Lets talk about everyone's favorite flower! I guarantee you have a garden of these even if you weren't trying! Its not considered a beautiful plant, but sometimes we are too quick to judge. Today we're learning about the humble dandelion!
Every part of the dandelion plant is rich in antioxidants that prevent free-radical damage to cells and DNA, slowing down the aging process in our cells. The leaves are a nutrient dense food containing lots of beta carotene, calcium and potassium. Herbalists primarily use the leaves as a diuretic to help your kidneys clean out waste and improve liver function by removing toxins and reestablishing hydration and electrolyte balance.
Use young dandelion leaves to experience the most pleasant flavors. Young dandelion leaves offer lots of nutrition with a less bitter flavor. When your body detects bitterness, it helps stimulate lots of different stages of digestion, from increased saliva, which breaks down carbohydrates, to HCL in the stomach, to bile production and release, which helps to break down fats with a variety of digestive enzymes.
Dandelions are also high in inulin. Eating foods high in inulin can help you have healthy gut bacteria and aid digestion. Studies show that dandelion even boost immune system functions and fight off microbes and fungi.
So bitter foods like dandelion can be used as enzymes in your diet regularly. In this way you are supporting your body’s natural production of digestive enzymes. Not bad for a weed everyone thinks is ruining their lawn!
