13 Amazing Benefits of Dandelions

Every time I travel out to California to visit my doctor, or for personal reasons, I am always amazed at the different ways that greens are creatively used. It seems like stores like Whole Foods are lined with all different salads and yummy green "concoctions". I shared on the blog a couple of years ago about the abundance of Kale salads that I saw everywhere and the benefits of eating Kale HERE, but there is an additional green that I was first introduced to out in California that for the past year specifically  I have worked to get into my diet on a regular basis that has incredible benefits and that is dandelions. 
Dandelions are high in lots of health benefits and there have been incredible studies done on the power of this little green to pack an important health punch. A study that was done in 2011 involving dandelion and dandelion root tea showed that there is the potential of dandelion root to be a non-toxic alternative and additive to conventional therapies as it is a possible Cancer fighter. There was an article in 2012 that stated that dandelion root extract might halt the growth of melanoma cells without inducing toxicity in non-cancerous cells, even those cells that are considered to be drug resistant. (If you are interested in reading more about this study you can find it HERE.)
There are so many amazing benefits of this little green and today I am so excited to share with y'all just a few of the powerful benefits that are found in this leafy green:
1. Rich in CalciumDandelions are known to be extremely rich in calcium which is helpful for the strength of bones and to help bones with age-related damage. What is amazing is that dandelions can actually contain 10 percent of the daily value needed of Calcium. But Calcium isn't just good for bone health. Calcium also is used in the body for muscle contraction, hormone secretion, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. And by consuming dandelions you will also help avoid muscle tension, tooth decay and high blood pressure. 
2. Excellent Digestive AidDandelions help promote healthy digestion and help to balance the beneficial bacteria in the intestines. This can help increase the stomach acid and bile to aid in digestion. 
3. Helps fight CancerAs I shared above this leafy green is known to help fight Cancer cells. Some studies are also showing that dandelion may slow Cancer's growth and prevent it from spreading. 
4. Helps Combat InflammationDandelion is known to help treat inflammation because it contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and phyto-nutrients that all reduce inflammation throughout the body. By reducing inflammation in the body you can help to relieve pain and swelling. 
5. Boosts the Immune SystemStudies have shown that Dandelion helps to boost the immune function in our bodies and helps to fight off microbes and fungi that exist. 
6. Helps Lower CholesterolNew studies are showing that dandelion helps to lower and control cholesterol levels. 
7. Helps Strengthen KidneysDandelion is a light diuretic that helps the kidneys to clear out waste, salt, and excess water by increasing the urine production. 
8. Helps to Prevent/Treat Urinary Tract InfectionsDandelions help to prevent microbial growth in the urinary tract system. 
9. May Help Prevent CystsSome studies show that consuming dandelions may help prevent cysts on reproductive organs. 
10. Helps cleanse and strengthen the LiverDandelion has been shown to improve liver function by helping to remove toxins while re-establishing hydration and electrolyte balance. 
11. Excellent Source of Vitamin AVitamin A is known to play a crucial role in helping to maintain healthy vision, and can also help with neurological function, and healthy skin. Just one cup of dandelion greens is shown to have over 100% of the daily needed vitamin a dosage. 
12. Helpful for AnemiaDandelions are a helpful source of iron and other vitamins. Iron is the integral part of the hemoglobin in the blood, but other vitamins and proteins are essential for the formation of healthy red blood cells. Dandelions help anemic people by keeping the formation healthy and strong and helping to support the body with needed iron.
13. Helps Skin InfectionsThe sap of the dandelion in the stem is actually a really wonderful product for your skin! Dandelion sap is highly alkaline and it is known to have germicidal, insecticidal, and fungicidal properties that can be applied directly to your skin.
If you are looking for other greens that have health benefits I have also shared about the following greens on the blog:
The Benefits of Eating KaleThe Benefits of Basil
What about you? Have you found any amazing benefits or helpful from consuming Dandelions? Stay tuned next Thursday for some practical tips and ideas of how to include Dandelions into your diet! 
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}