7 Reasons to Add Dandelion Greens to Your Green Smoothie

Dandelion greens are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients essential to your body’s health.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to include dandelion greens in your green smoothie (or generally in your diet).


1. Dandelion Detox
Dandelion greens contain two substances – mucilage and inulin – which are beneficial in detoxing the body and maintaining optimal health. These substances help absorb toxins from the food we eat and also help to maintain the correct balance between friendly bacteria and unfriendly bacteria in our bodies. Dandelion greens also help in the production of bile and in removing unnecessary hormones from the body so that they do not cause a build-up[1].

2. Vitamin and Mineral Powerhouse
Dandelion greens are also a great store of vitamins and minerals containing calcium, Vitamins A, E and K, iron, riboflavin, copper, manganese, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium; often in larger amounts than in other commonly eaten vegetables.

3. Anti-Inflammatory
Dandelion greens have been found to inhibit inflammatory molecules and may also help control inflammation by suppressing COX-2 enzymes.[2]

4. Good for Weight Loss
Many people today are looking to lose weight and dandelion greens are a great food to include in your diet if you are on a weight loss program. Not only are the greens low in calories but they also have a diuretic effect which prevents water retention. [3]

5. Help Prevent Osteoporosis and Improve Bone Density
Dandelion greens contain 10% of the RDA of calcium you need and four times the daily requirement of vitamin K. By taking these two together you are helping to optimize your bone density which in turn will reduce your risk of osteoporosis. [4]

6. Prebiotic
Dandelion greens are also considered prebiotics. Prebiotics have a number of health benefits such as metabolic support, mineral absorption, vitamin utilization, and supporting the immune system. In additional prebiotics may also help normalize blood sugar levels and so be beneficial in the case of diabetes. [5]

7. Appetite Stimulant, Improved Digestion and Aiding an Upset Stomach
Dandelion can also be used in cases where an appetite stimulant is needed or where  a patient has an upset stomach or other digestive complaints. The root of the dandelion plant however may have a mild laxative effect.

Warnings:
Although eating dandelion is generally considered safe, some people may have allergic reactions or get mouth sores, increased stomach acid or heartburn. If you have any kidney, gallbladder or gallstone issues then it is best to discuss your use of dandelion with your health care practitioner first and if you are allergic to herbs and flowers such as chamomile, daisies, chrysanthemums or marigolds then it is best to avoid dandelion as well.

Dandelion greens can be very beneficial for your health while still being low in calories. They are rich in nutrients, act as a prebiotic and antioxidant and are also used in detox diets. They are generally safe to eat but some people do experience allergic reactions.