Dandelion Health Benefits

A Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Helps Improve Digestion and Heal Stomach Ailments

High In Beneficial Antioxidants

Repairs Liver Function

Lowers High Blood Pressure

Fights and Prevents Cancer Cell Growth

Relieves Inflammation in the Body

Helps to Manage Diabetes

Heals and Prevents Skin Conditions

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Boosts the Immune System

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Dandelion leaves are rich in Vitamins A, B, C, E and has the richest herbal source of viitamin K. The yellow lower tops in particular arehigh in Vitamin A and Vitamin B12. The green leaves of dandelion also contain a high amount of calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and zinc. Dandelion leaves are low in calories and a good source of dietary fiber; they also contain beneficial flavonoids such as carotene-β, carotene-α, lutein, crypto-xanthin and zea-xanthn. The roots of the dandelion contain a bitter crystalline compound, taraxacin, and an acrid resin, taraxacerin. The root also con tains inulin and levulin, all which have therapeutic properties. Dandelions are rich in many other vital vitamins such as folic acid, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and niacin.

Digestive and Stomach Aid
Dandelion promotes healthy digestion and acts as a mild laxative, and balances the natural and beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Dandelion can help with stomach and digestive upsets such as bloating and constepation. Dandelion helps to stimulate the liver to increase the output of bile in the liver, which in turn helps to remove waste from the body. Dandelion can also help to stimulate the appetite and helps body metabolism. Dandelion also acts as a natural diuretic which helps to remove excess water from the body. Dandelion absorbs and removes toxins from the body, balances intestinal flora, and soothes the entire digestive tract. Dandelion has bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties as well.

High in Beneficial Antixidants
Dandelion is filled with nutrients. Every part of the dandelion is rich in antioxidants that prevent free-radical damage to cells and DNA. These antioxidants slow down the aging process in the cells and support the immune system whenever it is under stress. Dandelion greens are rich in vitamin A as an antioxidant carotenoid, which is good for the skin, mucus membranes and vision. It also contains the beneficial antioxidant chicoric acid, and flavonoids such as zeaxanthi, carotene, lutein and cryptoxanthin which can protect the body from some cancers. Dandelion root and leaf could protect against oxidative stress and prevent damaage due to biological degeneration.

Improves Liver function
Dandelion helps by removing toxins and also reestablishes hydration by balancing electrolytes; it can also stimulate a sluggish or congested liver. Since dandelion is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin-C and Luteolin, it can benefits overall liver function and protect it from aging. Dandelion root provides a mild laxative effect; it increases bile production, relieves constipation, gas, bloating and other stomach upsets. The root may also relieve headaches and help to treat skin disorders such as boils and acne, and any ailment related to liver dysfunction. Dandelion may also boost the production of natural and healthy bacteria in the gastrointenstinal tract. Phenolic antioxidants in dandelion neutralize free radicals, which are reactive molecules that damage cells in the liver.

Relieves High Blood Pressure
The leaves and roots of the dandelion act as a diuretic which can help to effectively lower blood pressure. Using dandelion as a diuretic lowers the fluid in the bloodstream which releases pressure on the veins; this will naturally reduce blood pressure. Dandelion is also high in fiber and pottasium, both of which can help to regulate blood pressure as well.

Can Prevent or Slow the Growth of Cancer Cells
Dandelion helps to fight cancer by slowing its growth and preventing it from spreading. Dandelion fights off the cancer cells without killing off healthy cells. Dandelion causes apoptosis, or cell death, in cancer cells. It works by activating certain proteins needed for the cells to die. Dandelion leaves are especially rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that combat cancer. These antioxidants are needed to eliminate damaging free radicals and prevent cancer cells from growing. Dandelion extracts have been show to be active against pancreatic, colon, breast, prostrate and melanoma cancer cells.

Helps Relieve Infammation
Dandelion contains essential fatty acids and phytonutrients that can reduce swelling and inflammation throughout the body. The greens inhibit interleukins and other immune molecules that trigger the inflammation; it also controls inflammation by supressing COX-2 enzymes-the same molecules that non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs target. Dandelion greens act to reduce swelling that is the result of edema in soft tissue. The anti-inflammatory substances in dandelion can reduce pain and inflammation of fibroids as well.

Used to Manage Diabetes
Dandelion has been shown to help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, which can help manage diabetes. Dandelion can improve the health of those suffering from Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes. Dandelion stimulates insulin production from the pancrease which helps to keep blood sugar levels low. Aside from normalizing blood sugar levels, dandelion may also improve cholesterol which can improve diabetic symptoms as well. Dandelion is also beneficial to the liver and this can can help to improve sugar levels. Dandelion juice is high in potassium which is effective in lowering blood pressure by replacing sodium salt.

Treatment For Skin Conditions
Dandelion can help improve the condition of skin and heal several different skin ailments. Dandelion can be used to help balance hormones, cleanse the body of toxins and boost the immune system, all of which can help to heal acne, boils, and other skin infections. Dandelion root can help to detoxify the body which can help to clear pores and promote cleaner and clearer skin. Dandelion root is also high in vitamins A, B, C, and D as well as iron, potassium and zinc, all of which promote clear skin.

Helps Lower Cholesterol
Dandelion has been shown to help to lower and control cholesterol levels.The fiber in dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol and thereby assists lowering of blood pressure. Since dandelion increases the production of bile, it may assist with improving cholesterol metabolism. Dandelion may help normalize blood sugar levels and improve lipid profiles; this helps by lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL, which is the good cholesterol.

Beneficial Boost to the Immune System
Dandelion boosts immune system function and helps to fight off microbes and fungi. The roots of the dandelion plant in particular can be a mild stimulant to the immune system. Dandelion contains flavones, which is an antioxidant that helps improve the immune system's ability to fight off bacteria, viruses and the abnormal growth of cells. Since dandelion also helps to stimulate bile productios, this helps transport toxins out of the body, which in turn, may help support your body's natural immune response.

Dandelion Root Cleansing Herbal Benefits (video)

Dandelion Remedies and Applications (article)