325,636
edits
Difference between revisions of "Dandelion"
→News About Dandelions
| Line 57: | Line 57: | ||
==News About Dandelions== | ==News About Dandelions== | ||
'''The Health Benefits of Dandelion Root Coffee Substitute''' | |||
*Source:http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-dandelion-root-coffee-substitute-12190.html | |||
:By Karen McCarthy | |||
Although coffee is not unanimously considered unhealthy, the caffeine in coffee is not safe for everyone. It can cause side effects, like anxiety and restlessness, and you shouldn't drink too much of it. The roots of dandelion flowers can be brewed to make a nutritious tea -- often called a coffee -- that's marketed to taste like coffee. You can typically find dandelion tea at health food stores. Check with your doctor before drinking it if you're on medication. | |||
:It's Caffeine-Free | |||
Switching from coffee to brewed dandelion root would allow you to cut back on your caffeine intake since dandelion root is totally caffeine-free. Caffeine, widely known for counteracting sleepiness, can cause increased heart rate, insomnia, anxiety, depression, nausea, vomiting and tremors. The upper safety limit for caffeine is 300 milligrams daily, which is about three 8-ounce cups of coffee. Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers should especially avoid too much caffeine, although it's safe in small amounts. Further, many medications interact with caffeine, but switching to dandelion root tea removes all risk by eliminating caffeine completely. | |||
:It's More Nutritious Than Coffee | |||
In high amounts, the caffeine in coffee can cause your body to leach calcium. Dandelion root does not have this effect, and it gives much to the body without taking from it. The herb is rich in vitamins A, B, C and D and the minerals potassium, iron and zinc. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, herbalists have traditionally used dandelion root for liver and gallbladder detoxification and to support kidney health, stimulate appetite and improve digestion. | |||
:You Still Get the Antioxidant Benefits | |||
Both coffee and dandelion root contain antioxidants, which counteract damage to the body done by free radicals. In a study on humans published in "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research" in 2011, the antioxidants in coffee reduced DNA damage. Dandelion root is rich in a flavonoid called luteolin, which was found to protect DNA from damage in test tubes in a study published in "Neoplasma" in 2001. It also contains vitamin A and caretenoids, which are known antioxidants. | |||
:Tips and Safety Precautions | |||
You can find dandelion root in tea bags, or you can buy dandelions fresh at a health food store. Simply brew with boiling water and strain. Dandelion is safe, but potential side effects include heartburn, increased stomach acid and skin irritation. There's been no upper safety limit set for dandelion root, but it shouldn't be consumed to excess, as is the case with most herbs. Consult with your doctor before you brew dandelion if you have kidney or gallbladder problems. | |||
---- | |||
'''Dandelion and Digestion''' | '''Dandelion and Digestion''' | ||
*Source:http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/dandelion-digestion-8904.html | *Source:http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/dandelion-digestion-8904.html | ||