Purslane is a healthy culinary plant with succulent leaves and stems. It is native in Asia but has spread all across the world. This garden weed which is also known for its range of medicinal uses possesses marked antioxidant activity and is a source of omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Here are just a few of the health benefits of purslane:
Helps Improve Circulation
As we all know, good circulation is vital to one’s health. The garden weed can help boost our body’s circulation and stimulate the production of red blood cells. These benefits are mainly attributed to its richness in iron and copper.
Helps Speed Up Wound Healing
Purslane contains 0.86 mg of iron which is 10.75% of the daily recommended value. Iron plays an important role in speeding up the process of wound healing. It works by helping in the formation of RBCs, the most essential constituent of hemoglobin that transports oxygen around the body.
Helps Promote Strong Bones
Present in purslane is bone-building nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, and manganese that help us lower our risk of osteoporosis. In addition to drinking a glass of milk, we can also cook up some fresh purslane leaves in some olive oil to enjoy this benefit.
A Good Source Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
In addition to vitamin A, vitamin C, and more beta-carotene than carrots, purslane also contains a healthy punch of omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of foods rich in this healthy fat has been associated with a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease and lowered blood pressure.
Helps Boost Immunity
Purslane is also a rich source of vitamin-C which protects our body from infections, maintains healthy bones and teeth, improves our body’s ability to repair wounds, and keeps us immune from bacteria, viruses, and infection.
Helps Prevent Headaches And Migraines
Purslane is a good source of vitamin B12 which is helpful in alleviating headache and migraine pain. Adding them to our diet can reduce the frequency of headaches as well as lessen the time the headaches stick around. Enjoy a fresh purslane salad by simply mixing chopped purslane, fresh onion, parsley, and red radish. Add some peanuts, chia seeds, beans, olive oil, lemon, and a pinch of salt.
Other Traditional Uses Of Purslane
- Improve vision
- Reduce inflammation of bee stings and snakebites
- The leaves are said to be effective against tumors, bruises, swellings, and gout Used to washing or cleansing skin diseases like eczema, burns and other wounds for an anti-hemorrhagic effects
- The juice of the leaves is reportedly good for dysentery, dysuria, dysmenorrhea, and anthelmintic benefits
- Has anti-ulcer, anti-diabetes, and anti-tumor properties.
Purslane can be added into salads, meat dishes, and a stew as well as be used in soap. It can be lightly steamed for 4 to 5 minutes, then served with salt and a little butter. Aside from this, it also goes very well mixed with cucumber and topped with some oil-and-vinegar dressing.
