Can you Detox with Dandelions?
Although dandelion is often looked at as a stubborn lawn weed, dandelion has been used in many forms of traditional medicine for centuries. Dandelion leaves, roots, and flowers have been shown to offer health benefits. These benefits may include promoting liver health and fighting inflammation. Not only can the leaves, roots, and flowers add a pop of color to your dinner plate, but they are also found in many herbal teas and supplements, to support blood sugar management, boost liver and heart health, and maintain a healthy weight.
In this blog post we will explore the potential health benefits of dandelion, along with where it can be found, and how it can be cooked.
Highly nutritious
Dandelions are highly nutritious plants loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When they are eaten, they provide an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. Dandelions also provide a substantial amount of minerals including magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium. When you eat the root of the dandelion plant, it helps support and maintain healthy gut bacteria in your digestive tract.
May help fight inflammation
Inflammation is a normal response in the body to injury or infection. Some studies found significantly reduced markers of inflammation in cells treated with the dandelion extract. Although more human research is still needed on the effects of dandelion and its anti-inflammatory properties, dandelions may reduce inflammation at the root of many chronic diseases.
Eating or drinking dandelion will strengthen your health
Dandelions are great in supporting the immune system. The root of dandelion has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, both which help your body fight off short term and long term illnesses. Flu season is never fun for anyone. For those who have been struck by influenza, sipping on some dandelion tea during flu season may help your body stay healthy and fight off the virus. Research shows that results show a positive result that dandelions can cut down flu time.
Helps with detoxification
Dandelions transform our bodies through detoxification and deep nutrition. Dandelion stems and roots stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin, which in turn, stabilizes blood sugar levels. If you have digestive problems, or need to get rid of toxins, slip into the habit of incorporating dandelion into your regular diet.
Where can I buy dandelions?
Dandelions grow sporadically from early spring to late fall. They are most popular in the months of May and June. They can often be purchased at Asian-food stores, farmers markets, or wholefood stores such as Sprouts. When purchasing dandelions, look for firm leaves with thin stems. Dandelions with wimp or wilted stems or leaves should be avoided.
How to store dandelions
Rinse dandelions in cool water and let them dry thoroughly in a paper towel. Once dry, add them to a damp paper towel and store them in a ziploc bag and put them in the vegetable drawer of the fridge. This will keep them fresh and allow them to last for a few days.
How to prepare dandelions
The leaves can be prepared much like any other leafy vegetable such as spinach or arugula. The young leaves of dandelions can be eaten raw, added to smoothies or salads, or sauteed in a stir fry. If you have digestive issues, we recommend first, boiling a pot of water. As soon as the water is boiling, turn off the stove, throw in your dandelions, and quickly take them out to avoid killing all of the nutrients. If you prefer to saute the dandelions into a stir fry, once again do not fully cook the dandelion because it will kill off all of the nutrients. You can also add dandelions to your favorite soup. Once your soup is ready and you have your stove turned off, add the dandelions and enjoy!
Sol Nutritions supplements
Both Healthy Liver and Daily Detox contain the popular herb of dandelion. The herbs in Healthy Liver improve the production of liver enzymes which aid in detoxing your liver. A strong liver promotes healthy metabolism and encourages weight management. Dandelion is a widely used herb for detoxing purposes, deserving its spot in the Daily Detox formula. This herbal formula helps your body detoxify each day that it is used. This formula contains detoxifying enzymes that help with supporting regular bowel movements, clearing the skin and eyes, while giving you a full body cleanse.
The bottom line
Traditional forms of medicine have relied on dandelions for centuries due to the numerous nutritional health benefits. The nutrients in dandelions offer protection to many health conditions. Dandelions can help you meet your health goals, from healthy digestion to lowering blood sugar, to supporting your immune system. At Sol Nutrition, we believe in making healthy lifestyle choices a feasible reality. Take the step to a healthy and happier you with Sol Nutritions Healthy Liver and Daily Detox.