Dandelion Detox

Growing up in Indiana with a front and back yard, I recall my parents always weeding and plucking those pesky yellow flowers that popped out of their pristine lawn every year. As a health coach, I now know those cute “weeds” are actually highly nutritious. I’m speaking of course, about dandelion.

Dandelion is part of the sunflower family and the word itself is an English corruption of the French name for this plant “dent de lion," meaning lion’s tooth because of the green leaves that are spiky and resemble sharp teeth. These green leaves are packed with fiber and nutrition making them an ideal choice for a delicious Spring Detox Juice.

Dandelion Facts:

1. This green has a profound effect on the liver by stimulating digestive organs.

2. It can be very helpful in treating diabetes as it contains a soluble fiber called inulin which has a positive effect on blood sugar levels.

3. A huge bone strengthener, these greens contain an enormous amount of Vitamin K.

4. They also have a healthy dose of Vitamin C, B6, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, folate, magnesium, phosphorus and copper.

Get your Spring detox moving by adding these bitter greens to a salad, soup, stir fry… or give this refreshing green juice a try.

Dandelion Detox Juice:

• 1 grapefruit, peeled and pith removed

• 1 apple

• 1 cucumber

• ½ bunch of romaine

• ¼ bunch of dandelion greens

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Illustration by Beth Sworobuk

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