Dandelion Leaf 1 oz
1. Highly nutritious
From root to flower, dandelions are highly nutritious plants loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins.
What’s more, dandelion greens provide a substantial amount of several minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
2. Contains potent antioxidants
Dandelion is full of potent antioxidants, which may explain many of its medicinal properties.
Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize free radicals — molecules that are a product of normal metabolism but contribute to chronic disease risk if levels get too high in your body. Therefore, antioxidants are crucial for keeping your body healthy.
Dandelions contain high levels of the antioxidant beta carotene, which may protect against cell damage and oxidative stress.
They’re also rich in another type of antioxidants called polyphenols, which are found mostly in the flower but occur in the roots, leaves, and stems as well.
3. May help fight inflammation
Dandelion may reduce inflammation, thanks to certain compounds such as polyphenols.
Inflammation is a normal immune system response to injury or infection. However, long-term inflammation may lead to permanent damage to your body’s tissues and DNA.
Some test-tube studies note significantly reduced markers of inflammation in cells treated with compounds extracted from dandelion.
One study inflammatory lung disease showed a significant reduction of lung inflammation in those that received dandelion
4. May aid in blood sugar management
Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds in dandelion that may help decrease blood sugar levels.
These compounds may improve the secretion of insulin — a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels — as well as the absorption of glucose (sugar) in your muscles.
This process leads to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar levels.
In some animal studies, chicoric and chlorogenic acid also limited the digestion of starchy, high carb foods, which may further contribute to dandelion’s ability to lower blood sugar levels.
5. May reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Some compounds in dandelion may decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels, both of which are key risk factors for heart disease.
In one test-tube study, dandelion leaf and root extract decreased triglyceride accumulation in fat cells.
Similarly, a 4-week animal study showed that administering dandelion leaf extract significantly reduced levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides.
6. May lower blood pressure
Dandelion may reduce blood pressure.
Traditional herbal medicine uses dandelion for its diuretic effect based on the belief that it can detoxify certain organs.
In Western medicine, diuretic medications are used to rid the body of excess fluid, which may help decrease blood pressure levels.
Dandelion also contains potassium, a mineral associated with decreased blood pressure in those with previously elevated levels.
7. May promote liver health
Some animal studies suggest that dandelion may protect against liver damage and disease.
Other studies have shown that dandelion may reduce levels of excess fat stored in the liver and safeguard against oxidative stress.
8. May aid weight loss
Some research indicates that dandelions and their compounds may support weight control. Some researchers suggest that dandelion’s ability to improve carbohydrate metabolism and reduce fat absorption may lead to weight loss.
9. May support healthy digestion and treat constipation
Dandelion is often used in traditional medicine to treat constipation and improve digestive health.
10. May boost immune health
Some research indicates that dandelion may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which may support your body’s ability to fight infection.
11. May be a useful skin care treatment
Dandelion may protect against skin damage caused by sunlight, aging, and acne.
Additionally, older research indicates that dandelion extract may reduce skin inflammation and irritation while increasing hydration and collagen production.
12. May support healthy bones
Some of its individual nutrients contribute to the maintenance of strong, healthy bones.
Dandelion greens are a good source of calcium and vitamin K, both of which play a key role in bone health.
This suggests that eating more leafy greens such as dandelion greens may help prevent bone loss.
Inulin, a fiber found in dandelion root, may also support healthy bones by improving digestion and gut health.
Additionally, some research suggests that the antioxidants in dandelion and other greens play a key role in bone health and protect against bone loss by decreasing oxidative stress.
However, available data suggests the following dosages for different forms of dandelion:
- Fresh leaves: 4–10 grams daily
- Dried leaves: 4–10 grams daily