According to the British Coffee Association, we drink a staggering 95 million cups of coffee per day as a nation! It has become a part of our modern-day ritual to use a quick morning espresso to get us moving, or a cappuccino to get us over an afternoon slump. Now, you’re probably familiar with dandelion, from the family of flowering plants (aka stubborn weeds in your garden) that grow all over the world. However, dandelion coffee, made from roasted dandelion root, comes in instant coffee form and tastes similar to your much-loved, bean-based coffee. Indeed, dandelion is not your average weed so read on for these Top 5 Health Benefits of Dandelion Coffee!
1. Eases Water Retention
Dandelion is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production. This is useful for expelling excess water from your body thereby reducing water retention. This will be particularly useful for treating conditions such as oedema, where excess watery fluid collects in the tissues of your body and causing swelling and discomfort. This diuretic effect will also help with water retention associated with premenstrual bloating and swollen limbs which often accompanies the process of pregnancy.
2. Helps Your Body Eliminate Toxins
We are exposed to many toxins in daily life. If these toxins are not excreted, they can cause damage. As a diuretic, dandelion has the power to help clear water soluble toxins, allowing your liver and kidneys to eliminate toxicity and waste quickly from your body, thus preventing their accumulation.
3. A Good Caffeine Substitute
Studies have shown that consuming small, regular amounts of caffeine has potential health benefits, however excessive caffeine can cause adverse effects on your body and mind such as insomnia, increased blood pressure, palpitations, and chest tightness. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid caffeine and many medications also interact with the drug. The safe limit for caffeine intake is 300 milligrams per day, which is about 3 full, large cups. Being caffeine free, dandelion coffee comes without all of the associated risks, meaning you can drink as much as you like!
4. Supports Liver Detox
Dandelion root contains bitter compounds that stimulate the release of bile from your gallbladder, which is responsible for carrying toxins out of your body. A lack of bile can cause your liver to become congested, preventing adequate function. With an assist from dandelion root, your liver is able to detoxify and work efficiently.
5. High Antioxidant Content
Antioxidants provide protection against cellular damage. Beta-catotene is among the numerous antioxidants dandelion coffee has to offer. Dandelion is also rich in a type of antioxidant called ‘polyphenols’, which help limit the damage caused by unstable molecules (aka ‘free radicals’) by slowing down the aging process and preventing or reducing the development of disease.
Whether you’d like to try something new or simply reduce or substitute your caffeine intake, it’s certainly worth considering adding dandelion coffee to your dietary lifestyle. Its wide profile of health benefits makes it an appealing option when picking a hot new beverage. Hopefully now you’ll look at weeds with new eyes and experience what their ever ubiquitous fighting spirit can do for you! What coffee substitutes do you rate for both health and taste? Let us know in the comments below, join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter & Instagram. (Want more vitality-giving hot drinks this winter? Then sip on these: Chicory, White, Ginger and Rooibos – to help Keep your immunity high and get YOUR Fit all stirred up!)