Despite being a weed, dandelion is considered an effective weight loss aid. Find out how it can help you lose weight. Medicinal dandelion, Field dandelion, Pharmaceutical dandelion - all these names are hidden by the plant, which many consider to be an ordinary weed. But in fact, this weed is rich in a huge number of useful and unique properties; it is used in almost all spheres of life: in medicine, cooking and cosmetology.
Dandelion is a perennial herb from the Astrov family. It grows mainly in fields, forests, wastelands, shores and near roads. The flowering period begins in early May and lasts until the end of June, and bears fruit in July. It is thanks to its fruits (dandelions) that this plant can spread over a long distance.
Dandelion composition
Due to its composition, this plant is used both for medicinal purposes and for the preparation of tasty and healthy dishes. Dandelion contains a large amount of vitamins A, C, E, as well as vitamins of group B. For example, vitamin C in it is not less than in citrus fruits or currants, but it plays an important role in the loss of extra pounds. Thanks to this component, glucose in our body turns into "correct" energy, with the help of which there is an effective burning of fats. It also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, etc.
Dandelion roots contain substances such as "triterpene compounds". The main ones among them are taraxol, taraxarol, taraxacin, saponin, mucin. It contains a lot of them, and this is an important component for losing weight. After all, these substances take an active part in the regulation of lipid metabolism, as well as the breakdown of fats and cholesterol in the body. In addition, the roots of this plant contain proteins, carbohydrates, sterols, resins, mucus and fatty oils.
How does dandelion work on weight loss?
- One of the unique properties of dandelion is its use for weight loss. The fact is that it has a good diuretic effect, and this helps to remove all excess fluid from the body. Indeed, with excess weight, it is often retained in the cells, thereby disrupting metabolic processes.
- Together with the liquid, slags, toxins are removed from the body, which, when accumulated, disrupt the work of all organs. By getting rid of the accumulation of harmful substances in the body, this, first of all, improves the functioning of the liver and prevents the increase in blood cholesterol.
- Dandelion also has a good laxative effect. Consuming it improves intestinal motility, which in turn prevents constipation. After all, it is not uncommon for overweight people to have constipation.
- Another important property that dandelion has in the process of losing weight is improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. If digestion is normal, then this is a sign that the body is receiving all the necessary components for energy, which means that it will save you from overeating.
How to use dandelion for weight loss?
In order to get rid of excess weight, the entire dandelion plant is used completely: flowers, leaves with stems and a root. Various salads, tinctures, decoctions and teas are prepared from them. Dry blanks of dandelion or other products (tinctures, preparations) can be purchased at any pharmacy. But, of course, self-prepared raw materials will be much more useful, and you will be sure of their freshness and quality.
It is recommended to collect dandelion flowers in May, it is at this time that they have already blossomed well and contain a maximum of useful substances. Root harvesting must be done during the period when the plant fades (at the end of summer). For high-quality storage, both flowers, leaves, and the root must be pre-dried, but this must not be done in the sun. It is best to do this in a dry, shady place: somewhere in the room or in the attic. Dry blanks should be stored for no more than a year, because after this time all useful properties are lost. Dandelion is popularly considered an excellent appetite enhancer. This is indeed the case, because a small "dose" of this herb helps to improve appetite. That is why, when using dandelion in order to lose weight, it is important to correctly calculate the "dose". After all, if you eat a lot, then you can, on the contrary, add yourself a few pounds. In addition, it is recommended to use it only before meals, as it promotes the secretion of a large amount of gastric juice. If you want to lose weight with dandelion, then you need to remember that excessive use of it will not give a positive result. With such a diet, it is important to additionally consume other foods so that the body receives all the necessary components. For example, when preparing dandelion salad, choose low-calorie vegetables, which will make the dish not only delicious, but also twice as healthy. Among these vegetables, avocado, cucumber, celery, various greens and boiled eggs are suitable.
Since fresh plant has an unpleasant bitter taste, this taste must be neutralized before cooking. To do this, the required amount of grass should be soaked in salted water for 30 minutes. After that, you can cook any meals.
Dandelion contraindications
- chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- individual intolerance to the components that are part of the dandelion;
- a tendency to diarrhea;
- blockage of the biliary tract;
- pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding.
If you have no contraindications to the use of dandelion, then you can safely use it: prepare delicious and healthy dishes, drink teas. This will help you not only get rid of extra pounds, but also improve the functioning of the whole body.
Dandelion Slimming Recipes
Despite the fact that dandelion is a weed, people have learned to apply it in all walks of life. And given that it has a huge number of useful components, it is used for weight loss. There are many different recipes for this, and we will share some of them with you.
Dandelion root tea for weight loss
Dandelion tea is widely used not only for achieving ideal forms, but also directly for the treatment of certain diseases. For the preparation of "dietary" tea, you can use different parts of the plant: flowers, stems and root, but since the root contains all the necessary concentration of useful components for weight loss, then in our recipe we will choose it. Take 3-4 pcs. dandelion root, pour 500 ml. boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes. Then strain and take 1 tsp 3 times a day. before meals.
Dandelion leaf tea
To make this tea, prepare 1 tbsp. l. dry or fresh dandelion leaves and cover them with a glass of boiling water. Infuse the tea for 2-3 hours. Strain the finished tea and take 1-2 tsp. 3 times a day.
Dandelion leaf salad
The recipe for this vitamin salad is very simple, but if you eat it regularly, you can not only lose weight, but also improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Take a large handful of leaves (previously soaked in salt water), tear them with your hands and put them in a jar. Then mix the juice of half a lemon and 2-3 tbsp. l. olive oil and season salad with this sauce. A delicious and healthy salad is ready! If desired, you can add your favorite greens (parsley, spinach, green onions), as well as a cucumber or tomato. It will also turn out very tasty if you add boiled quail eggs to the salad. Prepare such a delicious vitamin salad for yourself every day, and you yourself will not even notice how you got rid of excess weight.
Dandelion alcohol tincture
To prepare such a tincture, you can use both dandelion root and flowers. We need 50 g of dry crushed root or dried flowers. Everything needs to be filled with 500 ml. vodka and close the vessel well. Insist for two weeks in a dark, cool place, periodically shake the jar of tincture. Then you need to strain and take 20-30 drops of tincture 3 times a day before meals.
Dandelion jam
To make dandelion jam, prepare a 0.5 liter glass jar. In this jar it is necessary to lay out dandelion flowers and honey in layers. Put the jam in the refrigerator and leave for 7-10 days. This jam can be added to tea or simply eaten with a spoon. The main thing is that it is not only tasty, but also healthy for the figure.
Now, knowing about the beneficial properties of dandelion, you can cook not only delicious dishes, but also at the same time get the desired weight and a wonderful figure. Therefore, you should not look for the perfect weight loss product, you can find it in your garden or vegetable garden. Prepare delicious and healthy dandelion dishes and stay fit!
How to make a dandelion salad, you will learn from this story:
