Due to the variety of flavors, it is becoming more and more common to start the morning with a tea or infusion and as a coffee substitute we can try many plants that also have medicinal properties, such as dandelion tea.
Dandelion is an easy herb to grow; It can even be found in gardens, patios and lawns and is found in different parts of the world. Its botanical name is Taraxacum officinale and is said to have antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation.
Due to its diverse nutrient concentration, almost all leaves, flowers and roots of the dandelion plant are used; However, the stem is used less frequently due to its bitter taste.
It is a plant full of vitamins, as nutritionist Nancy Geib describes in a paper published in the Cleveland Clinic where she details the benefits of consuming dandelion tea.
Dandelion tea contains vitamins and minerals including: vitamins A, C and K, folic acid, calcium and potassium.
The specialist emphasizes the diuretic properties of this tea. “Dandelion tea is known to be a diuretic diuretic that gently activates the digestive system as well as the liver and bile detoxification systems.”
It also states that “Dandelion tea made from the root has a stronger liver detoxifying effect than the leaves.”
Dandelion root helps eliminate acne and other skin diseases, the main cause of which is a stagnant liver.
Geib explains the main benefits of dandelion tea: it acts as an antioxidant, reduces inflammation, helps with blood pressure and helps control blood sugar.
Properties of drinking dandelion tea
- Due to its antioxidant content, it increases the body’s defenses against free radicals that can damage your body at the cellular level.
Dandelion contains large amounts of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect against cell damage and oxidative stress.
In addition, it is a source of polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory effects and may also contribute to 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 “Dandelion also contains taraxasterol, a compound known to have important antioxidant properties that fight inflammation by regulating white blood cells and preventing them from causing unnecessary inflammation.”
- It also helps control blood pressure, largely due to the potassium content present in tea.
He explains that potassium interacts with the kidney, which helps eliminate excess sodium in the body. In addition, it helps reduce tension on the walls of blood vessels, improving cardiovascular health.
- Dandelion is said to have properties that help regulate fat and sugar metabolism. “Dandelion root benefits the body by improving digestion and inhibiting lipase activity, which is known to reduce fat absorption, which can promote weight loss,” says Geib.
Geig clarifies that weight loss is due to water loss, not fat loss.
Research cited by the specialist shows that dandelion “can help reduce triglyceride levels, which are as harmful as high LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.
How to drink dandelion tea
The specialist’s recommendation is to drink a cup two to three times a day. Start the habit by drinking one cup in the morning and then gradually increase the dose.
Due to its diuretic properties, you may experience increased urine output when you start drinking the tea.
They also recommend long-term use of dandelion for optimal results. Before you start drinking dandelion tea, it is advisable to consult your trusted doctor.
