{"id":6960,"date":"2019-05-29T21:08:55","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T21:08:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6960"},"modified":"2021-04-05T20:22:08","modified_gmt":"2021-04-05T20:22:08","slug":"15-invigorating-benefits-of-dandelion-for-your-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-invigorating-benefits-of-dandelion-for-your-health\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Invigorating Benefits of Dandelion for Your Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A lot of people may think of dandelion as little more than a garden weed, but there is a whole lot more to be gained from this flowering plant when you scratch beneath the surface. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dandelions grow in many different places, all over the world, often popping up on peoples\u2019 lawns as and when they feel like it. In a lot of traditional medicinal practices, dandelion is actually celebrated for its versatility in treating a wide range of ailments and illnesses. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It might surprise you to find out that dandelion can be effective in the treatment of skin complaints such as acne, but it will astound you to hear that dandelion has actually been shown to be useful in beating cancer. It really is quite a remarkable little plant. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 8 of the most invigorating benefits someone can expect to gain from using dandelion. Give them a try and see for yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Highly Nutritious <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Acting as an incredible source of a range of vitamins<\/a>, including vitamin C, dandelion greens can be eaten on their own or as part of a meal. The way to serve this highly nutritious food source is to either serve it raw, where all its nutritious value can be harnessed or to cook it and serve it as part of a mixed vegetable side dish. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also several useful minerals to be found in dandelion greens, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. The root is a particularly nutritious part of the plant to consume, rich in carbohydrate and fiber, which are vital in order to keep your intestinal tract tuned up and healthy. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The root is also useful for encouraging the production of useful bacteria within the gut. Whether it is consumed dry, or crushed and brewed as a tea, the dandelion root is perhaps the most nutritious part of the highly nutritious plant.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Contains Potent Antioxidants<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With a breathtaking array of powerful and potent antioxidants<\/a>, it’s no wonder than dandelion has such a range of potential health applications. Molecules that help to limit the effects of free radicals in the body, antioxidants are a vital ingredient in anyone’s diet. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although these so-called \u2018free radicals’ can occur naturally within the body, having something which can keep them at bay is very important as if they are left unchecked, they can cause disastrous effects to cells and tissues within the body. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dandelion may not seem like the most appetizing thing to add to your plate or to chew on as a supplementary part of a diet, but the fact that it is packed full of antioxidants means that many people could really benefit from including this little weed in at least some part of their weekly diet. A tiny weed that packs a powerful antioxidant punch, the dandelion.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Fights Inflammation<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fact that dandelion <\/a>contains certain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols means that it could prove useful when it comes to fighting inflammation. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although inflammation is a perfectly natural way in which the body tries to address an injury or an illness, it is true that any excessive inflammation can potentially cause long term damage to the tissues of the body and even the DNA of a person. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst animal testing, particularly with mice, has proven beyond doubt that dandelion has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and huge potential in terms of this application, more trials with humans are necessary before it becomes more widely accepted as an acceptable choice of anti-inflammatory to rival those that can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a health care professional. The evidence is starting to stack up regarding just how versatile dandelion can be when it comes to providing invigorating benefits for your health.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Regulates Blood Sugars<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Incredibly, there are two different bioactive compounds within dandelion, which make it useful in the regulation of blood sugar levels. These compounds, chicoric and chlorogenic are found in all parts of the plants and may well actually reduce blood sugar levels, never mind just regulating them, which would be pretty impressive in itself. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It all comes down to the performance of insulin <\/a>secretion that comes from the pancreas, and tests including animals have found dandelion to be successful in improving this performance, whilst also working to improve the absorption rate of glucose within muscle tissue. A two-pronged attack which ultimately leads to improved insulin sensitivity and a reduction in blood sugar levels. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the millions of people around the world living with Type 2 diabetes, dandelion could be the latest tool in the box to provide them with another option for blood sugar level management, but more testing is necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Reduces Cholesterol<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cholesterol <\/a>is one of the most harmful things that we can have in our bodies in terms of heart health and the functionality of other major organs. Any natural remedy or alternative to over the counter medication has to be a good option worth exploring for anyone who wishes to lower their cholesterol levels with the view to becoming more healthy. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The presence of dandelion in the blood has been shown to be an effective method of limiting and lowering cholesterol, and whilst early testing has been limited to rodents, there is hope that the research can be scaled up and that the application of dandelion to reduce cholesterol in humans is not a long way off. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people aren’t prepared to wait for the green light from science though and are simply choosing to use dandelion already, to help them tackle their cholesterol levels. If it works for them, there’s no reason why it won’t work for you!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Lowers Blood Pressure<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fact that tests on animals have shown dandelion to be effective when it comes to lowering blood pressure is a good early sign, as high blood pressure<\/a> is something which more and more people are suffering from, putting them at greater risk of heart attack or other coronary complications. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dandelion effectively lowers blood pressure as it has certain compounds within it that are effective at bringing about a reduced level of blood pressure. This, in turn, takes some of the strain off the heart and the cardiovascular system of the body, which shows how dandelion can have a knock-on positive effect, beyond the initial positive effect for which is it applied. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early tests on animals, specifical mice, have shown how dandelion really can bring about reduced blood pressure, but before this is applied to humans, much more research and evidence is needed to justify the use of this marvelously versatile little plant.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Promotes a Healthy Liver<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dandelion can help promote a healthy liver as it works to protect the liver from the effects of excess alcohol <\/a>or other substances. Dandelion can help increase pancreatic secretions, as mentioned above, and it can help the liver in a similar way, allowing it to expel waste much more effectively and speedily than without. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tests on animals have shown that with the presence of dandelion in the system, the function of the livers of mice was boosted significantly. Further testing is obviously necessary before this becomes a viable option for application with humans, but the early signs are good. Natural remedies like this are becoming increasingly popular, as people look to steer away from the clinical practices which have become the norm. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, as there continues to be a rise in the number of people affected with liver problems, there is also a rise in the number of people giving natural remedies a try.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Aids Weight Loss<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, when it comes to weight loss, everyone is looking for that miracle pill or the hidden secret to help them shed a ridiculous amount of weight or body fat, in a ridiculously short time frame. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dandelion isn’t that miracle answer, mainly because that doesn’t exist, but it is certainly plausible that dandelion could help people looking to lose weight, as it contains some properties which boost metabolism <\/a>and limit the absorption of fats into the body. These two things working together can definitely bring about significant weight loss and trials on animals have proven to be effective. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is absolutely necessary though, is for further and more detailed tests to be carried out, before dandelion can be paraded and marketed as the newest and best tool in the fight against obesity. People tend to see their weight, or their weight troubles more specifically, as a sensitive subject, and so many bold claims must be handled with care.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Natural Diuretic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the more interesting properties of dandelion is its ability to act as a natural diuretic. A diuretic <\/a>is a substance that causes the body to stop holding onto water. There are various reasons why people may want to use a diuretic.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, individuals that suffer from hypertension disorder where they have high blood pressure need to relieve the pressure on the heart. As a result, they use diuretic medications to drop the fluid in the tissues around the heart and lungs, reducing blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diuretic medications are particularly dangerous, and many people take them for off label use. For example, some athletes may use them when cutting weight. The diuretic helps them shed water weight before the weigh-in, allowing them to compete at a lower weight class with a competitive advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dandelion acts as a potent natural diuretic suitable for removing excess subcutaneous water from the body. If you want to drop a dress size overnight, drink a few cups of dandelion tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Potential Anti-Cancer Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dandelion root powder helps to stimulate circulation and build the immune system. Research shows that it’s better than chemotherapy <\/a>for treating prostate and lung cancer. According to a study from the Windsor Regional Cancer Center in Ontario, Canada \u2013 Consuming dandelion root extract assists with the reduction of chronic myelomonocytes, a type of cancer affecting seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dandelion root extract is effective at killing cancer cells, as demonstrated by The Windsor regional study. There are plenty of anecdotal studies showing patients responding to treatment with dandelion root extract. Some studies show that 48 hours after administration of dandelion extra, the subject’s cancer cells begin to show signs of degradation. As a result, the body starts to replace them with new cells. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also numerous studies showing that dandelion extracts are successful in the treatment of other cancers such as breast, liver, prostate, and lung cancer. Dandelion root tea tastes terrible, but it’s effective at restoring your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Good for Digestive Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the best reasons for using dandelion extracts is to improve the immune response. More than 70% of the immune system lies within the gastrointestinal tract<\/a>. Therefore, by improving the health of your digestive system, you can increase your immune response and help yourself avoid disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dandelion is full of fiber and nutrients. Dandelion greens are an excellent source of soluble fiber, and you can eat them in salads or add them to morning smoothies to gain the nutrients from the fresh greens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flowers do better as extracts, but they also edible.  We recommend that you use dandelion roots for your extracts as well. You can also dry out the roots and crush them into tea. Some people like to boil down the roots until it forms a thick paste, which they use for medicinal applications in traditional medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh dandelion plant extract is available from your local drugstore or online health retailers. Including this extract in your diet is an excellent way to improve the health of your immune system and avoid infection from seasonal pathogens, such as influenza. Fiber and nutrients<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Boost the Immune System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, more than 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. As a result, it’s very critical that we take care of our digestive health to boost our immune system. When we have a low immune system, we are more exposed to contracting viruses and bacteria that can cause harm to our health. By boosting the immune system, you prevent pathogens <\/a>from replicating in the body, allowing the immune system to expel them before they have a chance to colonize and create severe illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People that have a low immune function are often sick, and they are at high risk of developing severe diseases or complications from minor illnesses. One of the best ways to boost the immune system is with dandelion plant extract. The fresh plant extract is excellent in building the health of the immune system. Adding a few drops to your diet every day is all it takes to increase your immune response and avoid getting sick during the annual flu season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s possible to make dandelion root extract by yourself. Dry dandelion roots and crush them into a powder. Mix in some distilled water, and let it simmer on a low heat over the stove. Eventually, the liquid will contract into a thick, black, sticky liquid. Blend this liquid with oil, such as olive oil, to create a carrier liquid. Bottle your dandelion root extract and use it every day as desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Skincare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dandelion is also great for the health of your skin. We recommend using the fresh plant extract in combination with the carrier oil, such as extra-virgin coconut oil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add 6 to 10 drops of the dandelion oil to 1-teaspoon of extra-virgin coconut oil, and blend. Store the salve in a small jar, and use it on your skin in the morning, and in the evening, as a moisturizing compound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The polyphenols <\/a>in the dandelion extract help to improve collagen production in the skin. As a result, the therapy enhances the natural plumpness and firmness of your epidermis. Dandelion is also high in antioxidants. These antioxidants work in your bloodstream to remove free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous particles that cause cell oxidation resulting in the signs of aging.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When free radicals build up in the bloodstream, it results in the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and lines in the face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To give your current nighttime moisturizing cream of boost mix in six to 10 drops of dandy lion fresh plant extract. This dose is not strong enough to alter the fragrance or consistency of your night cream. However, it will fortify the formula with the potent polyphenol’s found in dandelion that benefits the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Boost Red Blood Cell Production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anemia <\/a>describes a condition where the body fails to produce enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low levels of hemoglobin are somewhat dangerous and can place a person at risk of severe physical distress. People that have iron deficiency anemia find that they feel tired or fatigued all day, even after a good night’s rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel like you cannot keep your eyes open every day, then you should visit your doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor will draw a blood sample and send it to a lab for analysis. If your results show that your blood is low in hemoglobin, your doctor may decide to issue you with an iron supplement, or they may try to change your diet to include iron-rich foods. In most cases, with supplementary iron in your diet, you should make a full recovery from the anemia symptoms within a few weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, well, anemia is a treatable disease. It is challenging to detect, and many physicians may confuse the symptoms of anemia with those of other illnesses or disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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