The dandelion flowers, leaves, and roots have bioactive properties, which means that they have diverse effects on our bodies.
Long considered a medicinal plant, dandelions act in many different body systems including our digestive and circulatory systems.
Although many effects are still to be entirely confirmed by science, there’s no doubt than dandelions have an impact on us, and the best way of making it part of our diet is through tea.
Here are 10 regenerating health benefits of dandelion tea, and many other unexpected health benefits causally linked with its consumption.
#10 – A cup of tea reduces bloating
Dandelion tea has diuretic properties like coffee, which means that it reduces blood pressure, swelling, and bloating.
A cup of dandelion tea in the morning can dramatically reduce bloating, improving in parallel soreness in the joints and other maladies related to excess water retention.
The difference between dandelion tea and other popular diuretic drinks like coffee is that it doesn’t have caffeine. This means you can enjoy it before bedtime, too, without having a hard time sleeping.
#9 – Dandelion cleanses your liver
Our liver is in charge of cleaning or bloodstream from impurities, but unhealthy diets can make it work extra time. Polysaccharides in dandelion have proven to be beneficial for your liver, reducing disease symptoms but also preventing them.
Dandelion tea also increases the production of bile, which helps break down the healthy monounsaturated fat for its absorption.
#8 – Dandelion tea burns fat
As studies suggest, consuming dandelion tea inhibits pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat, allowing your liver to eliminate saturated fats rather than absorbing them.
The diuretic effects on dandelion also promote weight loss, so it acts at various levels. Together with an active lifestyle and a balanced diet, dandelion tea can help you achieve your weight goals.
#7 – Improve your appetite through tea
Bitter constituents in dandelion tea are excellent to improve appetite as it stimulates bile production, preparing your body for proper digestion.
A cup of dandelion tea or a frosty glass of iced tea before meals is highly recommended, especially if your experiencing appetite loss or digestive discomforts. Healthier than many alcohol-based aperitifs, dandelion tea is one of the best pre-meal drinks you could add to your routine.
#6 – Dandelion tea relieves constipation
Dandelion tea has adequate amounts of soluble fiber that acts positively in many ways. It will aid digestion in reducing constipation, but it will also reduce cholesterol levels in your bloodstream.
The production of enzymes in the stimulated liver can help you absorb nutrients from food better, improving your overall health, especially in your digestive and circulatory systems.
#5 – Compounds in dandelion could kill cancer cells
We need more scientific research, but according to some studies, dandelion root extract or regular consumption of dandelion tea can kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing.
Experiments have shown positive results in vitro, and it might take a while for seeing the potent medicinal plant as part of standardized cancer treatments. In the meantime, enjoying a cup of dandelion tea often is not a bad idea.
#4 – It might prevent Urinary infections
The diuretic effects in dandelion tea increase urine flow, cleansing your liver and kidneys, but also preventing urinary infections. Diuretics have long been part of the treatment against such infections. Dandelion tea might also reduce harmful compounds like oxanates that increase kidney problems.
Diuretics might even be better than plain water for treating urinary tract infections, as they restore your liver at the same time.
#3 – A cup a day reduce cholesterol levels
Two characteristics of dandelion tea combine to lower cholesterol levels in our bloodstream. The soluble fiber in dandelion directly reduces the absorption of cholesterol into our bloodstream while the tea’s diuretic properties reduce blood pressure.
Triglyceride levels are controlled too. Studies in animals have yielded promising results, and we expect similar effects on humans.
#2 – Dandelion tea fights free radicals
Dandelion tea has lots of antioxidants that bind to harmful free radicals in our bloodstream, reducing the risk of accelerated aging and protecting our bodies against cellular damage.
Our liver also benefits from antioxidants, often exposed to toxins, and can reduce the amount of fat accumulated in it.
#1 – It Controls blood sugar
A compound called chlorogenic acid, found in dandelion tea, can reduce blood sugar levels in our bloodstream by promoting the creation of sugar-binding insulin, improving the absorption of glucose.
Together with the diuretic effects on dandelion tea, this plant can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes, while improving bodily function in kidneys and liver.
What’s most important, dandelion tea is delicious!
Scientific evidence backing dandelion tea as a useful addition to a healthy diet keeps piling up. But let’s not forget that dandelion tea is quite tasty too: fragrant, slightly bitter, and especially delightful with a teaspoon of honey.
Perfect at all hours, dandelion tea can become part of your morning or evening routine, and your body will thank you for that. The best things in life are both pleasing and healthy, and for that category, dandelion tea is a great ambassador.
