The versatile burdock root is a powerful blood purifier and diuretic

Burdock root is a vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine. This vegetable is a versatile therapeutic medicine. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many health problems. It is a powerful blood purifier, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Based on scientific studies, here are its health benefits:

Burdock root is packed with nutrients: Burdock is low in fat, high in protein, and a good source of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium, as well as B vitamins. It is also rich in beneficial phytochemicals like quercetin, which is a powerful antioxidant that eliminates damaging free radicals in the body. (Related: Burdock Root Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.)

Burdock root serves as a prebiotic: Burdock root is a prebiotic, which means that it can help nourish good gut bacteria, improving digestive health and immunity.

Burdock root aids in weight loss: Burdock root can help you lose weight because of its high inulin content. Inulin, which can also be found in other foods like artichokes, garlic, onions, and leeks, is a soluble fiber that helps suppress appetite by creating a feeling of satiety or fullness. Taking inulin-rich burdock root results in lower body weight, according to animal and human studies. A study on overweight and obese participants showed that taking 21 grams (g) of inulin each day for 12 weeks caused a small but significant weight loss. On the other hand, those who did not take inulin gained weight throughout the study. With these results, the researchers concluded that burdock root could be a beneficial tool for weight management. Other studies have gathered even more promising results. One trial in prediabetic participants who took inulin for 18 weeks revealed that participants lost 7.6 percent of their body weight.

Burdock root also aids in weight loss because it can suppress lipid synthesis or the breakdown and storage of fats. Scientists revealed that it could help reduce fat deposits in the liver, which also suggests that it can be a potential remedy for easing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Burdock root helps improve Type 2 diabetes: Burdock root can help prevent Type 2 diabetes as it helps reduce insulin resistance by reducing fat deposits in the liver caused by alcohol or improper diet. Research has revealed that burdock root extract can improve insulin uptake and enhance glucose tolerance. At the same time, it can reduce triglycerides and harmful very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). A study published in Health Promotion Perspectives found that Type 2 diabetes patients who received 10 g of inulin each day saw an average 8.5 percent reduction in fasting blood sugar and a 10 percent decrease in glycated hemoglobin (Hb1AC), a measure of blood sugar over time.

Burdock root helps fight cancer: Burdock root contains the plant compound called arctigenin, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor qualities. It has cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines, such as cancers of the liver, lung, and stomach. It can also regulate white blood cell and T-lymphocytes activities.

Burdock root helps fight inflammation: Studies have demonstrated that burdock root reduces inflammation. In a study published in Nutraceutical Research, researchers found that drinking burdock root tea thrice a day for six weeks significantly reduced the participants’ osteoarthritis pain, improved their quality of life, and improved their mobility. Burdock root’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Making burdock root tea

One of the most common ways to prepare burdock root is to make it into a tea. To make burdock root tea, follow these steps:

1. Choose fresh firm burdock root.
2. Clean it by scraping the rough edge with a knife.
3. Coarsely chop around two tablespoons of the root and put into a small stainless pot.
4. Add three cups of water. Boil, then lower heat to simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Steep it for 20 minutes, then serve.

Read more news stories and studies on superfoods like burdock root by going to Superfoods.news.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth365.com

Livestrong.com