There are hundreds of varieties of dandelions. This perennial plant can be as long as 12 inches and has bright yellow blooms with lance-like leaves. They are commonly found in North America. Many people consider them a weed and get them removed from the lawns. They believe that dandelions are not healthy. But is it really so?

Are Dandelions Poisonous?

No, dandelions are not poisonous, especially when taken in a small amount. You can take dandelion in therapeutic amounts without having to worry about experiencing any toxicity. Many people take it as a vegetable in moderate amounts and experience no issues whatsoever. Interestingly, you can eat all parts of the dandelion plant, including the flowers. Its root is often used as a dietary supplement, whereas dandelion greens are common in salads and soups.

Benefits of Dandelion

Are dandelions poisonous? No you simply need to pay attention to how much you are consuming to avoid dealing with any problem. Consume it in moderation and you may actually enjoy a number of interesting benefits.

1. It Lowers Blood Pressure

The more you urinate, the lower your blood pressure will become. Many modern medicines use this formula to control hypertension. Dandelion works in the similar fashion. You can drink dandelion juice to increase urination. It is a diuretic and increases frequency and volume of urination. Dandelion plant is actually quite beneficial for your overall cardiovascular health. Not only does it lower blood pressure, it helps lower cholesterol as well by providing you with more dietary fiber. Moreover, it provides your body with potassium that relaxes your blood vessels and improves the flow of blood.

2. It Prevents Anemia

With a good amount vitamins, iron, and protein available, dandelions help prevent anemia. Your body needs vitamin B, protein, and iron to form new red blood cells. Dandelions provide you with all-important nutrients. Regular consumption helps create new blood cells to prevent anemia – it also helps keep your condition in control.

3. It Prevents Constipation

Dandelions are a great source of dietary fiber. Increasing your intake of fiber boosts your digestive system and improves digestion of food. It stimulates healthy bowel movements and prevents constipation by adding bulk to stool. By regulating bowel movements, it protects you from other serious gastrointestinal problems. Children may also benefit from it because it creates a soothing effect on the stomach. You may also eat dandelions to stimulate your appetite, especially after surgery or trauma.

4. It Treats Liver Disorders

Are dandelions poisonous? No, they are not; in fact, they are extremely beneficial for your liver and helps detoxify your body in many ways. The antioxidants in dandelions ensure your liver is functioning in an optimal way, whereas other compounds help treat hemorrhaging in the liver. By promoting the flow of bile, dandelions not only boost your digestive system but also stimulate the liver in a healthy way.

5. It Protects from Cancer

Dandelions contain Luteolin and vitamin-C that have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants eliminate free radicals from your system and prevent oxidative damage to the cells. This in turn helps lower your risk of cancer. Moreover, dandelions play a role in detoxification of your body, which prevents the development of tumors. Luteolin is especially beneficial in this case because it binds to cancer cells and makes them ineffective. It proves extremely helpful when dealing with prostate cancer.

6. It Improves Skin Quality

Dandelion milk or dandelion sap is extremely beneficial for your skin. It has antifungal properties that make it effective against microbial and fungal infections. Dandelion sap has insecticidal, germicidal, and fungicidal properties, and it is highly alkaline in nature. That is why it proves extremely effective against skin ailments, including eczema, ringworm, itches, and other skin conditions. Be sure to keep it away from your eyes because it can cause irritation. You do not have to worry about experiencing any hormonal disturbances though when using dandelion sap. This feature makes it better than many other pharmaceutical skin treatments.

7. It Improves Bone Health

Packed with calcium, dandelions are extremely beneficial for your bones and teeth. They strengthen your bones and protect them from age-related damage. They contain vitamin-C that works amazingly well to prevent cellular damage. It also helps eliminate free radicals that are responsible for causing weak, fragile bones. Regular consumption may actually help improve bone density.

8. It Helps Manage Weight

You can lose weight and control it better by including dandelions in your diet. It works by increasing urination. You have up to 4% fat in your pee, and the more you urinate, the higher the chances of you losing fat. Since dandelions have a diuretic nature, they encourage urination and help you get rid of water weight. Like most leafy greens, dandelions are not high in calories. You also get a large amount of dietary fiber from dandelions that keep you full and prevent overeating. You can also use them as sweeteners in place of your regular sweeteners that are usually laden with unhealthy sugar.

Eat in Moderation

Are dandelions poisonous? No, so long as you eat in moderation. You may want to talk to your doctor first if you have diabetes or are already taking certain medications, such as lithium, blood thinners, or diuretics. It may not be healthy to eat dandelions regularly if you have certain medical conditions.

You may develop oxalates poisoning after eating a large amount of dandelion leaves. Some of the most common symptoms include vomiting diarrhea, great thirst, respiratory problems, and irritation of the throat, mouth or stomach. Therefore, it is better to consult with your doctor to ensure you can consume dandelions when you have certain medical problems.