As you search for foods that provide benefits for healthy living, look at dandelions. The root and leaves are edible and can be consumed in a variety of ways, from roasting the root and brewing tea to using the leaves in salads. These flowers have been cited by reliable resources for their ability to improve health. Dandelions offer beneficial effects to various parts of the body, due to the high number of nutrients they contain.
Detoxification
According to VitaminStuff.com, dandelions contain a nutrient called lecithin, which is commonly used to promote liver health. Lecithin emulsifies cholesterol and fat, aiding the body's detoxification process. Dandelions also work as a natural diuretic, ridding the body of excess fluids and toxins.
Brain Function
The lecithin found in dandelion root and leaf also promotes healthy brain function by raising the brain's acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is defined on Memory Loss Online as a neurotransmitter that sends signals throughout the body to different muscles.
Digestive Benefits
Dandelion is used to treat digestive problems and induce appetite, according to the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy, which recommends using dandelion to treat indigestion and appetite loss. The medical center at the University of Maryland also supports this recommendation. The University of Maryland states that dandelion is a beneficial treatment for stomach upset, heartburn and diarrhea. Alternative-Healthzine.com cites the dandelion's digestion benefits through its function of increasing the flow of bile from the gall bladder. This helps your body make use of the nutrients received from the food you eat and purge waste.
Kidney Health
Due to the diuretic effects of dandelion, the University of Maryland Medical Center cites its benefits for the kidneys. Diuretics work by promoting excretion of salt and fluids from the kidneys, which increases urine production and keeps the body free from toxins.
Healthy Skin
When the body contains toxins, skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can occur when the body tries to purge toxins through the pores in skin, according to Alternative-Healthzine.com. The detoxification effects of the dandelion can yield clear skin. Dandelions are also high in vitamin A, known for its complexion benefits.
Vitamins and Nutrients
As stated by the University of Maryland Medical Center, dandelions contain many vitamins and nutrients. These include potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, beta-carotene, calcium, boron, silicon, iron, zinc and antioxidants.
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