We tend to think of dandelions as weeds that pop up in our lawns when spring rolls around, or here in Florida ones that are here year round. As kids we loved them. If you held them up to your face in the sunshine they would reflect yellow, and you could flip the flower heads off of them in dandelion wars. They added color to your yard and attracted bees in to pollinate them and other nearby flowers. But is there more to the dandelion? Is it an untapped health resource?
We think so!
Dandelion is a rich source of nutrients and other compounds that may improve liver function, promote weight loss, and support healthy blood sugar levels already within normal range. In fact, the Dandelion contains more nutritional value than many vegetables. It is particularly high in vitamins and minerals, protein, choline, insulin, and pectin.
Dandelion has more Vitamin A than carrots. In addition, Dandelion is an excellent source of Vitamins C, B1, B2, and B6 as well as calcium, copper, and manganese. Dandelion is a rich source of compounds that have a “toning” effect on the body. Dandelion is regarded as one of the finest liver supporting herbs.
So, there they are… you see them…. Now you know you might want to eat them. What exactly do you do with them?
Dandelion Salad
(makes 4 servings)
Ingredients:
½ lb. torn dandelion greens
½ red onion
2 tomatoes, chopped
½ teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil leaves)
pink salt & pepper to taste.
Directions:
Wash the dandelion greens in water in the sink. Cut off the root and put the (now separated) dandelion greens in a clean bowl. Be sure to include the buds (which have not flowered) — they’re tasty!
In a medium bowl, toss together all ingredients.
*, Of course, add any ingredients you like in a salad, this is just a base idea.
If you are not in an area where dandelions grow wild, you can still get the benefits by taking dandelion as a supplement.
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