Spotlight On Dandelion

It’s Regarded By Many Of Us As A Weed To Get Rid Off, But Did You Know This Common Plant Is Packed Full Of Nutrients?

- Erin Fisher

When dandelions pop up in our gardens, we tend to think of them as pesky weeds and pull them out, or blow away the seeds and make a wish. The jury is still out on their wish-granting powers, but these humble backyard flowers are actually gifts from nature in terms of their nutritional properties and potential health benefits.

For centuries, dandelions have been used from root to flower as herbal medicine to help treat a range of physical ailments. You may have spotted dandelion products in the supplement aisle or with the herbal teas, but perhaps next time you see a plant growing in the garden, it’ll end up on your plate rather than the weeds pile.

Green nutrition

Surprisingly, a dandelion’s jagged green leaves are packed full of vitamins and are one of the highest sources of vitamin A among all herbs, an important nutrient for eye health and protection against macular degeneration. Just a cup of dandelion greens contains over 100 percent of your daily recommended intake. The green leaves also boast seven times more vitamin K than broccoli, which is beneficial for brain health and bone strength.