Often seen as a pesky weed invading suburban lawns, dandelions are now being celebrated for their incredible health benefits. Grace O, founder and visionary behind FoodTrients, the website that champions the idea of food as medicine, reveals the surprising nutritional powerhouse hidden in these humble greens and why we should include them in our diet. Dandelion greens boast a remarkable array of health benefits:
They can control blood sugar. Dandelion greens can lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Diuretic effects. The high potassium content of dandelion greens means they work as a diuretic, helping to reduce water retention.
Lower blood pressure. The diuretic effect of dandelions can help treat high blood pressure. While not as powerful as a prescription medication, it can still contribute to lowering blood pressure.
Lower inflammation. Dandelion greens contain natural anti-inflammatories that can help avoid diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Antioxidants for health on a cellular level. The antioxidants found in dandelion greens can protect your cells from stress and keep your immune system strong.
Control cholesterol. Preliminary studies show they might be effective in metabolizing lipids and useful in lowering cholesterol.
At just 25 calories per cup, raw dandelion greens are a source of:
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Calcium (103 mg)
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Folate (14.8 µg)
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Iron (1.7 mg)
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Potassium (218 mg)
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Vitamin A (279 µg)
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Vitamin C (19.2 mg)
Where To Find Dandelion Greens: You can find these nutritious greens at specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts, as well as mainstream markets such as Kroeger and Publix. Farmers’ markets and online retailers like Amazon are also excellent sources. Alternatively, you might even discover them in your own backyard! Just ensure your lawn is chemical-free and not a favorite spot for neighborhood pets.
Dandelion greens are available year-round, with their peak season in spring. Look for tender leaves and thin, non-woody stems to ensure the best quality.
To view the complete article on Dandelion Greens click here. FoodTrients® is a philosophy and a resource dedicated to the foods and rejuvenating nutrients that help us fight the diseases of aging and promote longevity. Grace’s healthy living program is built around nine age-defying “FoodTrients,” which she incorporates into her recipes and articles. They are: Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Beauty, Detox, Disease Prevention, Gut Health, Immune Boosters, Mind, and Strength. All recipes on the website combine modern scientific research and medicinal herbs and ingredients from cultures around the world. They’re loaded with flavor and superfoods, which promote wellness, increase energy and vitality, improve skin, and help people look and feel younger. For more information and recipes visit www.FoodTrients.com. Give this delightful Dandelion recipe a try for breakfast or brunch:
This recipe and photo may be reprinted with the following credit:
Sautéed Dandelion Greens with Eggs
Serves 2-4
These sautéed dandelion greens with leeks, eggs, and feta cheese showcase this often under-appreciated leafy green. To help reduce bitterness, the dandelion greens are quickly blanched in salted boiling water. Between the eggs and the cheese, this is a protein-packed brunch or supper.
Ingredients
4 cups chopped dandelion greens (about 1-2 bunches), thick stems removed and discarded
2 Tbs. butter
1 large leek, white and light green parts only sliced lengthwise and finely chopped
4 large eggs
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the dandelion greens: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped dandelion greens and blanch for 1-2 minutes. Drain the greens thoroughly. Using a wooden spoon, drain and press out as much liquid as possible.
- Melt the butter in a 10-inch sauté or cast-iron pan set over medium heat. Sauté the leeks until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the drained dandelion greens one handful at a time. Cook each handful until wilted, then add more.
- When the greens are wilted, use a spoon to create 4 shallow nests in the greens and crack the eggs into each one. Top with feta cheese and cook covered until the whites of the eggs are just set, about 5 minutes. Add ground pepper and serve immediately with toasted slices of crusty bread.
About Grace O: Over a span of 30 years, Grace O has built an impressive record of business achievement, community building, philanthropy, and community service in California. Guided by her spirit of entrepreneurship and building on a model of generosity learned from her family, Grace has spent a lifetime helping people heal through food and medicine. Grace launched FoodTrients.com in 2010 where she shares age-defying superfoods from around the world and creates delicious recipes with them. Grace is the author of three award-winning cookbooks— The Age GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life; The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World, and the multi-award-winning Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World.
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