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This plant originally comes from India and Persia, but it has now spread from there to almost the entire world.
In some countries it is even intentionally cultivated and used as food. Unfortunately, in most other countries, including Slovakia, it is considered a weed and is therefore continuously removed from gardens and parks and then discarded.
What is purslane
Purslane is an ordinary weed that you will probably find in your garden. It has yellow flowers and thick, fleshy leaves. It can be eaten normally, but its nutritional and medicinal properties are the most interesting.
Its seeds survive in various climatic zones. They are extremely resilient and can survive in the soil for up to 40 years, waiting for suitable conditions to germinate. Because of this, it has managed to spread around the world.
This resistant and persistent medicinal plant is especially beneficial for the immune system and overall human health.
It is sometimes also called pigweed because pigs like it very much. It is definitely a much better food for them than the genetically modified animal feed used today.
Nutritional composition of purslane
Fresh leaves of the plant contain surprisingly more omega-3 fatty acids than many fish oils.
It also has one of the highest contents of beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A, among known vegetables. Vitamin A is important for eye health and also provides excellent protection against several cancers.
Purslane is also full of two extremely powerful antioxidants.
These are betalain alkaloids, the pigments yellow betaxanthin and red betacyanin. Both of these pigments have strong antimutagenic and antioxidant effects.
In addition, purslane contains large amounts of the following substances:
- vitamin C
- B vitamins, including niacin and riboflavin
- carotenoids
- calcium
- magnesium
- potassium
- iron
- copper
Health benefits of purslane
Of the many health effects of purslane, let us mention at least the most important ones:
Heart and vascular health. The high content of omega-3 fatty acids significantly helps keep the heart in good condition. Omega-3 acids lower levels of bad cholesterol in the blood and thus protect against arteriosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
This plant is low in calories and high in fiber, which makes a person feel full. It helps with weight loss.
Hyperactivity in children. Studies show a positive effect of omega-3 acids on reducing developmental disorders in children, such as ADHD or hyperactivity.
Digestive problems. In Chinese medicine, purslane is used to treat diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, dysentery, and hemorrhoids.
Skin problems. When the flesh is applied topically, purslane can treat several skin diseases, reduce swelling from insect bites, reduce wrinkles, or remove scars.
Cancer prevention. The high content of vitamins C and A and antioxidants prevents cancer. It protects cells from damage by free radicals.
Osteoporosis. Minerals found in the plant protect bones from osteoporosis. This is mainly due to calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese.
Red blood cells and blood circulation. The high content of iron and copper stimulates the production of red blood cells, accelerates the healing of tissues and organs, and improves metabolism.
Supports the health of hair and nails. If you suffer from hair loss or brittle nails, purslane can effectively treat these problems.
Note this
There is one limitation to the consumption of purslane.
Besides beneficial substances, it also contains a fairly large amount of oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
So if you have any predisposition to kidney stones or suffer from other kidney diseases, consume purslane in moderation, or avoid it completely.
