Health Benefits Of Dandelion - Nutritional Value Of Dandelion, Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Dandelion

Dandelion, with the botanical name Taraxacum officinale, is a perennial herb and a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family of Asteraceae. Native to Europe and Asia, the herb in actual is a pesky weed that possesses bright yellow flowers and spatula- like shiny and hairless leaves. Almost every part of the plant can be consumed like leaves, roots and flowers for its various properties. The plant is often regarded as an annoying weed but is of great value for its healing properties in preventing diseases and various health benefits. It is rich in various nutrients required by the body for proper functioning like dietary fiber, vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, potassium and vitamin K. Read on to know more about the health benefits of dandelion and explore its nutritional value as well.

Nutritional Value Of Dandelion

Amount of Dandelion:55 g (1 cup, chopped)

Nutrients	Amount
Water	47.1 g
Ash	1 g
Protein	1.5 g
Fats
Total Fat	0.4 g
Saturated Fat	0.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.2 g
Calories
Total Calories	103 KJ
From Carbohydrate	74.9 KJ
From Fat	13.4 KJ
From Protein	15.1 KJ
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	24.2 mg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	144 mg
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrate	5.1 g
Dietary Fiber	1.9 g
Sugars	0.4 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A IU	5588 IU
Vitamin A (retinol activity equiv)	279 mcg
Beta Carotene	3220 mcg
Alpha Carotene	200 mcg
Lutein+Zeaxanthin	7485 mcg
Thiamine	0.1 mg
Riboflavin	0.1 mg
Vitamin C	19.3 mg
Niacin	0.4 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Folate	14.9 mcg
Food Folate	14.9 mcg
Dietary Folate Equivalents	14.9 mcg
Choline	19.4 mg
Vitamin K	428 mcg
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	1.9 mg
Minerals
Calcium	103 mg
Iron	107 mg
Magnesium	19.8 mg
Phosphorus	36.3 mg
Potassium	218 mg
Zinc	0.2 mg
Copper	0.1 mg
Sodium	41.8 mg
Selenium	0.3 mcg

Nutritional & Health Benefits Of Eating Dandelion

The good amount of calcium present in dandelion is necessary for the growth of strong bones.
Dandelion is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and luteolin that protects the bone from age related damages, removes toxicity and free radicals and weakening of bones. In addition, it promotes digestion and stimulates liver thereby preventing gallstones.
Dandelion is diuretic in nature and hence it aids in cleaning toxic substances in kidneys and acts as disinfectant thereby preventing microbial growth in the urinary system.
The root of the dandelion plant is probiotic in nature that helps in the healthy functioning of natural bacteria present in gastrointestinal tract.
Dandelion is an excellent source of beta carotene that helps to produce vitamin A in the body.
It has good amount of potassium present in it that helps the body to recover potassium that is lost during urination.
The juice of dandelion is extremely nutritional as it is rich in vitamin E, calcium, iron, vitamin C and potassium.
It is a good source of iron required by the body and hence prevents anemia.
It is good for skin as it helps in its cleansing and treats acne effectively.

Caution

Always look for organically grown dandelion over the ones that are sprayed with chemicals and pesticides as they can be toxic.
People using dandelion for health conditions like gallbladder and gallstones should consult a doctor as it can lead to cleansing and detoxifying reactions.
Dandelion has diuretic properties hence the juice extracted from the plant can provoke health conditions like increased urination, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain.
Individuals suffering from diabetes should strictly prohibit consuming dandelion in any form as it can increase the blood sugar levels and reduce the effects of pharmaceutical drugs.
Allergic reactions have been reported merely by touching the herb hence a caution should be taken by the individuals.

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