Dandelion: Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications

Protects the liver and kidneys. It helps prevent cell aging and regenerates nerve cells. The best ways to use them are in salads and as a decoction.

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Il dandelion it is absolutely thewild grass Most widespread and collected: available year-round, it has a slightly bitter taste. In the world of green thumbs it is also known as "dandelion", in honor of its yellow flowers and the etymology of the word (from the Greek taraxis, disorder, and akos, remedy), its power in terms of benefits for our health can be understood. In ancient popular tradition, the dandelion was called "piscialetto", thanks to its diuretic properties and the support it provides to kidney function. But then from these abilities, we moved on to the study of other positive aspects linked to the use of dandelion, starting from its antioxidant action and the effective protection it provides against free radicals and aging.

Nutritional values

One hundred grams of pure dandelion provide 45 calories. And also:

  • 86,5 grams of water
  • 4,1 grams of protein
  • 2,1 grams of lipids
  • 3,8 grams of carbohydrates
  • 440 milligrams of Potassium
  • 316 milligrams of calcium
  • 76 milligrams of sodium
  • 65 milligrams of Phosphorus
  • 3,2 milligrams of iron

With regard to vitamins, dandelion contains:

Benefits

Un anti-inflammatory and a natural purifier. But also a product to increase the immunitary defense, detoxify the liver and therefore protect our body 360 degrees. Where is the richness, all natural and all not to be wasted, of the dandelion? Its leaves they do nothing but stimulate the liver, biliary and renal activities: hence an acceleration of the elimination of toxins through feces, sweat and urine. Furthermore, the leaves themselves, but also the flowers, contain betacarotene, Vitamin C, Iron e CalciumThe organs that benefit most from the qualities of dandelion (present in the root, plant, and flower) are the liver and kidneys, not to mention the fact that this herb promotes the production and circulation of bile, thus allowing for proper intestinal function. Not to mention the regenerative effect it has on the central nervous system, as revealed by research conducted in South Korea. benefits related to the dandelion are:

  • Stimulates the digestion
  • Improves the health of bones and teeth
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Treats and prevents constipation
  • Prevents the formation of gallstones

Use in the kitchen

But how do you use dandelion? How does it become most effective? First of all, in spring, let's take advantage of the opportunity to go for a healthy walk and pick dandelions: we can recognize it by its yellow flowers which, shortly after blooming, soon give way to soft and feathery globes called dandelions.Once harvested, replenish your health with its leaves, starting with culinary uses: you can use them to prepare a delicious salad, flavored with a little garlic and diced avocado. Dandelion leaves have a slightly bitter taste, but it's precisely the bitter substances (taraxin and inulin) that have therapeutic properties. In particular, dandelion can be added to a fresh salad, with hard-boiled eggs, lettuce, valerian, carrots, and parmesan shavings. But it's also delicious stewed in a pan, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a clove of garlic, and a squeeze of lemon. In this version, dandelion can be paired with omelettes and savory pies.

Controindicazioni

Dandelion, which you can find in any herbalist's shop o organic food shop And in the farmers' markets, is not recommended when taking antibiotics: it reduces their effectiveness. Furthermore, considering the considerable potassium content, it should be avoided by those with kidney disease and by those suffering from gastritis and peptic ulcer.

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