Dandelion
Today I want to talk about dandelion. This “weed” is probably in everyone’s yard and is known as a complete and utter nuisance. Upon my research I found out that there is an AMAZING list of health benefits that come from consuming this plant. Let’s read:
* Prevents or cures liver diseases, such as hepatitis or jaundice
* Acts as a tonic and gentle diuretic to purify your blood
* Cleanses your system
* Dissolve kidney stones while improving gastro-intestinal health
* Assists in weight reduction
* Cleanses your skin and eliminates acne
* Improves your bowel function, working equally well to relieve both constipation and diarrhea
* Prevents or lowers high blood pressure
* Prevents or cures anemia
* Lowers your serum cholesterol by as much as half
* Eliminates or drastically reduces acid indigestion and gas buildup by cutting the heaviness of fatty foods
* Prevents or cures various forms of cancer
* Prevents or controls diabetes mellitus
* Has no negative side effect
WOW! Let’s say you’re skeptical that it’s a miracle plant. All that really matters is it is edible, tasty and free, right? Nothing else to lose so why not do your own research with your body through time. I recently harvested some of it in my backyard and added it to my grilled cheese. It was delicious!
In the holistic world, dandelion is very well-respected. It’s botanical name is Taraxacum Officinale, which means “The Official Remedy for Disorder”. In Chinese herbal medicine, it is one of the top herbs used to treat all ailments.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of spinach vs. dandelion. As you can see, dandelion wins by a long-shot in nutrition! So why is spinach known as the super food and dandelion a weed? Oh I know, because there is no financial gain off a plant that grows wild. Instead let’s market how to kill it and make money off of pesticides!
Beyond being its own holistic powerhouse, it’s important to know that you can use all parts of this plant. Read below:
* Young leaves can be used as a unique, local alternative to spinach or salad greens and are rich in vitamin A.
* Flowers can be a colorful addition to a fresh salad, cooked in fritters, or made into a summery dandelion wine.
* Roots are most commonly used for medicinal purposes but can also be used for making a caffeine-free alternative to coffee.
As you can see, this plant has seemingly endless health benefits. Try it out for yourself! You’ll save money and be healthier! Win-win situation.
Anonymous
look at the nutritional facts. do you think it matters that the sample size for the spinach is 30 g, yet for the dandelion, it is almost twice that, 55g???
Anonymous
@Anonymous,
if you compare ratios for certain minerals the dandelions still have a much higher ratio of them, sometimes several time that of the spinach, not saying that on a unit basis spinach may best dandelions in a few nutrients.