Purslane Nutrition Facts

10 Health Benefits of Purslane

The weed in the photo is called Purslane. Lucky for you, Purslane grows like crazy. It tastes good and is good for you. Here are 10 of the best health benefits of Purslane:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

You thought you could only get omega-3s through salmon and flax seeds. You'll be delighted to know that according to Mother Earth Living, the omega-3 fatty acids in Purslane function as fuel for the brain, a preventative for heart attack, and a treatment for depression.

2. Antioxidants

Mother Earth Living says the plant is chock-full of antioxidants, which delay cell damage and slow aging.

3. Calcium and magnesium

Eat Purslane to maintain healthy bones, teeth, and muscles, says Heal With Food.

4. Potassium

Heal With Food suggests adding Purslane to your daily diet, because the potassium in the leaves help keep your blood pressure in check.

5. Iron

Most people think they can only get iron from red meat and beans. But according to Heal With Food, Purslane is also a good source of iron.

6. Beta-carotene

You may not think Purslane is a rich source of beta-carotene, given its green colour, but according to the Chicago Tribune, this is one of the plant's greatest advantages.

7. Hydration

Progressive Health reports Purslane is 93 percent water. Eat the plant to re-fuel dehydrated cells.

8. Glutathione

This antioxidant helps produce Melatonin. Progressive Health explains this is important because Melatonin regulates sleep-wake circles.

9. Betalain

Progressive Health says Purslane contains Betalain, an antioxidant that prevents cholesterol from damaging blood vessels. This is why Purslane is known to have a positive effect on LDL cholesterol levels.

10. Tryptophan

Purslane contains this important amino acid that regulates mood. Progressive Health says eating Purslane can fight depression.

● Who should not eat purslane?

Do you have this plant growing in your yard? Do you weed it out every chance you get, cursing it for taking over your lettuce bed or your garden in general? Why does it get so darn big, you wonder? Look at this plant! It is everywhere!

The plant is nutritious and generally considered safe for human consumption. Due its content of oxalic acid, purslane should not be consumed by people with kidney disease or that have high uric acid.  

● Is purslane good for hair growth?

Purslane has hepatoprotective properties and improves the levels of liver enzymes.  It may help maintain hair health as purslane contains omega fatty acids that may help boost hair growth and density.

● What are the benefits of purslane?

Purslane is also rich in vitamin C, which is important to keep your collagen and blood vessels in good shape, as well as helping injuries heal. Purslane is full of beta-carotene, the pigment responsible for the reddish color of its stems and leaves. Beta-carotene is one of many antioxidants found in purslane.

Purslane is also very high in vitamin A. You will find vitamin C, B complex as well as nutrients including iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Purslane has many healing benefits for your body. It has a cooling, anti-inflammatory affect along with soothing and healing mucilaginous constituents. It can be used topically on the skin to soothe, cool and heal bug bites, inflamed skin, stings and skin sores.

Internally it helps to reduce inflammation and speed the healing of the gastrointestinal tract. Adding it to your diet helps to reduce ulcers, colitis and any inflamed area of the intestines.

Note: Avoid eating purslane if you are pregnant. Purslane contains oxalic acid. If you are a person that is prone to urinary stones, then you know to steer clear of oxalic acid containing foods.

I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever eaten purslane before? If you have, how do you prepare it? If not, are you inspired to get some purslane into your next meal?

 Leave a comment below.