24/05/2022
What is dandelion tea?
When most people think of dandelions, what usually comes to their mind is a sea of annoying yellow flowers invading their lawn but there is more to this flower that meets the eye. For thousands of years, dandelions have been used in a variety of herbal preparations to improve health. Dandelions are packed with healthy nutrients, ranging from sterols and flavonoids to carotenoids, sesquiterpenes, vitamins, and minerals. Many of these powerful organic compounds have significant effects on the body, which has made this particular beverage a common choice for herbal practitioners. So, the next time you are weeding your garden (provided you havenât used any pesticides on the plants), pluck some of those pesky dandelions and put them to good use.
There are two different types of this beverage, and they can be consumed either hot or cold.
Dandelion leaf tea is an infusion made from the leaves of a dandelion plant. Whereas dandelion root tea is made from roasted dandelion roots.
Both have similar nutritional benefits and are considered safe to drink.
You can brew dandelion tea at home, from the plant. Or else you can buy it ready-to-brew as dandelion tea bags.
Benefits of dandelion tea:
Dandelion tea contains a number of nutrients which could be beneficial to your health. One of these is vitamin A which is important for numerous bodily processes, including normal vision, the immune system, reproduction and the normal functioning of the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.
So what is dandelion tea good for? Here we represent dandelion tea benefits for our health.
Full of VITAMINS and MINERALS:
For a plant often considered a nuisance, dandelion packs a healthy punch. One ounce of dandelion greens contains the following, according to the USDA:
âĸ Vitamin K: 184% Daily Value (DV)
âĸ Vitamin C: 11% DV
âĸ Vitamin E: 7% DV
âĸ Vitamin A: 16% DV
âĸ Calcium: 4% DV
âĸ Iron: 5% DV
âĸ Potassium: 2% DV
âĸ Magnesium: 2% DV
âĸ Zinc: 1% DV
Has Potential ANTI-CANCER Properties:
Here's the most promising news: Dandelions might have anti-cancer properties, per MSKCC.
For instance, dandelion root extract blocked the invasion of breast cancer cells and dandelion leaf extract blocked prostate cancer cells in a May 2008 study conducted in a lab, published in the International Journal of Oncology. This gives some indication that dandelion root might play a role in preventing prostate or breast cancer cell growth.
A CAFFEINE-FREE alternative hot drink:
It is well known that too much caffeine is not good for us and so you might be looking to cut down on how much you drink each day. Try swapping out some of your usual teas or coffees for a herbal dandelion tea instead â it makes a great alternative. There are lots of signs that you might be consuming too much caffeine including increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping and staining of the teeth
Dandelion tea supports your IMMUNUE SYSTEM:
Dandelion tea is a good source of vitamin C which helps to support the normal functioning of the immune system. It is important to keep your immune system healthy, especially during the winter months, to help avoid catching seasonal colds and flu which can make you ill.
Dandelion tea helps to protect the LIVER:
Dandelion root is an excellent source of antioxidants which help to protect the body from oxidative stress and cell damage. Some of these antioxidants have a protective effect on the liver, helping to protect it from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Polysaccharides contained in dandelion help to remove stress on the liver as well as supporting the normal production of bile.
Builds Strong BONES:
Dandelion tea also possesses measurable amounts of essential minerals, including calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, all of which are needed by the body to create strong bones and prevent the onset of osteoporosis. As we age, bone mineral density begins to decrease, causing bones and joints to weaken, leading to an inability to perform certain physical activities as well as a lower quality of life. Constant mineral supplementation is crucial to keep you feeling young and physically fit as you age.
DETOXIFIES the Body:
One of the reasons people reach for dandelion tea is to help detoxify their liver and make their body function back on track. Dandelion tea is a powerful diuretic, which will help the body eliminate toxins more rapidly and improve healthy kidney function. Furthermore, dandelion tea also increases the concentration of certain detoxifying enzymes in the liver, so if youâve been running yourself down, grab a cup of this healthy tea!
WEIGHT Loss:
Early research on the complex mix of organic compounds in dandelion tea has shown that it can have certain anti-obesity effects by suppressing various fat-metabolizing enzymes, preventing them from taking that fat into the body. On top of this, the diuretic effects of this tea also help eliminate water weight and bloating, which can be frustrating for anyone trying to lose weight.
Prevents CHRONIC Diseases:
The rich blend of antioxidants found in dandelion tea, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and sesquiterpenes can all help the body eliminate free radicals. This minimizes oxidative stress, which is a major cause of chronic illnesses, including cancer. By neutralizing these free radicals, this tea can help strengthen the immune system and improve your overall health and wellness.
Boosts CIRCULATION:
One of the most important minerals in our body is iron, and it serves a number of important purposes. Most notably, it is needed to produce red blood cells, and without it, we may suffer from anaemia, characterized by weakness, cognitive issues, and fatigue. The iron found in dandelion tea can prevent this condition and improve circulation, ensuring that different parts of the body are properly oxygenated for maximal function.
Balances BLOOD SUGAR:
For people suffering from diabetes, maintaining a stable level of blood sugar is crucial for a healthy life. According to a study published in the Review of Diabetic Studies, dandelion has been considered a key anti-diabetic plant because of its anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, research on this effect is limited, but the early results are very encouraging for those trying to manage diabetic symptoms.
Improves DIGESTION:
The various compounds found in dandelion tea act as a diuretic, laxative, and a digestive stimulant, while also causing a release of extra bile. This can help speed up digestion and make it more efficient, thus eliminating symptoms of constipation, bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, and even haemorrhoids. Given how important the stomach is to our overall health and immune system function, optimizing the activities in our gut may be one of the most important benefits of this tea.
Reduces INFLAMATION:
Some people have praised dandelion tea for its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly on aching joints, headaches, and overall muscle tenderness. The antioxidants and other active compounds in this tea reduce pain and inflammation in affected tissues, while also helping to regulate circulation and water balance.
Prevents UTI (urinary tract infections):
For many people around the world, urinary tract infections are a frequent and endlessly irritating problem, but dandelion tea presents an effective remedy or preventative measure. The increased urination associated with dandelion teaâs diuretic action can help to clean out the kidney and urinary tract regularly, making it more difficult for a UTI to take hold.
Nature is a gift. Make sure to use it as much as you can. Health is what you eat and drinkđŋđŧâī¸đĒ´đąđđ
