Taraxacum officinale, also known as the common dandelion, is a noxious weed to most North Americans. However, this resilient, nutrient dense plant actually has great medicinal value. In traditional herbal medicine, the root and leaves are used to treat liver disease, constipation and poor digestion. Dandelion is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels. It functions as a mild diuretic, and contains many nutrients, including vitamins. A time-tested herb long used for the treatment of various ailments, the dandelion is generally recognized as safe to consume. However, it may cause mouth sores in some individuals and interact with other herbs and medications. Consult a health care provider for advice before using any alternative supplement.
B Vitamins and Vitamin C
One cup of dandelion greens contains 19mg of vitamin C. The dandelion also has folic acid, B6 and trace amounts of B1, B2, B3 and B5. According to the Nutritional Supplement Center, it is best to obtain these water soluble nutrients by juicing the plant. However, to balance the bitter taste of the dandelion, it can also be added to green salads, teas and soups.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins are important nutrients. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are lost when heated, fat-soluble vitamins are not lost during cooking and are stored in the liver and fat cells for future use by the body. According to HealthRecipes.com, the leaves of the dandelion contain more vitamin A than the equivalent amount of carrots. One cup of dandelion greens can yield 7,700 IU of vitamin A. Other notable fat soluble vitamins in the dandelion include vitamin E and vitamin K.
Minerals
The dandelion contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These nutrients are important for bone health. One cup of dandelion leaves contains 103mg of calcium and 20mg of magnesium. Potassium, another mineral in the dandelion, is needed for healthy kidneys; one cup of dandelion leaves contains 218mg of this vital nutrient. Trace amounts of zinc, copper and selenium are also present in the dandelion.
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