11 Reasons to Start Drinking Dandelion Tea or Coffee

What are the first foods you think of when hear the term “superfoods”? You probably think of acai berries, green tea, turmeric or yogurt. Few people ever consider the humble dandelion that rears its head on lawns around the world. But they should. That’s because dandelions are among the greatest superfoods available to us. And, fortunately, dandelion can be enjoyed as a tea or coffee substitute.

Here are some of the best reasons to start drinking dandelion tea or coffee alternative.

Diabetes Prevention and Treatment

Dandelion contains a potent natural compound known as alpha-glucosidase that balances blood sugar levels. Dandelion tea is reportedly so effective that many people find they can work with their doctor to reduce their medication. Of course, you should only do so under the guidance of your physician.

Immune Booster

Dandelion is a powerful natural immune enhancer. According to one study  published in Advances in Hematology, researchers found that dandelion significantly increased both red and white blood cells, making it a possible aid in the treatment of anemia, blood purification and in modulating the immune system.

Breast Cancer Aid

Research published in the International Journal of Oncology found that a tea made from dandelion leaves decreased the growth of breast cancer cells while a tea made from the roots of the dandelion plant blocked the ability of cancer cells to invade healthy breast tissue. 

Prostate Cancer Remedy

The same study also found that a tea made from dandelion root blocked the ability of cancer to invade healthy prostate tissue.

Energy Enhancer

In a world with seemingly increasing demands, most of us need an energy boost to help us get through our daily tasks. Fortunately, dandelion tea or coffee can help. In a studypublished in the journal Molecules, researchers found that animals given dandelion had a reduction in fatigue.

Bone Builder

Dandelions have deep roots that bury themselves into the ground where they pull many minerals into the plant, including boron and calcium. Both of these nutrients are needed in sufficient quantities to build and maintain strong and healthy bones and to prevent osteoporosis. Drinking dandelion tea or coffee is a great way to increase the amount of these minerals in your daily diet.

Anemia Treatment

In a study published in Advances in Hematology, researchers found that dandelion significantly increased the body’s production of blood cells, making it a potential anemia treatment.

Overall Cancer Prevention

An exciting Canadian study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The Canadian scientists found that after 48 hours of exposure to the dandelion extract cancer cells began to die. They also found that dandelion was even effective on cancer cells that were resistant to chemotherapy.

Liver Protection and Healing

Many studies, including one in the medical journal Environmental Toxicology, showcase the liver protective and healing abilities of dandelion tea or coffee.

Gut Microbiome Balancing

Our microbiome is the sum of all the microbes in our body, forming a bacterial “fingerprint” that is unique to each of us. According to research in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine, researchers found that dandelion tea or coffee, in combination with mulberry, had the ability to restore balance to an imbalanced gut microbiome.

Kidney Stone Prevention

Research in the medical journal Urolithiasis found that a compound found in dandelion, known as taraxasterol, was able to break down stones and eliminate them from the urinary tract.

HOW TO USE ROASTED DANDELION ROOT COFFEE SUBSTITUTE

Add a tablespoon or two of the ground roasted dandelion powder to almond or coconut milk and a dash of stevia, blend and pour over ice for a delicious, natural and highly-therapeutic iced beverage. Alternatively, steep a tablespoon or two of roasted dandelion grounds in a cup of hot water for a hot dandelion coffee.

Dandelion is a natural diuretic so it is a good idea to take a break from it after a few weeks to prevent the loss of important minerals other than those contained in dandelion.