The Effects And Benefits Of Drinking Dandelion Tea
Are you keen to understand the benefits of dandelion tea?
If so, keep reading.
Dandelion tea, sometimes called dandelion coffee (because of its black coloring), is made from the roots, flowers, or leaves of the dandelion plant.
But while you might think it’s just a yard-grown pesky weed, Dandelion Tea has been cultivated for its culinary benefits and used in several traditional medicines for centuries.
This annoying weed which grows easily in low–sunlight areas is common in North America. Taraxacum officinale is the most common species of this plant.
The ancient herbal medicine is tisane and comes out in two different types of beverages – the one which is an infusion of dandelion leaves and the other which is made up of dandelion root extract.
What Is Dandelion Root Tea?
This is made up of roasted dandelion roots, and is sometimes used as a ‘coffee substitute’ because of its resemblance to coffee in appearance and taste.
In addition, dandelion tea is full of nutrients. It is a good source of;
- Beta–carotene (Vitamin A)
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamin K, C, and E
Being a rich source of vitamins and minerals; it is one of the best herbal remedies to start your day off on the right foot.
And the Dandelion greens have several potential benefits.
This herbal tea is touted to have properties that aid in digestion and reduce inflammation (i.e. chronic inflammation).
Dandelion extract contains several potent antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and protects the body from cell damage and thus making it crucial for better health.
It has been used as neuropathic for liver detoxification that can help in improving liver function (by improving cell function).
Furthermore, the diuretic properties of dandelion extract help to drop water weight by reducing water retention in the body.
And it may also regulate blood sugar levels.
The 10 Natural Health Benefits Of Dandelion Tea
1. Promotes Liver Health
One of the benefits of dandelion tea is that it may promote liver health by reducing stress on the liver.
Dandelion root has long been used as “liver tonic” in holistic medicines as it may help the liver to detoxify potentially harmful benefits.
Polysaccharides present in dandelion tea support its ability to produce liver fluid (bile) and increase the bile flow which relieves symptoms of liver disease and also helps with skin and eyes problems.
In support of this, several animal studies have indicated that dandelions may protect the liver from damage, yet human research is needed.
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2 . Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels
Dandelion tea is a traditional Chinese medicine used to control type 2 diabetes.
This is because dandelion root tea maintains glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin production from the pancreas, controlling insulin resistance, and reducing oxidative stress.
Chicory and Chlorogenic acid help decrease blood sugar levels by limiting digestion of starchy and high carbohydrate food.
Several reviews of diabetic studies and the anti-diabetic properties of dandelion tea make its use safe for diabetic patients to control and treat diabetes.
Although, test–tube, and animal studies have shown improvement in insulin secretion yet further human-based scientific evidence is needed.
3. Boosts Immune System
Boosting the immune system is also one of the several benefits of this magnificent tea.
Dandelion tea has several antimicrobial and antiviral properties that may improve the body’s fighting ability against infections.
And as dandelion is a good source of vitamin C, it helps the immune system to fight against seasonal colds.
The presence of taraxasterol, which is known for its significant antioxidant properties, helps regulate white blood cells thus making dandelion tea an immunity booster.
Several test-tube studies have found that dandelions have the ability to reduce viruses’ ability to replicate, however, human-based research is needed.
4. Promotes Weight Loss
Dandelion tea benefits also include its anti–obese property.
The diuretic effect of dandelion tea may aid in weight loss.
This is because the high content of potassium contributes to the removal of water from the body and causes a significant increase in urine output which may be helpful in short–term weight loss.
Studies have also revealed that dandelion tea may lead to weight loss by improving carbohydrate metabolism and reducing fat absorption.
Furthermore, animal studies have also found that Chlorogenic acid present in dandelion tea can decrease fat accumulation and alter certain protein levels which are involved in weight control, this way it can aid in weight management.
And some Korean studies have revealed that dandelion tea has similar effects as the weight loss drug Orlistat, suggesting it as an anti-obesity beverage.
5. Improves The Digestive System
Dandelion tea has positive effects on how the digestive system works and several anecdotal pieces of evidence say dandelion soothes digestive ailments.
It has widely been used as a traditional medicine to improve appetite and treat constipation.
Studies have also revealed that dandelion tea may improve the digestive system by maintaining the proper flow of bile.
It helps with mineral absorption and soothes the stomach lining thus avoiding several health problems related to the digestive system.
Dandelion root is also good in prebiotic fiber inulin which supports bowel regularity, promotes movement of food through the digestive system by increasing the rate of stomach contractions, reduces constipation, and protects against hemorroids and diverticulitis.
6. Better Health Via Anti–Oxidant Properties
The yellow flower of the dandelion plant is best known for its antioxidant properties.
Dandelion extract contains several potent antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and protects the body from cell damage and thus making it crucial for better health.
Polyphenols (rich in dandelion flowers) and beta–carotene are the antioxidants present in dandelion which may reduce oxidative stress and also protect the body from cell damage.
Moreover, studies have found that polysaccharides from this plant have antioxidant activity.
The high levels of phenolic compounds in dandelion leaves also have antioxidant properties.
In short, the antioxidant properties of dandelion contribute to maintaining metabolism and help reduce risks of chronic diseases in the body.
7. Diuretic Effects
Dandelion tea is a natural diuretic, also known as “water pills”.
It helps control high blood pressure, encourages urination, and reduces water retention.
The diuretic effect of dandelion tea detoxifies certain organs and helps the body to get rid of excess fluid which may help decrease blood pressure, reduce the risk of kidney problems, bladder disorders, cysts formation, and also urinary tract infections.
Dandelion root extract can improve water balance and increase urine production by removing excess water which helps kidneys to clear out waste and salts.
This way it helps inhibit microbial growth in the urinary system and prevents urinary tract infections.
Dandelion tea is an excellent source of potassium so it may help the kidney filter toxins more effectively and improve blood flow.
8. Supports Bone Health
Dandelion is rich in vitamins (Vitamins B1, B2, E, K, PP, A, and C) and minerals including calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals promote strong bones.
Inulin fiber is a natural sorbent; it supports healthy bones by improving digestion.
This highly nutritious tea prevents bone loss by lowering blood levels of osteocalcin.
Regular intake of dandelion leaf tea improves the bone capacity to absorb calcium, supports nerve transmission, blood clotting, muscle contraction, and keeps bones dense thus helping prevent osteoporosis.
9. Lowers Cholesterol Level
Studies have shown that dandelion tea may reduce risk factors of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.
And according to Nutrition reviews of animal studies, dandelion tea may reduce the risk of hyperlipidaemia, which is caused by an abnormal increase of lipids (cholesterol level) in blood.
Studies have also revealed that dandelion extract can improve fat digestion and alter the fat absorption capacity of the body by an inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase.
In addition, researchers have found that dandelion leaf extract may lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood and adding dandelion root extract to a high cholesterol diet may lower its cholesterol level.
10. Prevents Cancer
Health care providers suggest that dandelion root may have anticancer properties.
Studies have shown that the cancer-fighting potential of the dandelion root may effectively interfere with the growth of cancer cells.
And also lead to apoptosis, which is programmed cell death and also allows new cells to replace older cells thus reducing the risk of cancer.
Dandelion root extract may also trigger apoptosis in melanoma cells and pancreatic cancer cells.
Dandelion tea benefits also include the potential of dandelion extract to prevent and suppress the growth of cancer cells in various organs including the breast, liver, colon, and stomach.
However, the protective effect of dandelion tea against cancer has not much scientific evidence.
More research is needed before recommending dandelion tea for either the prevention or treatment of cancer.
Health Benefits of Dandelion Tea - The Bottom Line
Besides these all, benefits of dandelion tea may also include its anti-inflammatory properties, fighting common colds and flu, being useful for skincare, and treatment of premenstrual bloating.
In short, Dandelion tea may represent a promising source for the prevention and treatment of various health conditions.
Dandelion tea is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated beverage for adults if taken in moderate quantities.
However, it may cause some possible side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, stomach upset, muscle cramps, allergic reactions, and dizziness.
It may also cause skin infection i.e. contact dermatitis.
And remember that children, nursing women, and pregnant women should avoid dandelion tea because of little research on its long–term safety.
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