Are Dandelion Greens The New Kale? Why This Weed Is Having A Moment

We've all made wishes on those puffy little dandelion flowers, but what most of us didn't know is that the real magic happens in their leaves. Dandelion greens are packed with body-benefitting properties, most importantly prebiotics - the key to a healthy gut and svelte body that's ready to hit the beach. 

We're loading up on dandelion greens in every way we can this summer. Our enthusiasm is inspired by Pressed Juicery's newest limited edition green juice which includes dandelion greens, plus other pro-gut ingredients like basil, cucumber, spinach, lemon, pear and pineapple. We've asked Dr. Lisa Davis from Pressed Juicery's Medical Board to break down the value of prebiotics and why dandelion greens are about to have a huge moment in the sun...

When it comes to looking and feeling your best in skimpier summertime wear, one answer may be literally right at your feet: Consider the humble dandelion, those yellow puffs that decorate grassy areas all summer long. Juice from dandelion leaves can help you maintain a healthier balance of 'good' bacteria in your digestive tract to reduce bloat, while providing a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants. So if you want a simple way to get a happier, healthier tummy just in time for bathing suit season, dandelions are a great find. Here’s the science:

What's are prebiotics + Why we need more

The right kind of nutrition can help you cast off the caftan and show off your best body this summer, and when you’re choosing ingredients to add to your morning smoothie, it’s hard to do better than the juice of dandelion greens.That’s because dandelion leaf juice has one of the top ten best prebiotics you can get.

What's a prebiotic? Chances are, you’ve heard about probiotics — those healthy 'good bacteria' such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria found in yogurt, pickles, kombucha and other fermented foods. Probiotics are living things, and living things eat; prebiotics are the food of probiotics, nourishing the good bacteria and helping them grow.

All the lovely soluble fiber in dandelion greens juice provides high-octane nutrients for you and the good-guy bacteria. That means you can break down your food efficiently, absorb calcium more readily and create a kind of shield against bad bacteria and other pathogens that can make you sick.

How Prebiotics Help us Beat the bloat

All this sounds healthy enough for the inside of your body, but what about the outside? How does dandelion juice affect how you’ll look in that bikini? The prebiotic power of dandelions can help you there, too. Because a lot of what causes a bulgy look in bathing suits is gas and water retention.

Through helping you cultivate healthy gut bacteria, the prebiotics help support your body’s digestion of food, cutting down on intestinal gas. And, as an added benefit, other compounds in the dandelion greens juice act as a natural diuretic, flushing extra water and toxins from your system.

why dandelion greens are everything

Dandelion have the added advantage of being a rich source of vitamins A and C, which are powerful antioxidants, neutralizing the oxidative stress that can wear and tear your body’s cells like rust on a car. (Dandelion greens are huge in vitamin A — 25 calories’ worth packs more than 100 percent of your daily requirement.)

Vitamin C is water soluble, too, so if you’re out in the summer heat exercising, dandelion greens juice is a great way to replenish the vitamins you’re sweating out — and it’s much better for you than sugary sports drinks that pack too many calories, as well as artificial colors and flavors.

The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program. 

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