You might be surprised to learn that the common weed in the photo, purslane, is actually a nutritious and tasty plant. It can be found in gardens and lawns, and although it may be tempting to get rid of it, there are plenty of reasons to keep it around.
Discovering the Benefits of Purslane
During my time working on a community garden project, I had the opportunity to learn about the benefits of purslane. One experienced gardener taught me that purslane is high in omega-3 fatty acids and can be used in salads or as a garnish. Since then, I’ve made it a point to leave any purslane I find in my own garden and incorporate it into my meals. Let’s dive into the reasons why purslane is worth keeping:
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids According to Mother Earth Living, purslane is packed with omega-3 fatty acids. These essential nutrients fuel the brain, help prevent heart attacks, and even serve as a treatment for depression.
2. Antioxidants Purslane is also rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in delaying cell damage and slowing down the aging process. So, keeping purslane in your garden means welcoming a powerful ally against aging.
3. Calcium and Magnesium If you want to maintain healthy bones, teeth, and muscles, incorporating purslane into your diet is a great idea. This little weed is a natural source of calcium and magnesium, essential minerals for strong and healthy body structures.
4. Potassium The leaves of purslane are also a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. By adding purslane to your daily meals, you are taking a step towards maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
5. Iron While most people think that red meat and beans are the only sources of iron, here’s a surprising fact: purslane is also a good source of this important mineral. So, by consuming purslane, you can boost your iron intake.
6. Beta-Carotene Despite its green color, purslane is actually a rich source of beta-carotene. According to the Chicago Tribune, this is one of the plant’s greatest advantages. Beta-carotene is important for eye health and a strong immune system.
7. Hydration Incredibly, purslane is made up of 93 percent water. So, eating purslane can help rehydrate your cells and keep you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
8. Glutathione and Melatonin Purslane contains glutathione, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, and melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. So, this little weed can have a positive impact on both your cellular health and sleep patterns.
9. Betalain Another powerful antioxidant found in purslane is betalain. Progressive Health explains that betalain prevents cholesterol from damaging blood vessels. This is why purslane can have a positive effect on LDL cholesterol levels.
10. Tryptophan Last but not least, purslane contains an important amino acid called tryptophan. This amino acid plays a role in regulating mood and can even help fight depression. So, by incorporating purslane into your meals, you are giving your mood a potential boost.
Next time you come across purslane in your garden, think twice before removing it. This little weed is actually a nutritional powerhouse with numerous health benefits. Embrace purslane as a valuable addition to your meals and experience its positive impact on your well-being.