Discover the Health Benefits of Dandelion

When you look out at your yard in the spring and see it covered in dandelions, do you feel frustrated at their presence? Dandelions get a bad rap for taking over lawns, but in fact these plants are powerful medicine. The health benefits of dandelion are many. At Nourish Wellness Cafe in Northampton, you can enjoy dandelion in the form of Dandy Blend, an herbal beverage with a similar flavor and consistency to a smooth, full-bodied cup of coffee. Read on to learn about the health benefits of dandelion, and how we like to enjoy it at Nourish.

Dandelion: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Dandelion is edible from its root to its flower. The bitter leaves, or greens, are rich in vitamins A, C and K, and potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Dandelion root supplies us with inulin, a soluble fiber that supports healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. Dandelion is also loaded with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress and cellular damage.

In addition to these nutrients, studies have shown that dandelion may help fight inflammation, aid in blood sugar control, reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, promote liver health, prevent the growth of cancerous cells, and aid in weight loss.

Health Benefits of Dandelion in Chinese Medicine

Dandelion has been used as food and medicine around the world for thousands of years. According to Chinese medicine, dandelion is considered to benefit the health of the liver and stomach, clear away excess heat and cleanse the blood. Dandelion is said to cleanse the liver and increase bile production, and is used to treat liver diseases such as jaundice, cirrhosis and hepatitis. It is also used to treat kidney and gallbladder stones, gallbladder inflammation, food poisoning, and more.

How We Take Dandelion at Nourish

You can access the health benefits of dandelion at Nourish Wellness Cafe by trying Dandy Blend as a coffee-alternative in one of our warm or iced beverages. Dandy Blend is a gluten-free powder made from extracts of dandelion, barley, chicory, rye, and beet roots. It has a natural sweetness, due to the release of fructose from dandelion and chicory root in the extraction process. Best of all, it is remarkably similar to coffee in its richness and full body.

We love it in our Mayan Mocha (a blend of cacao, warming spices, coconut milk or other nondairy milk of your choice, and optional coconut oil or ghee). You can also try Dandy Blend in our Vanilla Latte or Dandy Latte, hot or iced. Check out the rest of the Nourish menu here!

Quitting Coffee with the Support of Dandelion

If you’re trying to quit coffee or reduce your coffee intake, Dandy Blend can help you do just that. Not only can it satisfy your craving for the flavor and texture of coffee, but the naturally occurring trace minerals in dandelion support adrenal function. This means common withdrawal symptoms are minimized or completely eliminated.

Come down to Nourish Wellness Cafe to get a comforting Dandy Blend drink, and while you’re at it enjoy something from the rest of our organic, plant-based menu! Browse our menu here.

Sources for This Article:

Dandelion Benefits – Healthline
Dandelion – Chinese Medicine Living
FAQs – Dandy Blend

Photo by Marija M. on Unsplash

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