently stimulates the liver and gallbladder's ability to clean the body's waste. The root is often used to treat constipation, skin problems, eczema, and arthritic diseases. Dandelion is also a good prebiotic, supporting intestinal flora health.
Dandelion is extraordinarily rich in water, flavonoids, minerals, and vitamins, standing out in its composition a high content of iron, magnesium, calcium, and fiber. It is also rich in inulin (up to 45% of its total composition). Besides possessing taraxacin, responsible for the bitter taste, dandelion contains tannins, phenolic acids, resin, inulin, coumarins, inositol, carotenoids, sugar, glycosides, calcium, iron, magnesium, a lot of potassium, silica, and even vitamins A, B, and C. Soluble fibers are also found in the root.
Add 2 teaspoons of Iswari dandelion root to 200 ml of boiling water. To make dandelion tea, simply add boiling water to the two root spoons and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
The dandelion boasts numerous benefits for the organism, especially for those suffering from constipation, fluid retention, arthritis, or those who want to ensure the health of their intestinal microbiota. Known since antiquity, Iswari dandelion root is perfect for an infusion, being able to replace coffee with its malty taste. For the warmer months, you can also drink it cold. Therefore, it is important that you introduce this superfood into your routine to take advantage of all its benefits.
