At this time of year in the United Kingdom, the grass verges are awash with wild flowers. In particular, the green verges become festooned with dandelions. Considered by some as a weed, the dandelion is in fact a highly nutritious herb with many health effects. The whole of the dandelion plant is edible, but the root is very bitter and for this reason many consider it unpalatable. The leaves are often used in salads and also have a bitter taste, but are not as bitter as the root, and are rather like spinach or lettuce. The flowers of the dandelion plant can also be eaten. The bright yellow of the flowers is due to the presence of yellow pigment carotenoids particularly lutein. This makes the flowers an excellent source of antioxidants, and the dried flowers are often consumed as tea. Overall the dandelion plant has diuretic effects and is considered a good liver tonic. Some evidence suggest that the antioxidants it possesses may be beneficial in the treatment of mood disorders.
Like most green leafy vegetables, dandelion leaves are a good source of vitamin K. The also contain vitamin A in the form of carotenoids and vitamin C. They also contain iron, but plant iron is not well absorbed.
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