Dandelion Tea Is Good For Digestion
Dandelion tea can have a positive effect on our digestive system.
It helps to maintain the normal flow of bile, as well as helping with mineral absorption and soothing the stomach lining.11
Dandelion helps to stimulate digestion and aid constipation. It also contains inulin, which acts as a prebiotic, helping to promote the growth of good bacteria in the stomach.12
Dandelion has also been used historically to improve appetite. The bitter constituents which increase the flow of bile can also act as an appetite stimulant.13
Dandelion Root Tea Recipe
If you cant find dandelion tea at your local store, you can easily go out and make your own. For fresh dandelion tea make sure that no herbicides or pesticides have been used on the area before picking the flowers.
· Place six flowers or leaves in a cup.
· Add hot water and let steep for 15-20 minutes.
· Enjoy
The Roots
For those who enjoy a heartier coffee-like brew, skip the delicate flowers and go straight for the root.
· Wash and chop the root.
· Roast on low in the oven for 2 hours.
· Add one teaspoon to your cup.
· Pour on hot water.
· Let steep for ten minutes.
· Enjoy.
Sunny And Bright Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea is a delicious herbal tea that can bring sunshine into your world. The vibrant flowers look stunning as they brew in hot water and infuse endless health benefits. You can also opt for dandelion leaf or root teas if you prefer stronger flavors. Dandelion tea can also be blended with other teas such as turmeric or green tea to create new flavors. Pour yourself a delicious cup of dandelion tea and soak in the health benefits.
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Is Dandelion Good For You As A Food Source
You can enjoy the dandelion plant’s roots, leaves, and flowers.
Nutritionally, a cup of cooked dandelion greens has almost 150 milligrams of calcium and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.
Just because a remedy is thought to be “natural” does not necessarily mean that it’s safe. Some “wild-crafted” dandelion products may have been grown in areas contaminated with heavy metals or other pollutants.
Choose supplements produced in labs and certified by third-party authorities like the U.S. Pharmacopeia , ConsumerLab, or NSF International.
Dandelion easily absorbs pesticides and heavy metals, such as:
- Lead
- Copper
- Cadmium
It also absorbs other harmful substances from the environment. It is usually not a good idea to eat wild dandelion if the purity of the soil, water, and air is unknown, such as near:
- Roads
- Barbecue grills
Has Been Used In Cancer Research
The ability to combat cancer is not a claim made lightly, but dandelion seems to show promise in studyafter studyafter study. Dandelion may slow cancer’s growth and prevent it from spreading.
The leaves are especially rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients which combat cancer. Dandelion root extract, on the same note, has shown its ability to induce apoptosis or cell death in prostate and pancreatic cells.
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The 19 Best Prebiotic Foods You Should Eat
Prebiotics are a form of dietary fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut.
This allows your gut bacteria to produce nutrients for your colon cells, which leads to a healthier digestive system (
Some of these nutrients include short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, acetate, and propionate .
These fatty acids can be absorbed into your bloodstream and improve metabolic health .
However, prebiotics shouldnt be confused with probiotics.
Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements. To learn more about the difference between prebiotics and probiotics, read this article.
Read on to explore 19 healthy prebiotic foods to add to your grocery list.
Chicory root comes from a flowering plant in the dandelion family. Its popular for its coffee-like flavor and has historically been used in cooking and medicine.
Its also a great source of prebiotics.
Approximately 68% of chicory root fiber comes from the prebiotic fiber inulin .
It may also help prevent diabetes by raising levels of adiponectin, a protein that helps control blood glucose levels .
Additionally, chicory root is high in antioxidant compounds that may protect your liver from oxidative damage .
Summary
Chicory root is often used as a caffeine-free coffee replacement. Its inulin fiber promotes friendly gut bacteria, reduces constipation, and can help control glucose levels.
They contain 1.92 grams of fiber per 1 cup .
Drink Dandelion Tea For Weight Loss
What are the benefits of Dandelion Tea when it comes to fitting into your favourite trousers again? For starters, an average serving has no more than 25 calories, making it an excellent alternative to sugary and fatty soft drinks. But theres more. According to a 2008 Korean study published in the Journal of Nutrition Research and Practice, it has a similar effect as the weight loss drug Orlistat.
It reportedly functions by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme released during digestion to break down fat. Additionally, it acts as a Diuretic Tea that increases urine output and leads to decreased water weight. Its nevertheless vital to note that Dandelion Tea benefits arent going to do all of the hard work for you. Youll have to continue exercising and eating well to see truly noticeable results.
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May Help Stabilize Blood Sugars
According to Ritieni, some studieslike this one from 2016look at the effects of dandelion in those with type 2 diabeteshave shown that dandelion tea may help to moderate or regulate blood sugar levels and to improve insulin tolerance. If youre looking to keep your blood sugar in check, dandelion tea may offer the added boost youve been looking for. Dr. Nesheiwat agrees. Its been shown to reduce blood sugar, she says. However, she warns, Its not a substitute for your medicine, but sometimes you can reduce the amount of medicine you take if you incorporate it into your diet. Before you change your medication regimen, though, she advises speaking with your doctor.
Health Benefits Of The Common Dandelion Plant
What’s better than a plant that gives wishes when you puff its fluff? A plant that provides health benefits! Dandelion is excellent food and medicine!
Dandelion is most often thought of as a pesky weed that takes over our lawns and gardens.
They overwhelm meadows, soccer fields, and are the bane of golf courses. They even pop up in cracked sidewalks and pavement.
Dandelion is invasive and pervasive. Lucky for us, it’s also excellent food and herbal medicine anyone can find, grow, and put to use.
It has been used in traditional Chinese healing for breast concerns, appendicitis, and stomach problems. Native Americans boil and drink dandelion extract to help treat digestion problems, skin ailments, inflammation, liver injury, kidney disease, and heartburn.
Early Europeans used it to remedy diabetes, high fever, and diarrhea.
Dandelion is a very rich source of beta-carotene which we convert into vitamin A. This flowering plant is also rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.
It’s a good place to get B complex vitamins, trace minerals, organic sodium, and even some vitamin D, too. Dandelion also contains protein, more than spinach.
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How Can You Make Dandelion Tea
You will need to collect dandelion roots and fresh dried dandelion leaves. Clean them, and boil the roots for 1-2 minutes in a saucepan filled with water on low heat. Add dandelion leaves and let the mixture boil for 10-15 minutes. For the flavor and aroma to really soak into the water, leave the mixture on low heat for another 20minutes. Then use a strainer and pour your tea into a cup. You can add drops of lemon, honey, sugar or mint and ginger to make it more flavorful. You can also use ready made dandelion tea leaves and tea bags available in online retail stores to save some hassle and time.
It May Inhibit Some Types Of Cancer
Burdock root, as it turns out, may not only purify the blood, but it may also inhibit certain types of cancer.
Research has also found that burdock had potent inhibitory effects on cancer growth caused by cancers like pancreatic carcinoma . Another study found burdock root significantly interfered with cancer cell growth.
While more research is needed to determine the full effects of burdock on different types of cancers and tumors, this is still a remarkable finding (1,
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Chemical Composition And Pharmacology
In order to understand the effects and benefits of dandelion tea, it is important to look at the plant itself. The chemical composition of the plant is outstanding some of the main and most important compounds found in this plant are actually the so-called bitter elements, taraxicin and taraxacerin. Studies conducted in the 1990s have shown that these elements are actually anti-inflammatory and have anti-cancer effects.
Other important compounds include
Dandelion leaf and root have been studied for years now, mostly because of such an impressive list of chemical compounds and composition.
Usually, the studies on this extraordinary plant have been focused on its health effects in regards to different immune-affecting diseases, cancer, digestion issues, and inflammations.
Nowadays, the plant is furthermore studied as a diuretic, inflammation modulator, anti-diabetic drug, and cancer-cells reducer. The studies usually focus on the consumption of the dandelion leaf in the form of tea, as well as the consumption of the root.
How To Make Dandelion Tea At Home
Making dandelion tea at home is very simple.
Just steep one tablespoon of dandelion stems or flowers, for 30 minutes, in five ounces of boiling water.
Strain the water and then the leftover liquid can be drunk.2
You can also roast the roots and stir these into hot water.
The taste may be quite bitter, so feel free to add a little honey to sweeten it up a bit.
Also, be sure that where you pick your dandelions has not previously been sprayed with any weedkiller, herbicides or pesticides.
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Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels
According to the World Health Organization, more than 420 million people worldwide have diabetes, and this number is expected to increase .
Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. Its caused by the inability of your body to produce or use insulin effectively.
Gymnema sylvestre is considered to have anti-diabetic properties.
As a supplement, it has been used in combination with other diabetes medications to lower blood sugar. Its also called gurmar, which is Hindi for destroyer of sugar .
Similar to its effects on your taste buds, Gymnema sylvestre can also block receptors in your intestines and thus sugar absorption, lowering your post-meal blood sugar levels.
Scientific proof of Gymnemas ability to lower blood sugar is insufficient to recommend it as a stand-alone diabetes medication. However, research shows strong potential.
Studies suggest that consuming 200400 mg of gymnemic acid reduces the intestinal absorption of the sugar glucose .
In one study, Gymnema appeared to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels .
The study concluded that reducing blood sugar after a meal resulted in a decrease in average blood sugar levels over time. This could help decrease long-term complications of diabetes .
Summary
Gymnema sylvestre has anti-diabetic properties and may lower your blood sugar levels after a meal.
Shortens The Length Of The Flu
Flu season is never any fun and for those who have been struck down by influenza, you may want to sip on some dandelion tea to help your body get fighting fit and back to normal. Dandelion extract has been studied to see if it can reduce virus levels. While this test was done in vitro and human studies are needed, the results did show a positive result that dandelion can cut down flu time without negative effects.
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Roasted Dandelion Root Tea Benefits Nutrition And Side Effects
Roasted dandelion root tea benefits have a lot. Roasted dandelion tea is an excellent source of potassium, a mineral, and electrolyte that stimulates the heartbeat. Potassium may help the kidney filter toxins more effectively and improve blood flow. The polysaccharides in dandelion are known to reduce stress on the liver and support its ability to produce bile.
May Be A Useful Skin Care Treatment
Animal and test-tube research notes that dandelion extract may protect against skin damage caused by sunlight, aging, and acne.
In one study, dandelion leaf and flower extracts prevented skin damage when applied just before or immediately after exposure to UVB radiation, which is the radiation you get from sunlight. Interestingly, dandelion root did not have the same effect .
An older test-tube study showed that dandelion root extract increased the generation of new skin cells, which may support your skins appearance as you age .
Additionally, older research indicates that dandelion extract may reduce skin inflammation and irritation while increasing hydration and collagen production. This may be useful in preventing and treating certain types of acne .
However, recent research on the effects of dandelion on skin health is lacking, and studies are limited to test tubes and animals.
Summary
Animal and test-tube studies suggest that dandelion may protect against skin damage caused by sun damage, aging, and acne. Further research in humans is needed.
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Does Dandelion Tea Have Tannins
Tannins in Tea are a class of astringent polyphenols. Known too as tannoids or tannic acid, they also exist in various naturally occurring substances. But in Black Tea, tannins provide a distinct bitter taste when brewed. Furthermore, they have antioxidant potential that contributes to innumerable health benefits. Still, there is a downside.
These chemical compounds can, in some cases, hinder digestion and metabolism. Despite such side effects being somewhat of a rarity, theyre enough to encourage certain individuals to search for alternatives. One alternative is Dandelion Tea due to its lack of tannins. Another is the South African favourite known as Rooibos Tea, which weve explored in a separate article.
Good Source Of Antioxidants
Vitamins and minerals are very important for the healthy functioning of our bodies. Dandelions are a good source of beta-carotene which gets converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that protects the cells in the body from free radicals. This helps strengthen the immune system and also helps to reduce the risk of heart disease or cancer. Studies have concluded that due to the presence of beta-carotene, cell damage can be reduced. Dandelion greens can be an excellent source of vitamin A, K and C.
The flowers of dandelion are rich in polyphenols. This micro-nutrient is antioxidant rich. Polyphenols help in reducing the risk of digestion issues, diabetes, weight management issues, neurodegenerative disease, and cardiovascular disease.
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Helps Urinary Tract Infections
The mashup of awesome antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties means that drinking dandelion tea is good for battling all kinds of infections and studies have shown that it can also help you to kick out urinary tract infections fast when combined with uva ursi. This is also linked to dandelion teas natural diuretic capabilities.
Reasons Why Dandelion Tea Should Be Your Favorite New Tea
Everyone loves to unwind at the end of the day with a piping hot cup of tea. So, why not unwind with a tea which is not only relaxing but also full of nutrients and antioxidants? The dandelion root has a long history of therapeutic and medicinal use. It is filled with antioxidants, is safe to consume daily, and the benefits of dandelion tea are many. Who knew that a simple yellow flower could do so much good to our bodies?
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May Help Reduce Fat Digestion
According to one study, dandelion exerts similar triglyceride-lowering and pancreatic lipase-inhibitory actions to the weight loss drug orlistat. To be clear, this preliminary study of obesity-related physiological pathways was preclinical in design, using in vitro cell culture and in vivo mouse models. So research in actual humans is needed before the leap is made for this flowers impact on overweight and obesity more broadly.
Pancreatic lipase is the body’s primary way of digesting and thus, absorbing fat, so reducing the actions of this enzyme in the gut may result in less fat absorption .
Bonus: Dandelion tea can act as a coffee substitute. While dandelion tea is caffeine-free, it has a similar aroma and flavor to coffee .
It’s a great natural alternative for those looking to reduce their coffee consumption.
Reduces Sugar Cravings By Making Sweet Foods Taste Less Appealing
Gymnema sylvestre can help reduce sugar cravings.
One of the primary active components in this plant is gymnemic acid, which helps suppress sweetness .
When consumed prior to a sugary food or beverage, gymnemic acid blocks the sugar receptors on your taste buds .
Research shows that Gymnema sylvestre extracts can reduce the ability to taste sweetness and thus make sweet foods less appealing .
In a study in fasted individuals, half were given Gymnema extract. Those who received the supplement had less appetite for sweet foods at a subsequent meal and were more likely to limit their food intake, compared to those not taking the extract .
Summary
Gymnemic acids in Gymnema sylvestre can block the sugar receptors on your tongue, decreasing your ability to taste sweetness. This can lead to reduced sugar cravings.
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