1. Providing antioxidants
Antioxidants work to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. The human body produces free radicals naturally, but they cause harm by accelerating aging or the progression of certain diseases.
Dandelions contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. ResearchTrusted Source shows that carotenoids such as beta-carotene play a vital role in reducing cell damage.
The flower of the dandelion is also full of flavonoids and polyphenols, which are other types of antioxidants.
2. Reducing cholesterol
Dandelions contain bioactive compounds that may help lower a person’s cholesterol.
Research conducted in vivo and in vitro has shown that dandelion may be able to help reduce blood lipids. This can include lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.
It is possible that people can use dandelion to help treat high cholesterol, but more research is still necessary.
3. Regulating blood sugar
There is some evidence to suggest that dandelions contain compounds that may help with regulating blood sugar.
In 2016, some researchers proposedTrusted Source that dandelion’s antihyperglycemic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties may help treat type 2 diabetes. However, further research is required to make any definitive claims.
4. Reducing inflammation
Some studies indicate that dandelion extracts and compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body.
In one 2014 studyTrusted Source, researchers found that chemicals present in dandelions had some positive effects on reducing inflammatory responses.
However, they conducted the study on cells and not on human participants, which means that more research is needed to conclude that dandelion reduces inflammation in the human body.
5. Lowering blood pressure
There is little research to support the use of dandelion for lowering blood pressure.
However, dandelion leaves are a good source of potassium. There is clinical evidence that shows that potassium can help reduce blood pressure.
For example, a meta-analysisTrusted Source of 15 randomized controlled trials found that people taking a daily potassium supplement saw a significant reduction in their blood pressure. The reduction in blood pressure was greater among people with pre-existing high blood pressure.
6. Aiding weight loss
Some researchers have proposed that dandelion could help people achieve their weight loss goals.
Researchers believe that compounds found in the dandelion plant may promote improved carbohydrate metabolism and reducedTrusted Source fat absorption.
Strong evidence to support this claim is lacking, however.
7. Reducing cancer risk
Some limited, but positive, research has indicated that dandelion may help reduce the growth of certain types of cancer.
So far, studies have looked at dandelion’s impact on cancer growth in test tubes and found that it may help with slowing the growth of certain cancers.
One studyTrusted Source examining cancer growth in a test tube determined that dandelion extract may help reduce the growth of liver cancer. Other research has shown similar benefits for colon cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.
However, as with other potential benefits, researchers need to do more studies to show how effective dandelions can be as part of cancer treatment.
8. Boosting the immune system
There is growing evidence that suggests that dandelions can help boost the immune system.
Researchers have found that dandelions show both antiviral and antibacterial properties. For example, one 2014 studyTrusted Source found that dandelions help limit the growth of hepatitis B in both human and animal cells in test tubes.
However, researchers need to do more studies to determine the impact of dandelions on the immune system.
9. Aiding digestion
Some people use dandelion as a traditional remedy for constipation and other digestion issues.
A rodent studyTrusted Source investigating the effect of dandelions on digestion found that certain chemical compounds present in dandelions improved gastric emptying.
The study saw a reduction in the resistance of food moving to the rodents’ small intestines. Researchers now need to see whether dandelion can have the same effect on humans.
10. Keeping skin healthy
Some research indicates that dandelion may help protect the skin from sun damage.
Ultraviolet (UV) light causes considerable damage to the skin and contributes to skin aging. A 2015 studyTrusted Source on skin cells in a test tube found that dandelion could reduce the impact of one type of damaging UV light.
Protecting the skin from UV damage can help protect the skin from premature aging. Researchers need to conduct studies on humans to verify these results.
11. Promoting liver health
Research shows that dandelion may be able to help prevent and treat some liver diseases. This includes acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcohol-related liver damage.
However, not all of the research was conducted in vivo or on humans, so more studies are needed to determine if dandelion can actually be used medicinally for these purposes.
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