Dandelion, Not Just a Weed

Dandelion’s high nutritional content from root to flower is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber.  Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate and small amounts of other B vitamins. Also, Dandelion greens provide substantial minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Dandelion Root is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, which supports the growth and maintenance of a healthy bacterial flora in the intestinal tract.  Both the root and greens can be used to make Dandelion tea to super-nutritious salads.

Dandelion are full of powerful antioxidants.  Antioxidants help neutralize or prevent the negative effects of free radicals in your body.  Too many free radicals contribute to disease development and accelerated aging.  Antioxidants are essential for keeping the body healthy.  Dandelion contain high levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which provides strong protection against cellular damage and oxidative stress.  May fight cancer.  Because of Dandelion’s ability to rid the body of free radicals and strong cell protection, it also then prevents the growth of cancerous cells.

Dandelion promotes a healthy liver by protecting liver tissue in the presence of toxic substances and stress.  Dandelion extract may reduce levels of excess fat stored in the liver and protect against oxidative stress in liver tissue.  In turn, using Dandelion helps the liver to process and eliminate heavy toxins throughout the body.  Dandelion inhibits fat absorption similar to some weight loss drugs, by blocking the activity of pancreatic lipase, an enzyme which breaks down fat molecules. Dandelion slashes pancreatic lipase activity, leading to a greater excretion of fat.

Dandelion’s effect on bone health show individual nutritional components contribute to the maintenance of strong, healthy bones.  Dandelion greens are a good source of calcium and vitamin K, both of which are associated with the prevention of bone loss.  Inulin also supports healthy bones through improved digestion and the promotion of healthy gut bacteria.  The antimicrobial properties in Dandelion can help stop the growth of disease-causing bacteria and was especially effective against certain strains of bacteria that are responsible for staph infections and food-borne illness.

Dandelion promotes eye health because it is jam-packed with vitamin A, fulfilling 112 percent daily requirements in each cup. Vitamin A is an important nutrient to eye health because a vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness.  A higher intake of vitamin A is linked to a significantly lower risk of age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that causes vision loss.  Including Dandelion greens in your diet help keep your eyes healthy and promote better vision.

Dandelion Tincture Dosage:  1/2 to 1 dropperful 3 times daily.

Nutritious, Antioxidant and Cell Protection

√  Anti-Aging

√  Antioxidant

√  Bone - Strength and Health

√  Cancer - Reduce Growth

√  Cell Protection

√  Eye - Health

√  Free Radical Prevention

√  Gut - Healthy Bacteria

√  Liver Health

√  Nutritious

√  Weight Loss

 

Dandelion Salad

1 cup young Dandelion greens  (wash and trim all vegetables)

1/2 cup little gem lettuce

1/4 cup spiced pickled beets or plain pickled beets

1/4 cup mushrooms

3 TBS chopped yellow pepper

2 TBS watercress

1/4 thinly sliced sweet onion

Optional:  Nasturtium Flowers (Tastes peppery, complimenting watercress and makes a lovely salad addition)

1 TBS pine nuts

1/2 TBS balsamic vinegar (drizzle on salad, then add salad dressing)

Salad Dressing - Blend in Blender:

6 TBS Olive Oil

2 TBS White Wine Vinegar

3 TBS finely chopped white onion

1 tsp honey

1/2 tsp mustard powder