Purslane herb is considered one of the delicious herbs rich in very useful nutrients. Although it is a “herb”, it is edible. In this article, we will look at this plant more deeply, and discuss some details about the nutritional and health benefits of purslane, its harms and the way to eat it.

What is purslane?

The purslane plant is known by many names, and among its common names is the “purslane plant.” It is a green leafy plant that can be eaten raw or cooked, and grows in many regions of the world. The purslane is considered one of the succulent plants that are characterized by their ability to withstand difficult conditions by retaining water, as it reaches approximately 93%.

The shape of the watercress plant is characterized by red stems and small green leaves. Its taste is slightly acidic and salty, like spinach or watercress. It can be eaten in meals in many ways, like other leafy plants, whether in salads or added to sandwiches.

The nutritional value of purslane

Purslane herb is very rich in beneficial nutrients that provide the body with most of its needs, and you can eat it if you are on a weight loss diet, as it appears Purslane benefits for slimming In being low in calories, here are the most important contents of this plant:

essential nutrients

These are approximate amounts per 100 grams:

• Carbohydrates: 3.5 grams.
• Protein: about 1.5 or 2 grams.
• Fat: 0.2 grams.

vitamins

Purslane contains a surprising amount of vitamins and antioxidants, which are:

• Vitamin A.
• Vitamin B1: Thiamine.
• Vitamin B2: Riboflavin.
• Vitamin B3: Niacin.
• Vitamin B6: pyridoxine
• Vitamin B9: folic acid.
• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin E.

minerals

In addition to the vitamins mentioned, the benefits of purslane appear in the fact that it contains a valuable abundance of minerals such as: iron, copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc.

In addition to the above, purslane contains linoleic acid (omega-3), known for its health benefits, and many other benefits.

Purslane benefits

Because purslane contains all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals mentioned, this plant has many wonderful benefits, which include the following:

1- Prevention of heart disease and blood pressure

Because it contains omega-3 (fish oil), it is very useful for preventing heart disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of blood clots, and reduces inflammation.

2- Strengthening immunity

Purslane helps boost immunity, because it contains vitamin C, vitamin A and zinc.

3- Prevention of cancer

It contains antioxidants, including vitamin A and vitamin C, which prevent some types of cancer such as mouth and lung cancer.

4- Bone health

The purslane plant contains two main sources of bone health, namely calcium and magnesium, so it gives your body these two essential elements, which if they are deficient in the body, increases the risk of osteoporosis and exposure to fractures. On the other hand, magnesium indirectly affects the growth of bone cells.

5- The benefits of purslane for the colon and the digestive system

It is believed that there are benefits of purslane for the digestive system, as it is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery, and it is also believed that there are benefits of purslane for hemorrhoids, as it is used in the treatment of bleeding resulting from it, and despite the insufficient research indicating that, it is still used for these purposes in some areas, and it is believed With these benefits because it contains many beneficial organic compounds.

6- The benefits of purslane for diabetes

Purslane is used as one of the solutions in alternative medicine in China for diabetics, but according to some sources, there is not enough research on its direct effect in lowering blood sugar levels, and yet some people use it for this purpose, and according to other sources, because it contains magnesium, it may be It has a role in preventing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

7- The benefits of purslane for the eye

This plant may help improve vision, as it contains vitamin A and beta-carotene, which have been linked to vision health for many years.

8- Benefits of purslane for skin

Purslane contains vitamin A and a mixture of essential compounds that reduce inflammation resulting from bee stings and others when applied topically, and improves the appearance of the skin.

9- Activate blood circulation

It improves blood circulation and the formation of red blood cells, as it contains iron and copper, and it also speeds up wound healing.

10- Benefits of purslane for pregnant women

The purslane plant is rich in folic acid, which aids cell division and promotes DNA replication. Doctors recommend taking folic acid daily due to its role in avoiding birth defects in the fetus. Purslane also contains many minerals, vitamins and omega-3s that are beneficial in pregnancy.

What are the damages of purslane?

Purslane contains oxalates, so it has been linked to the formation of kidney stones. People who suffer from increased salts and kidney stones should be careful when eating this plant, especially purslane seeds, as the seeds contain oxalate salts in higher proportions than the rest of the plant.

Also, purslane tends to be more salty than other vegetables due to its juicy nature, so it is advised for people who follow a low-salt diet to monitor its ratio when eating purslane to avoid consuming a large amount of salt.

How to use purslane

• While buying, buy the fresh green plant, be careful that you choose moldy or low quality plant.
• Wash the leaves and stems thoroughly before eating to remove dust, sand, and pesticide and fungicide residue.
• Like other leafy greens, purslane should be eaten within 3 or 4 days at most of purchase.
• Fresh purslane salad can be eaten with the rest of the vegetables or as a juice.
• It can be cooked and eaten as a delicious soup with rice.
• It can be mixed with other vegetables such as spinach.

It is worth noting that eating purslane or its seeds does not replace any medicine you take to treat a specific health problem, whatever its benefits, and you should consult your doctor before eating purslane if you suffer from any health problem.