P(caps)urslane may be the most vegetable that hasn’t made its way into our diet! The main reason for this is that for many years, purslane has been considered as an annoying weed. But just because it’s considered a weed doesn’t mean it’s worthless. In fact, purslane is completely edible and provides many amazing health benefits. The entire plant, including the leaves, stem, flowers, and seeds, are edible and have been used for thousands of years in different variations. Purslane can be used fresh as a salad or cooked as spinach, and it is also suitable for soups and stews.
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Purslane Plant Description
Purslane has red stems and small, green leaves. It has a slightly sour or salty taste, similar to spinach. Purslane contains about 93% water. It grows in many parts of the world, in a wide range of environments. It can grow in gardens and can adapt to harsher conditions. This includes drought, as well as very salty or nutrient-deficient soil.The Health Benefits of Purslane
Purslane is also a great source of two minerals that are important to bone health: Calciumand and Magnesium
- Calcium is the most common mineral in the body.
- Magnesium indirectly affects skeletal health by affecting the growth of bone cells.
- Purslane is High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important fats that the body cannot produce. Therefore, we must get them from the diet. This essential fatty acid plays a big role in maintaining heart health, lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. Omega-3 fatty acids also enrich the brain health and can be useful in preventing and treating depression.
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- Purslane is an excellent source of Vitamin-A. Vitamin-A is known as a powerful natural antioxidant and an essential vitamin for vision.
- Purslane contains two betalain alkaloid pigments, beta-cyanins and beta-xanthins, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that are beneficial in reducing cell damage caused by free radicals.
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