10 Amazing Benefits of Purslane | Organic Facts
This one pops up in our interlocking brick driveway. It is delicious.
10 Amazing Benefits of Purslane
by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated - July 01, 2020 Medically reviewed by Vanessa Voltolina (MS, RD)
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The health benefits of purslane include its ability to aid in weight loss, improve heart health, ensure healthy growth and development of children, and treat certain gastrointestinal diseases. It also has anti-cancer potential, protects the skin, boosts vision, strengthens the immune system, builds strong bones, and increases circulation.What is Purslane?
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a leafy vegetable that most likely originated in the Mediterranean region. It is widely eaten throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It is an annual succulent with a slightly sour and salty taste, making it an interesting addition to the plate and palate. The entire plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds are edible and have been used for thousands of years in different variations. [1]
As mentioned, purslane has been in use since prehistoric times and is widely referred to in ancient Chinese medicine, as well as in early aboriginal culture. Sadly, in the United States, it is usually ignored and treated like any other invasive weed in gardens and yards. [2]
| Serving Size : | |
| Water [g] | 92.86 |
| Energy [kcal] | 20 |
| Energy [kJ] | 84 |
| Protein [g] | 2.03 |
| Total lipid (fat) [g] | 0.36 |
| Ash [g] | 1.36 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference [g] | 3.39 |
| Calcium, Ca [mg] | 65 |
| Iron, Fe [mg] | 1.99 |
| Magnesium, Mg [mg] | 68 |
| Phosphorus, P [mg] | 44 |
| Potassium, K [mg] | 494 |
| Sodium, Na [mg] | 45 |
| Zinc, Zn [mg] | 0.17 |
| Copper, Cu [mg] | 0.11 |
| Manganese, Mn [mg] | 0.3 |
| Selenium, Se [µg] | 0.9 |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] | 21 |
| Thiamin [mg] | 0.05 |
| Riboflavin [mg] | 0.11 |
| Niacin [mg] | 0.48 |
| Pantothenic acid [mg] | 0.04 |
| Vitamin B-6 [mg] | 0.07 |
| Folate, total [µg] | 12 |
| Folate, food [µg] | 12 |
| Folate, DFE [µg] | 12 |
| Choline, total [mg] | 12.8 |
| Vitamin A, IU [IU] | 1320 |
| Sources include : USDA [3] | |
Purslane Nutrition Facts
When this unusual ‘weed’ became the subject of scientific study, researchers were shocked at what they found! Purslane vegetable has extremely high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly for a land vegetable, as well as significant amounts of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, B-family vitamins, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, and copper. Furthermore, the betalain pigments (powerful antioxidant compounds) and carotenoids round out this veritable treasure trove of nutrients and beneficial organic compounds. [4] [5]
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Health Benefits of Purslane
Purslane has many benefits that help in preventing and curing diseases. Let’s discuss the benefits in detail below:
Improves Heart Health
Research has found that the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, found in purslane, help to reduce the amount of LDL (bad) or bad cholesterol in the body. This helps to promote a healthier cholesterol balance in our bloodstream. [6]
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Purslane is s great to use in salads, soups, and stews. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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Consuming foods that are high in omega-3s have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as atherosclerosis, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, the potassium found in this vegetable can aid in reducing blood pressure due to its behavior as a vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels and reducing strain on the heart.Weight Loss
Nutrition analyses suggest that purslane is very low in calories, while also being nutrient-rich and packed with dietary fiber. This means that people can feel full after a meal including purslane, without significantly increasing calorie intake, thereby assisting in the weight loss process. [7]
Promotes Child Development
Purslane contains plenty of good fatty acids (omega-3s). Although research is still ongoing, early studies have shown that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the diets of young children seem to decrease some of the signs and symptoms in certain developmental disorders, including autism and ADHD. [8]
Treats Gastrointestinal Diseases
Some people may shy away from alternative medicine treatments for health conditions, but in traditional Chinese medicine, purslane (known as Ma Chi Xian) was widely used to treat everything from diarrhea and intestinal bleeding to hemorrhoids and dysentery. Even today it is used to treat a wide variety of intestinal conditions. These benefits are mainly attributed to the organic compounds found in purslane, including dopamine, malic acid, citric acid, alanine, glucose, and others.
Skin Care
Purslane may help treat a wide variety of skin conditions as well. A study published in 2004 revealed that purslane leaves contain high levels of vitamin A. [9] This vitamin, combined with the cocktail of compounds found in this ‘weed’ mean that it can help reduce inflammation when applied topically. When consumed it may aid in improving skin, reduce wrinkles, and stimulate the healing of skin cells to remove scars and blemishes.
Anti-cancer Potential
A 2016 study by Chinese researchers suggests that purslane seed oil has antioxidant and antiproliferative properties can help reduce oxidative stress. During the in-vitro test on cancerous cells, the seed oil inhibited tumor cell growth exhibiting anti-cancer potential. Further studies are required to explore its anti-cancer properties. [10]
Improves Vision
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Strengthens Bones
The minerals present in purslane make it a healthy choice for people who want to mitigate bone loss. Calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese are all elements required to develop bone tissue and speed the healing process of the bones. As purslane contains these important nutrients for bone health, consumption may aid in the prevention of osteoporosis, a common age-related condition that affects millions of people. [11]
Improves Circulation
The high content of iron and copper in purslane means that it contains the nutrients that can help stimulate the production of red blood cells. Both of these minerals are essential for boosting circulation by delivering more oxygen to essential parts of the body. They also increase the healing speed of cells and organs and aid in improving hair growth and metabolic efficiency!
Uses of Purslane
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Editor's Pick
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- Aside from culinary usages, it has also been used as traditional medicine for curing various diseases in China and India.
Word of Caution: The only potential downside that researchers have found about purslane is the relatively high content of oxalic acid, which leads to the formation of kidney stones. If you already suffer from kidney stones, speak to a medical professional about consuming it. It should be noted that boiling it in water causes a great deal of oxalic acid to be eliminated, without losing many of the other beneficial nutrients. [13]
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References
About the Author
John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.
