Dandelion

Dandelion

Fresh dandelion greens are awesome! They have a great flavor, mild but almost slightly bitter in taste. Often times, they grow right on your front lawn, and yes, they are edible! They are loaded with nutrition such as high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin E.

As powerful healers, dandelions have been used to purify the blood, settle digestion, prevent gall stones and other maladies. The greens of the dandelion are so potent, they provide up to 535% of the recommended daily value of vitamin K, which may be the most important source of any other plant-based food to strengthen bones, but may also play a role in fighting Alzheimer’s disease by limiting neuron damage in the brain!

Dandelion greens also give the body 112 percent of the daily minimum requirement of vitamin A as an antioxidant carotenoid, which is particularly good for the skin, mucus membranes and vision. A flavonoid called Zeaxanthin protects the retinas from UV rays, while others, primarily Carotene, Lutein, and Cryptoxanthin, protect the body from lung and mouth cancers.

One cup of dandelion greens contains:

25 calories
42 milligrams of sodium
218 milligrams of potassium
5 grams of carbohydrates
7 percent dietary fiber
535 percent vitamin K
111 percent vitamin A
32 percent vitamin C
5 percent vitamin B6
10 percent calcium
9 percent iron
5 percent magnesium

Immense Cancer Fighter

Dandelions are fantastic cancer fighters from lung and mouth cancer, to breast, prostate and internal cancers, this super powerful weed packs a wallop of healing. It has the ability to reduce or even kill cancer cells!

Infection Fighter

Some people use dandelion to treat infection, especially viral infections. It’s also used as a skin toner, blood tonic and digestive tonic.

Natural Diuretic

Diuretic properties of dandelion greens make them useful for promoting urine production and reducing symptoms of some liver, gallbladder and kidney conditions.

Immunity Booster

Dandelion greens inhibit Interleukins and other immune molecules that trigger inflammation, which makes it a great anti-inflammatory food!

Need more benefits? Dandelion greens are high in fiber, which helps your body shed waste. These greens also contain vitamins C and B6, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, iron (crucial for generating red blood cells), potassium (to help regulate heart rate and blood pressure), and manganese. Other nutrients present in dandelion greens include folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.

Juiced or Extracted

One of the most potent raw liquids you can ingest, dandelion greens will cure just about anything that ails you!

Cooked

Dandelion greens can be chopped up and used as a garnish or an addition to a sauce, or they can be eaten raw or cooked into a great dish that is healthy and delicious. You do have to know how to prepare them to neutralize the slight bitter taste, but when done right, they are amazing!

Made into a Broth or Tea

You can use the dandelion root, stems and flowers to make a delicious and super-healthy tea. There are many varieties of dandelion, but the common dandelion is scientifically known as Taraxacum Officinale. In terms of history, the plant is believed to have evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia.

There’s Nutrition in That Lawn of Yours!

Many people try to get rid of dandelions as they grow in our yards, but don’t be so hasty! The dandelion plant is actually a beneficial weed that brings nutrients to the top of the soil, helping shallow-rooted plants and adding minerals and nitrogen to the soil. It also attracts pollinating insects and releases ethylene gas that helps the fruit ripen.

How to Pick and Use Dandelions

Before you go picking, here are some useful tidbits. Of course, you can also find bunches of dandelion plants in your local health food store or specialty store.  That said, if you wish to pick your own dandelions, make sure to observe the following:

• Avoid areas where weed-killer may have been sprayed. You don’t want to consume the nasty chemicals found in weed-killer!
• Also try to pick from an area that is free from pollution, too. You want to look for the younger and tender plants, which are less bitter.
• If you plan on using the roots, dig down deep and pull up the entire mass, as sometimes it’s attached to several stems. Clean it with water until all of the dirt is removed. You can use the raw root to make tea or roast the root to even make a type of coffee alternative!
• Once you’re ready to eat your dandelions, make sure to wash them thoroughly.
• To store the greens, wrap them in a paper towel and place them in your vegetable crisper. They’ll last as long as up to 10 days depending on your refrigerator.
• Dandelion greens can be sauteed, boiled or even eaten raw. Throw them into a salad or make a healing juice elixir for vibrant health!

There is nothing quite the the power of dandelions for optimal health. Cook them, juice them, throw them into a salad or brew them into a tea. Whatever you choose, you will load your body with top nutrition!