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Can You Eat Dandelions?

dandelion tea

The ever unpopular dandelion. When most of us see this bright yellow flower growing amongst a sea of green, we want to hurriedly run over and rip it from its ugly head. Dandelions seem to creep up out of nowhere and grow just about anywhere here in Kansas and Missouri. To most of us, they are a nuisance. But did you know there is more to this obnoxious bright little flower than just an annoying, hard-to-control weed? Dandelions have been around for centuries and long before you and me, they were used for a multitude of purposes including medicinal. In many other countries, they still are frequently used to treat ailments such as cancer, acne, liver disease, and digestive disorders.

The Health Benefits of Dandelions

dandelions in a saladFrom root to tip, dandelions are edible. These colorful yet stubborn weeds are highly nutritious. They can be eaten cooked or raw and serve as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They create high amounts of vitamins K, A, and C and contain vitamins B and E. What’s more, dandelions also have large amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. If that’s not enough to make you want to start adding them to your diet, they are also full of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to neutralize and prevent the negative effects of the bad things our bodies are exposed to. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants is said to help lower your risk for chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

The health benefits of eating dandelions are endless. Aside from the number of vitamins and minerals each pesky little flower contains, they offer the following health benefits when ingested:

They Help Fight Inflammation

Inflammation is one of your body’s natural responses to illness. However, too much inflammation can lead to permanent damage to your body’s tissues and DNA. Studies have shown that dandelion consumption can significantly reduce inflammation caused by disease.

Reduce cholesterol

Some of the bioactive compounds found in dandelions may lower cholesterol, which may decrease your risk for heart disease.

Lower Blood Pressure

Due to their diuretic effect and potassium content, dandelions may help lower blood pressure.

Promote Healthy Liver

Animal studies have found that dandelions have a profound effect on the liver tissue in the presence of toxic substances and stress.

Fight Cancer

Several studies have shown that leaf extract from dandelions leads to the slowing of cancer cells in the liver, colon, and pancreatic tissue. While more research is needed, this could be ground-breaking for cancer patients.

Support Healthy Digestion and Treat Constipation

Herbal medicine has been using dandelions to treat constipation and other digestive issues for many years.

Boost Immune System

Some research indicates that dandelion may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which could support your body’s ability to fight infection.

Support Healthy Bones

Dandelion greens are a good source of calcium and vitamin K, both of which are associated with bone loss prevention.

Helping in Controlling Blood Sugar

Chicory and chlorogenic acids are two bioactive compounds found in dandelions and have been proven to aid in controlling blood sugar.

Skincare Treatment

Research indicates that dandelion extracts, especially leaf and flower extracts, may help protect against dangerous UVB rays, which can cause premature aging.

Dandelion leaves, stems, and flowers can be eaten cooked or raw. Unlike many vegetables, the dandelion will not lose any vitamins or nutrients when cooked. There are plenty of recipes found on the internet, and many people grind them up to make coffee or tea. Its also available in dietary supplements but like with anything you ingest, you should always talk to a doctor first.

Stop Dandelions From Ruining the Look of Your Kansas or Missouri Lawn or Landscape Beds

dandelions in a field Still, if you are like most of us, you find these yellow flowers popping up everywhere to be a pain in the butt. That’s where Quality All-Care comes in. If you’re not ready yet to start pulling out dandelions from your yard and ingesting them, we offer effective pre-emergent weed control for your landscape beds. And because the best way to have a weed-free landscape is through preventative measures, now is the perfect time to call the professional team at Quality. Our bed weed control will help you prevent and stop dandelions and other weeds from stealing valuable nutrients from your flowers and other vegetation.

Want to stop them from creeping up on your lawn? Our seven application lawn care program includes weed control to help keep these bothersome weeds from growing in your yard. Spring is quickly approaching, so don’t delay. Contact us now to learn more about either of these programs and request a quote. Or give us a call at 913-914-8895. For more tips and fun ideas, check out our other blog articles.