Who should avoid taking dandelion: Dandelion has been utilised in various types of traditional medicine for ages, despite frequently being written off as a persistent yard weed.
Although Taraxacum officinale is the most popular kind, there are several additional dandelion species.
The leaves, roots, and flower aren’t just used to add colour to food; they’re also frequently utilised in herbal teas and supplements as a natural cure to assist blood sugar control and improve skin, liver, and heart health.
Who should avoid taking dandelion: Health benefits, risks, and side effects.
1. May reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Certain components in dandelion may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, two major risk factors for heart disease.
Dandelion leaf and root extract reduced the buildup of triglycerides in fat cells in one test-tube investigation.
Similar to this, a 4-week animal experiment revealed that giving rats dandelion leaf extract dramatically decreased their total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Additionally, a previous study on rabbits found that dandelion roots and leaves added to a high cholesterol diet decreased cholesterol levels.
However, present research is only conducted on animals and in test tubes.
Who should avoid taking dandelion: Health benefits, risks, and side effects.
2. Highly nutritious
Dandelions are incredibly nutrient-dense plants from root to bloom that are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Dandelion greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K and may be either fresh or cooked. They also include modest levels of other B vitamins, vitamin E, folate, and other nutrients.
Additionally, dandelion greens contain significant amounts of a number of minerals, including as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
The dandelion root is full of inulin, a plant-based soluble fiber that promotes the development and maintenance of good gut flora in the digestive tract.
Dandelion root can be consumed whole, like other root vegetables, or it can be dried and turned into tea.
Who should avoid taking dandelion: Health benefits, risks, and side effects.
3. Contains potent antioxidants
Strong antioxidants are abundant in dandelion, which may help to explain why it has so many therapeutic benefits.
Free radicals are chemicals produced by regular metabolism that might increase your chance of developing chronic diseases if your body’s levels get too high. Antioxidants are substances that help neutralize these molecules. Antioxidants are therefore essential for maintaining your body’s health.
High concentrations of the antioxidant beta carotene found in dandelions may offer defense against oxidative stress and cell damage.
They are also high in polyphenols, a kind of antioxidants that are mostly found in flowers but can also be found in the roots, leaves, and stems of plants.
Who should avoid taking dandelion: Health benefits, risks, and side effects.
4. May help fight inflammation
Inflammation may be reduced by dandelion owing to certain substances like polyphenols.
A healthy immune system reaction to damage or illness is inflammation. However, persistent inflammation has the potential to permanently harm the DNA and tissues in your body.
In test-tube investigations, cells treated with dandelion-derived chemicals showed noticeably less signs of inflammation.
A study on animals with inflammatory lung illness that were given dandelion significantly decreased lung inflammation.
Who should avoid taking dandelion: Health benefits, risks, and side effects.
5. May aid in blood sugar management
Two bioactive components of dandelion, chicoric and chlorogenic acid, may aid in lowering blood sugar levels.
These substances may enhance the release of insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels, as well as the absorption of glucose (sugar) in your muscles, according to test-tube and animal studies.
Blood sugar levels are decreased and insulin sensitivity is enhanced as a result of this procedure.
Chicoric and chlorogenic acids also inhibited the digestion of starchy, high-carb diets in certain animal experiments, which may further support dandelion’s capacity to reduce blood sugar levels.
Who should avoid taking dandelion: Health benefits, risks, and side effects.
6. May lower blood pressure
Studies on dandelion’s potential to lower blood pressure are scarce, despite occasional claims to the contrary.
Dandelions are used in traditional herbal medicine for their diuretic properties since it is thought that they help purify particular organs.
In Western medicine, diuretic drugs are used to get rid of extra water in the body, which may assist lower blood pressure.
Dandelion was discovered to be a potent diuretic in an earlier investigation on humans. However, this study was small and only included 17 participants.
Potassium, another component of dandelion, is known to lower blood pressure in people with pre-existing elevations. As a result, this plant’s potassium concentration may indirectly affect blood pressure.
Notably, this effect isn’t unique to dandelion. It applies to any potassium-rich food eaten as part of a healthy diet.
7. May promote liver health
Dandelion extract may offer protection against liver illness and damage, according to several animal studies.
In fact, a research on animals revealed that it mitigated liver impairment in mice given sodium dichromate, a substance intended to cause liver harm.
Other researches on animals has suggested that dandelion extract may lessen the amount of excessive fat that is stored in the liver and protect it from oxidative stress.
8. May aid weight loss
Though the evidence isn’t convincing, some study suggests that dandelion chemicals and weight control may go hand in hand.
According to some experts, dandelion may help people lose weight by enhancing glucose metabolism and lowering fat absorption. This hypothesis has not yet been validated by science.
Dandelion extract may help with weight control by lowering fat absorption, according to a research done on mice.
In a different research on mice, it was shown that the dandelion chemical chlorogenic acid lowered body weight, decreased fat storage, and changed the amounts of certain proteins involved in weight management.
Still, more high-quality research in humans is necessary.
Who should avoid taking dandelion: Health benefits, risks, and side effects.
9. May have anticancer effects
The ability of dandelion extract to inhibit the formation of malignant cells in numerous organ systems is perhaps one of the most fascinating health claims.
The administration of dandelion root extract altered certain pathways involved in stifling the development and spread of breast cancer cells, according to a four-week research in mice.
Dandelion root extract may inhibit the development of cancer cells in the stomach, colon, and liver tissues, according to other test-tube research.
These findings are encouraging, but human research is needed.
Who should avoid taking dandelion: Health benefits, risks, and side effects.
10. May support healthy bones
Even though some of the minerals in dandelion help to maintain strong, healthy bones, very little study has been done on how it affects bone health.
The nutrients calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health, are abundant in dandelion greens.
One tiny study indicated that eating more leafy green vegetables high in vitamin K was associated with decreased blood levels of osteocalcin, a protein present in your bones. In light of this, increasing your intake of leafy greens like dandelion greens may help stop bone loss.
By enhancing digestion and intestinal health, inulin, a fiber contained in dandelion root, may help support strong, healthy bones.
Additionally, some research suggests that the antioxidants in dandelion and other greens play a key role in bone health and protect against bone loss by decreasing oxidative stress.
11. May support healthy digestion and treat constipation
Traditional medicine frequently used dandelion to relieve constipation and enhance digestive health.
A prior study on animals discovered that rats given dandelion extract experienced much higher rates of stomach contractions and emptying.
The prebiotic fiber inulin, which has been demonstrated to lessen constipation and encourage the flow of food through the digestive tract, is also abundant in dandelion root.
Furthermore, dandelion greens may increase your intake of fiber as they contain more than 3 grams of fiber every cooked cup (105 grams). Fiber promotes bowel regularity and guards against a number of digestive disorders, such as diverticulitis and hemorrhoids.
12. May boost immune health
The capacity of your body to fight illness may be aided by the dandelion’s potential antibacterial and antiviral qualities, according to some study.
The capacity of viruses to multiply is greatly decreased by dandelion extract, according to several experiments conducted in test tubes.
Additionally, studies show that some active substances in dandelion can defend against a variety of dangerous germs.
13. May be a useful skin care treatment
Dandelion extract has been shown in studies on animals and in test tubes to be protective against UV damage, aging, and acne-related skin damage.
In one research, using dandelion leaf and flower extracts shortly before or right after being exposed to UVB radiation (the radiation you get from sunlight) prevented skin damage. Dandelions root, however, did not have the same impact.
In an earlier test-tube study, it was shown that dandelion root extract boosted the production of new skin cells, which may help to maintain the look of your skin as you age.
Older studies also suggest that dandelion extract may increase hydration and collagen synthesis while decreasing skin irritation and inflammation. Certain kinds of acne may be prevented and treated with the help of this.
Supplements and Dosage forms
Dandelion leaves, stems, and flowers are often consumed in their natural state and can be eaten cooked or raw. The root is usually dried, ground, and used as a tea or coffee substitute.
Dandelion is also available as a supplement in capsule, extract, or tincture form.
Currently, there are no clear dosage guidelines, as very little human research has been conducted. However, available data suggests the following dosages for different forms of dandelion:
- Fresh leaves: 4–10 grams daily
- Dried leaves: 4–10 grams daily
- Leaf tincture: 0.4–1 teaspoon (2–5 mL) three times per day
- Fresh leaf juice: 1 teaspoon (5 mL) twice daily
- Fluid extract: 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) daily
- Fresh roots: 2–8 grams daily
- Dried powder: 250–1,000 mg four times per day
Who should avoid taking dandelion: Health benefits, risks, and side effects.
Possible risks and side effects
Dandelion plants have low toxicity and are likely safe for most people, especially when consumed as food.
However, keep in mind that research is still very limited and that dandelion isn’t entirely risk-free.
People who are sensitive to ragweed or other closely related plants are more likely to experience adverse responses to this plant. People with sensitive skin may also get contact dermatitis.
Older research suggests that dandelion may potentially interact with pharmaceuticals, such as certain antibiotics, anticoagulants, and blood sugar treatments. Before ingesting dandelion, check with a doctor if you’re on any prescription drugs.
Conclusion
Despite the various advantages they may have, dandelion plants and supplements shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a good diet and active lifestyle. In reality, there is a dearth of research on particular uses, particularly in humans.
Still, this root vegetable offers a distinctive, nourishing addition to your diet if you consume its greens, roots, and blooms in their full form in salads, baked meals, sides, and snacks.
It is advisable to speak with a healthcare provider before using dandelion as a supplement.
