What is a dandelion?

A dandelion is a plant with yellow flowers. T taraxacum officinale is the most common variety of this plant and it grows in many parts of the world.

Botanists consider dandelions to be herbs. People use the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots of the dandelion for medicinal purposes.

Can you eat dandelions?

In addition to being nutritious, dandelion contains compounds that can help prevent health problems.

11 potential health benefits.

Potential dandelion benefits include:

1. Provide Antioxidants.

Antioxidants work to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. The human body produces free radicals naturally, but they cause damage by accelerating aging or the progression of certain diseases.

Dandelions contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Research Trusted Source shows that carotenoids like beta-carotene play a vital role in reducing cell damage.

Dandelion flower is also packed with flavonoids and polyphenols, which are another type of antioxidant.

2. Regulate blood sugar.

There is some evidence to suggest that dandelions contain compounds that may help regulate blood sugar.

In 2016, some researchers proposed to Trusted Source that dandelion's antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties may help treat type 2 diabetes. However, more research is required to make definitive claims.

3. Lower cholesterol.

Dandelions contain bioactive compounds that can help lower a person's cholesterol.

Research conducted in vivo and in vitro has shown that dandelion can help lower blood lipids. This can include lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

4. Lower blood pressure.

There is little research supporting the use of dandelion to lower blood pressure.

However, dandelion greens are a good source of potassium. There is clinical evidence showing that potassium can help lower blood pressure.

For example, a reliable meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found that people who took a daily potassium supplement saw a significant reduction in their blood pressure. The reduction in blood pressure was greater among people with pre-existing high blood pressure.

5. Reduce inflammation.

Some studies indicate that dandelion extracts and compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body.

In a 2014 study Source relied on, researchers found that chemicals in dandelions had some positive effects in reducing inflammatory responses.

However, they conducted the study in cells and not in human participants, which means more research is needed to conclude that dandelion reduces inflammation in the human body.

6. Helps lose weight.

Some researchers have proposed that dandelion might help people achieve their weight loss goals.

Researchers believe that compounds found in the dandelion plant may promote better carbohydrate metabolism and less fat absorption.

However, strong evidence to support this claim is lacking.

7. Reduce the risk of cancer.

Some limited but positive research has indicated that dandelion may help reduce the growth of certain types of cancer.

Studies so far have looked at dandelion's impact on cancer growth in test tubes and have found that it may help slow the growth of certain types of cancer.

A Trusted Source study that examined the growth of cancer in a test tube found that dandelion extract may help reduce the growth of liver cancer. Other research has shown similar benefits for colon cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.

However, as with other potential benefits, researchers need to do more studies to show how effective dandelions may be as part of cancer treatment.

8. Strengthens the immune system.

There is increasing evidence to suggest that dandelions may help boost the immune system.

Researchers have discovered that dandelions display antiviral and antibacterial properties. For example, a 2014 study by a trusted source found that dandelions help limit the growth of hepatitis B in human and animal cells in test tubes.

However, researchers need to conduct more studies to determine the impact of dandelions on the immune system.

9. Helps digestion.

Some people use dandelion as a traditional remedy for constipation and other digestive problems.

A Source Trusted rodent study investigating the effect of dandelions on digestion found that certain chemical compounds present in dandelions improved gastric emptying.

The study saw a reduction in the resistance of food moving into the small intestine of rodents. The researchers now need to see if dandelions can have the same effect on humans.

10. Keep your skin healthy.

Some research indicates that dandelion may help protect skin from sun damage.

Ultraviolet (UV) light causes considerable damage to the skin and contributes to skin aging. A 2015 Trusted Source study on skin cells in a test tube found that dandelion could reduce the impact of a harmful type of ultraviolet light.

Protecting the skin from UV damage can help protect it from premature aging. Researchers need to conduct human studies to verify these results.

11. Promote Liver Health.

Research shows that dandelions may help prevent and treat some liver diseases. This includes acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcohol-related liver damage.

However, not all of the research has been done in vivo or humans, so more study is needed to determine if dandelion can be used medicinally for these purposes.

Supplements and dosage.

Dandelion greens are sometimes present in salads, but a person cannot find them in all areas. Picking dandelions in a backyard is unsafe due to the possible presence of pesticides or animal droppings.

However, it is possible to obtain dandelion supplements or dandelion root-infused teas and coffees. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized that dandelion is generally safe to include in food products.

Data on safe doses of dandelion supplements are limited. Like other supplements, its potency and effectiveness can vary widely between manufacturers.

Dandelion supplements can cause allergic reactions in some people. People should not use dandelion supplements if they are sensitive to dandelions or other flowers or plants, such as ragweed, daisies, mums, or marigolds.

People testing the supplements should follow the directions on the bottle for recommended dosages and always talk to a doctor before taking them.