Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale
Origin: USA
 
What is dandelion root good for?
This plant is low in calories, yet high in fiber as well as antioxidants, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C. Research even suggests it can help reduce cancer growth, lower cholesterol levels and support liver function.
In addition to being rich in many vitamins and minerals that promote a strong immune system, dandelion is also readily available, easy to add to your diet and bursting with a signature, peppery flavor.
 
Dandelion Root Benefits
What does dandelion do to your body? Here’s more about what research has shown us regarding dandelion root benefits:
 
1. May Help Kill Cancer Cells
A number of studies have found that dandelion root may be useful in the prevention and treatment of certain types of cancer, including liver cancer, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer and prostate cancer.
For instance, a 2011 study out of Canada treated skin cancer cells with dandelion extract and found that it started killing off cancer cells within just 48 hours of treatment.
Another study in Oncotarget showed that dandelion root extract was able to kill 95 percent of colon cancer cells within two days.
2. Can Help Reduce Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure
High cholesterol is one of the major contributors to coronary heart disease. Changing your diet is one of the easiest ways to prevent high cholesterol.
Along with limiting your intake of processed foods, including more whole foods like fruits and vegetables can help lower cholesterol.
Dandelion root has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels.
In one study, rabbits were fed a high-cholesterol diet and supplemented with dandelion root. Dandelion led to a reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol, as well as an increase in beneficial HDL cholesterol.
Studies also suggest that dandelion may help normalize blood sugar levels and lower high blood pressure.
3. Rich in Antioxidants
Studies show that dandelion root is especially high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, polyphenols, coumarins and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives — which may account for its many potent health benefits since this allows it to fight free radicals.
Free radicals are compounds that form in your body as a result of things like stress, pollution and a poor diet. Over time, the accumulation of free radicals can lead to cell damage and chronic disease.
Antioxidants can help neutralize these harmful compounds and have been shown to reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease and cancer.
When applied topically, dandelion also seems to protect against skin damage caused by sun damage, aging and acne.
4. Supports Liver and Kidney Health
From filtering toxins to metabolizing drugs, the liver is essential to many aspects of health.
Dandelion root benefits your liver, helping protect it from oxidative stress and keeping it working effectively. In fact, folk medicines originating from China, India and Russia have long recognized dandelion’s effect as a liver tonic, mostly due to its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to fight oxidative stress.
One study done in Korea showed that dandelion extract prevented damage to the liver caused by alcohol toxicity in both liver cells and mice.
These protective effects are likely due to the amount of antioxidants found in dandelion root, as well as its ability to prevent cell damage.
Is dandelion good for your kidneys? In most cases, yes.
This plant is known for having natural diuretic effects, meaning it increases the frequency of urination, which can help keep the kidneys healthy.
According to Mount Sinai Medical Group, “Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to help kidney function.” For centuries, Native Americans boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, as well as other digestive issues like heartburn and upset stomach.
5. Supports Immune System and Fights Bacteria
In addition to its many other health benefits, dandelion root also possesses antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can help stop the growth of disease-causing bacteria and pathogens.
A study in Ireland published in Phytotherapy Research showed that dandelion root was especially effective against certain strains of bacteria that are responsible for staph infections and foodborne illness.
Although more research is needed, dandelion root may be a useful natural method for supporting the immune system in fighting off bacterial infections.
6. Strengthens Bones
Taraxacum officinale is a great source of vitamin K, an important nutrient that plays a key role in bone health. This essential vitamin increases levels of a specific protein needed to help build strong bones, which is exactly why lower intakes of vitamin K have been linked to an increased risk of fractures and reduced bone density.
Dandelion also contains calcium, which forms the structure of the bones and teeth to help keep them strong.
7. Promotes Skin Health
Each serving of dandelion supplies a hearty dose of antioxidants, which can protect skin cells against damage to slow signs of aging and keep you looking (and feeling) your best.
Not only that, but a 2015 in vitro study out of Canada also showed that applying extracts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) to skin cells helped protect against harmful ultraviolet damage.
Some research also shows that dandelion could possess powerful antimicrobial properties, which can help block bacterial growth to prevent skin infections.
8. High in Fiber
Dandelion roots are a great source of fiber and are especially rich in a type of soluble fiber known as inulin.
Fiber has been associated with several health benefits, especially when it comes to regulating blood sugar levels. Because fiber moves through the body undigested, it helps slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, which can help improve long-term blood sugar control.
In addition to maintaining steady blood sugar levels, fiber can also protect against a multitude of digestive issues, including constipation, stomach pains, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and stomach ulcers.