The lowly dandelion, the bane of gardeners everywhere, is actually really good for your body. Dandelion root is a healthy food for your body and can be ingested in numerous concoctions. Still, many people are unaware of the numerous nutritional values that this yellow flower--or weed, depending on your perspective--has to offer.
Preparations
Harnessing the flavor of the roots and the leaves of dandelions is as simple as cooking them, according to "Wildman" Steve Brill. He recommends sautéing the roots and leaves with ingredients like onions and olive oil to make pasta sauces. He also suggests using the leaves to add some nutrition to an already hearty salad. This just goes to show that dandelion root is a viable source of nutrition.
Remedy
The entire flower offers many beneficial health properties, according to Nutra Sanus. In fact, from the roots to the leaves, the dandelion offers a wide array of great health benefits. Many people use the root to concoct natural remedies that have been shown to treat ailments ranging from appetite loss, indigestion, kidney and bladder stones, liver and gallbladder problems and urinary tract infections, just to name a few.
Nutrients
According to "Wildman" Steve Brill, dandelion leaves are more nutritious than carrots, and have far more beta-carotene. They are also rich in vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, E, P, and D, biotin, inositol, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. Lastly, they have more calcium than popular leafy green veggies, including spinach.
Supplements
If you want the benefits of dandelion root and leaves but can't seem to find the taste palatable, there are numerous supplements available. This way, you'll get the nutrition you desire from this plant without having to suffer through eating it. Many vitamin and supplement stores offer dandelion root on its own or in multivitamin form.
Accessibility
Since dandelion is a weed, it is available all the time. If it doesn't grow in your own backyard, then you can easily find it at your local farmer's market or organic produce shop. The fact that this plant is so easy to find also makes it relatively inexpensive.
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