Wen you look out into your weed infested yard, don’t underestimate the power of many of those weeds. One that grows pretty freely in a lot of areas, is Purslane. This weed is loaded with nutritional value and if you’re going to get rid of your weeds this season, it would be a good idea to leave the Purslane right where it sits.
Purslane is known to grow any and everywhere, even through the cracks in the sidewalks in many places. It is categorized as a “noxious” weed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Though it appears to be annoying because you can find it everywhere, this weed has many health benefits and uses. According to historical research, Purslane was one of Ghandi’s favorite foods and Thoreau enjoyed this plentiful weed as he lived on Walden Pond.
Too often, we see weeds as a nuisance and do our best to kill them chemically or by ripping them up from the roots. It’s interesting how even after all of that, you will find that many weeds grow back anyway. If you do have some Purslane, here are a few of this super weed’s nutritional benefits.
Taste:
Taste is important if you’re going to incorporate Purslane into your everyday life. It is a bit bitter but with a slightly sweet finish to it. It is perfect for salads or as sauteed greens as you would cook kale or spinach. It can be pickled, put into casseroles, and eaten raw if you don’t mind the slight bitterness.
Here are its nutritional values:
- rich source of potassium ( 494 mg/100g)
- rich source of magnesium ( 68mg/100g)
- contains calcium ( 65mg/100g)
- contains vitamins C, A and E
- contains alpha linolenic acid ( ALA) and gamma-linolenic acid ( LNA)
- contains alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid
Purslane is low in calories and fat, which is another dietary plus. Not only is it rich in all the vitamins and minerals above but Purslane is also filled with Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and avocados, along with many other foods. As a matter of fact, it would be a great side dish to salmon’s natural sweetness. Purslane has been credited with aiding in weight loss and helping with the symptoms of many gastrointestinal diseases.
Purslane, reduces the inflammation of bee stings, insect bites, and snake bites. It has been known to lower bad cholesterol and aid in preventing lung and other oral cancers. So the next time you see this weed, don’t pull it up and trash it, instead, take it inside and use it as a super healthy side dish.