Dandelion greens. You know them. You may even spray them in an attempt to rid your lawn of these weeds. But wait a minute. Let's take a moment to learn about the humble dandelion.
Dandelions are part of the Sunflower family; and have been referenced medicinally as early as the 10th century. Both the roots and the leaves have been noted as having medical uses. And it is no wonder. The greens provide a whopping 535% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin K (super great bone strengthener). Dandelion greens are so chock full of nutrients, it would be well worth figuring out how to work this into your diet.
Dandelion greens include 112% of the minimum requirement of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is good for skin, mucus membrranes and vision. They are also high in fiber (good for waste removal), vitamins C, B6, thiamin, robflavin, calcium, iron, ptassium, and manganese.
With all these nutrients, there have been studies showing promise in some types of cancers, as well as having diuretic properties, and strengthening overall immunity.
But how can you use them? Good question!
The taste is kind of strong; so what I have done is make my normal salad (the things I like) and then I simply thinly chop a few leaves and add them in. The taste, when mixed with my larger salad, isn't overwhelmingly bitter to me. And I know I am getting an additonal punch packed into my already awesome salad.
There is also dandelion root tea. And in this there have been some studies referencing and sighting some strong work on cancer cells. If tossing them into a salad doesn't appeal to you, this could be an option for you!
Some folks have blanched the greens; and report the taste as milder. I haven't blanched mine; just chopped up and tossed into my salads. But again, another option to work this super green into your diet.
Enjoy! And please let me know ways you have enjoyed this green. I am always up to trying new ways to incorporate healing food into my own diet.
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