Dandelions are harbingers of spring that promote positivity and wishes coming true. But did you know that dandelions are edible flowers and that their leaves and roots contain nutrients in high amounts?
Contrary to what you might have known about this seemingly simple flower, dandelions are not weeds but in fact are some of the most potent plants for health.
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From as far back as before written history, people have grown dandelions in their gardens to use as food and medicine, so if you’re interested in how you can use this flower to gain healthy skin and detox your body, read some interesting facts below.
- Dandelions are nutritional powerhouses.
Dandelions may look like such a fragile thing, but are in fact resilient flowers that remain alive throughout the year. Their roots spread in the wintertime and the flower blooms twice a year. Also, dandelions grow in just about every soil type.
As for the nutrient content, dandelions contain fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, protein, potassium, sodium, beta-carotene, choline, calcium and inulin, so many nutrients are contained within such a delicate, yet persistent flower.
Dandelions are perfectly safe to eat, either raw or cooked. Because the plant is mildly bitter, people prefer to cook it or simply turn it into tea. Everything of the dandelion can be used – the root, the stems and the flowers.
- Dandelions have no contraindications.
From what has been explored so far, dandelions have no known contraindications for use so feel free to include them in your diet.
In fact, you are encouraged to do so because this is no common weed, but a wonderful ingredient with incredible health benefits.
If you’re picking your own dandelions, choose the younger and tender plants for less bitterness.
You may even be able to find fresh dandelion roots in local supermarkets as the plant has become increasingly available in chain stores and health stores throughout the country.
- Dandelions can help with many health conditions.
If you’re struggling with anything of the below, know that dandelions are able to provide relief, prevent, and treat some of the most nasty and common health conditions.
Tooth decay, muscle tension, high blood pressure: the flower contains about 10% of the calcium daily value so can be a relevant ingredient in protecting the bones and avoiding calcium deficiency.
Heart health, blood clotting, brain malfunction, and metabolic imbalance: high in vitamin K – over 500% of the daily value, dandelions build bones, maintain proper brain function, and reduce the risk of cancer disease while also acting as a natural treatment for cancer.
Imbalanced digestive system: dandelion tea is best for liver detoxification. The flowers can also be used to make smoothies or juice blends and they will have a similar detox effect to dandelion root tea, which is most commonly found in stores.
Skin infections: some of the worst skin infections (eczema, psoriasis, irritation etc.) can be treated with the milky white substance found in the dandelion stem. Dandelion sap has insecticidal and fungicidal properties and it can even be used to relieve itching.
Blurred vision, premature aging, and neurological malfunction: dandelions contain vitamin A in a good amount so are an important ingredient for combating free radical damage. Pregnant women especially will benefit from consuming dandelions since vitamin A is a very important vitamin during the third semester of pregnancy.
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Interesting note: In some parts of the world, people roast and grind dandelion roots to make a substitute for coffee.