Starting the mornings drinking a tea or infusion is becoming more and more common, due to the variety of flavors and as coffee substitutes, there are many plants that we can try that also have medicinal properties, such as dandelion tea.
Dandelion is an easy-to-grow herb; it can even be found in gardens, patios and lawns and occurs in various parts of the world. Its botanical name is Taraxacum officinale and it is attributed antioxidant properties and reduces inflammation.
Almost all of the leaves, flowers and roots of the dandelion plant are used due to their multiple concentrations of nutrients; However, the stem is less used due to its bitter taste.
It is a plant full of vitamins, as described by dietitian Nancy Geib, in a work published in Cleveland Clinicdetailing the benefits of consuming dandelion tea.
Dandelion tea contains vitamins and minerals, including: Vitamins A, C, and K, folate, calcium, and potassium.
The specialist emphasizes the diuretic qualities of this tea. “Dandelion tea is known to be a bulking diuretic, gently activating the digestive and liver and bile detoxification systems.”
It also explains that “dandelion tea made from the root has a stronger liver detoxifying effect than the leaves.”
Dandelion root helps eliminate acne or other skin disorders, the main cause of which is a stagnant liver.
Geib explains the main benefits of dandelion tea: they act as an antioxidant, reduce inflammation, help blood pressure and serve to control blood sugar.
Properties of drinking dandelion tea
- By having antioxidants it increases the body’s defenses against free radicals, which can cause damage to your body at the cellular level.
Dandelion contains high amounts of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect against cellular damage and oxidative stress.
Furthermore, it is a source of polyphenolswhich are anti-inflammatory, can also help with heart health.
It helps reduce inflammation by containing polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that dandelion can reduce inflammation, cites the Cleveland Clinic.
The nutritionist adds that “dandelions also contain taraxasterol, a compound known to have important antioxidant properties that combat inflammation by regulating white blood cells and repressing them from causing unnecessary inflammation.”
- It also helps manage blood pressure, largely due to the potassium levels found in tea.
He explains that potassium interacts with the kidney, which helps eliminate excess sodium in the body. Additionally, it helps reduce tension on the walls of blood vessels, improving cardiovascular health.
- Dandelion is attributed with properties that help regulate lipid and sugar metabolism. “Dandelion root benefits the body by improving digestion and inhibiting lipase activity, known to reduce fat absorption, which can promote weight loss,” says Geib.
Geig clarifies that weight loss is due to water loss and not fat loss.
Research cited by the specialist shows that dandelions can “help reduce triglyceride levels, which are as bad as having high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.”
How to drink dandelion tea
The specialist’s recommendation is to drink a cup two or three times a day. Starting the habit by drinking a cup in the morning and then increasing the dose progressively.
Due to its diuretic properties, when you start drinking the tea it can increase urination.
They also recommend long-term use of dandelion for best results. Before starting to drink dandelion tea, it is recommended to consult your trusted doctor.
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