“Dandelion…not just a Pesky
Weed”
The healing power of foods is emerging from
scientific research, due in large part to the growing interest of health minded
consumers. In fact, the foods provided by Mother Nature also share with us the
energy found in the resilience of a weed?
“Foods with a purpose” is a new term awakening in
the food industry. In the scientific world these are known as “functional foods.”
These foods supply a therapeutic health benefit beyond the traditional
nutrients they contain to mediate many diseases of the modern age, as defined by
the Institute of Medicine.
Weeds are defined
by their tendency to flourish at the expense of human intervention. A dandelion
is a plant that is a weed only within a certain context. In a sense, weeds are
harbingers of uncultivated earth, pushing their way into the human order of
gardens and well-ordered plots, undermining our human supervision. In the wild,
there is no such thing as a weed because the overall vision is in the hands of
Mother Nature, which accommodates and incorporates all forms of life. The next
time you see a weed, you might want to look deeply into its roots, discover its
name, its habits, and its possible uses, rather than seeing an unwanted intruder.
You may be surprised to find, like the dandelion, this plant you call a weed
can share with you healing properties offering its leaves for medicinal tea or
its flowers for a colorful salad.
One cup of raw
dandelion greens provides 535% of vitamin K and 112% of vitamin A, according to
RDA standards. Dandelion greens are one of the best source of beta-carotene,
and additionally a good source of vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, and
fiber.
Dandelion has been
used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat kidney and liver conditions
such as kidney stones, jaundice, and cirrhosis. Dandelion supports the entire
digestive system as a natural diuretic. The properties in the dandelion increase
urine output and help flush toxins and excess salt from the kidneys.
Inulin, found in
dandelion, is a natural soluble fiber, which is also found in the Chicory root.
Inulin not only has a surplus of fiber, but also has prebiotic properties that
provide healthy bacteria for the intestinal tract. Dandelion roots, leaves, and
pectin are all parts of the plant that provide various health benefits to our
bodies. Dandelion is excellent for reducing edema, bloating, and water
retention; therefore it helps reduce high blood pressure.
Dandelion greens
are considered a specialty item in some areas, which can be difficult to find
if you do not have a Whole Foods Grocer in your area. They also have a pungent
taste, a flavor people either like or dislike. But here is a tip for you to try
in order to incorporate dandelion is your eating plan. If the raw leaves are
too bitter for you, try lightly steaming or sautéing them; heating seems to
calm the bitter components in the leaves in order for your palate to accept and
enjoy.
The dandelion is
more than a weed….it is a plant that provides remedies and bountiful health to
our bodies, thanks to its tenacious existence as a weed.
- Hippocrates
