Ten Properties With Purslane

Have you heard of purslane? In ancient Greece and in Chinese medicine, this plant has already been eaten due to its diuretic and laxative properties with purslane, as well as to cleanse the body.

Learn more about it in this article!

Purslane is really a weed

Until a few years ago, portulaca ( Portulaca oleracea) was popularly known as a weed that could grow anywhere. Purslane can even appear in a crack in the sidewalk. Farmers do not like to see it appear in their crops, as it can harm them.

Regardless, this plant with yellow or pink flowers stands out for its good resistance and its exceptional nutritional values. Nowadays, we finally recognize it as a cheap and accessible superfood that we can eat like any vegetable that helps with many health conditions.

The components of purslane

Purslane is rich in vitamins A, C and, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc and selenium, among many others. In addition, it is  one of the plants richest in essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in seeds, among other things.

This plant also contains good amounts of fiber, flavonoids, antioxidants, phytoestrogens and natural organic acids such as citrus or malic acid. A special property of purslane is that the components include melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep and the wake-up cycle.

Properties with purslane

Below we will highlight 10 very beneficial properties of purslane for your health:

1. It is anti-inflammatory. Purslane has powerful anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals. It can treat various types of pain and discomfort, especially those that affect the urine and digestive system.
2. It is an antioxidant.  Few plants are as rich in antioxidants as purslane. Its vitamins C and E, flavonoids, alkalides, beta-carotene and glutathione all help fight free radicals and counteract aging.
3. It is very nutritious. Its nutrients, as well as its high omega-3 content, make it a plant that nourishes us deeply from within. In this way, it improves the health of the skin, hair, nails, joints, etc.
4. It is antiseptic. It has very effective microbial properties.
5. Purslane provides your cardiovascular health benefits. Its essential omega-3 fatty acids can also improve cardiovascular health. These nutrients improve circulation, regulate blood pressure, prevent arrhythmias, etc.
6. It helps with your digestion. Thanks to its fiber content, this plant produces a emollient effect in the body. This means that it calms down and softens your digestive system and urinary tract to avoid the most common ailments. In addition, it  fights constipation thanks to its high fiber content, and prevents intestinal parasites.
7. It is diuretic. Purslane plays a role as a natural remedy to eliminate excess fluid that we keep in the body. This means that it can help reduce swelling and fight obesity.
8. It has anti-wound properties. Fiber found in this plant also protects the walls of your organs and prevents gastritis and ulcers that occur in the digestive tract.
9. It lowers fever. This incredible plant even reduces fever naturally.
10. It is hypoglycemic. Purslane helps to naturally lower blood sugar levels. This means that it can prevent diseases such as diabetes, obesity or insulin resistance.

How can it be eaten?

Although purslane is a superfood, it is still not classified as a “go-to” remedy for all these ailments. This means that even though more and more studies are being done, it is difficult to find it in different forms.

We recommend that you grow it or pick it from places that are free of pollution so you can eat it as a vegetable. You can prepare portulac in fried foods, salads, soups, sauces or stews the same way you would eat watercress or spinach.

This plant can add creamy consistency to dishes thanks to its fiber content. Using it for a creamy consistency means that you even fail to add other less healthy ingredients such as cream or cheese.