Purslane Plant Health Benefits, Uses and Recipes – The Purslane Plant is a leafy green vegetable that is consumed as a food in many parts of the world outside of the United States. In the United States, it is widely referred to as a weed and is commonly removed and discarded as more of a nuisance.
However, in the countries that consider it a food source, they recognize that there is a high value to the Purslane Plant.
While it has a slightly sour or salty taste it is generally added to certain foods in countries throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and also in Africa. All parts of the Purslane Plant are edible. These including the stems, seeds, leaves, and flowers.
Many of the cultures in those countries believe, if they consume the Purslane Plant Health Benefits will result in a much better life.
Where You Get Purslane Plant?
The Purslane Plant grows readily all over the globe, even in your backyard. Depending on what part of the world you live in. You should be able to find it growing in the wild.
However, in some parts of the world as mentioned above. It is actually being cultivated. Which more than likely would end up in a food market, much like any other vegetable, fruit or meats.
Top 10 Purslane Plant Health Benefits and Uses
1. Increases heart health
The cardiovascular benefits of consuming the Purslane Plant comes from the high quantity of Omega 3 fatty acids.
It is thought that there are higher levels of Omega 3’s in Purslane than in some varieties of fish oil. These Omega 3’s help to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. And helps to reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular disease. It also helps to reduce the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
2. Purslane for Weight loss
The Purslane plant is a nutrient-dense food, higher in fiber and extremely low in calories. By eating more Purslane you will feel full faster.
Therefore end up consuming far fewer calories. This will absolutely result in much lower overall weight if eaten regularly as part of your daily diet.
3. Improves childhood development
Although more studies are still being conducted. It is believed that the higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids in the Purslane plane can help small children with early development.
By introducing young children to Purslane they would definitely benefit from having it on the there diet. It is also believed that it can help decrease the number of Autism, ADHD and other developmental disorders.
4. Gastrointestinal diseases treatment
In China and India where alternative medicine is practiced, Purslane is used to treat a number of health problems. Such diarrhea, dysentery, and even intestinal bleeding. It is thought that there are some of the organic compounds that have been identified to be found in the Purslane plant. Like; dopamine, citric acid, malic acid, alanine, and glucose.
5. Improves common skin conditions
The Purslane Plant can be used for skin care treatment. It is believed that it is the high levels of vitamin A is the reason for this.
Purslane can be used as an ingredient in a salve that can be used in snake bites and bee stings to reduce inflammation. It is also believed that it can help to improve the appearance of the skin. Reduce wrinkles and also improves the overall health of the skin when eaten.
6. Prevention of some cancers
As most people know cancer is one of the top killers these days. Purslane is very high in vitamins A and C which are both known as very potent antioxidants which help to fight several types of cancer. These include lung and oral cancers, just to name a few.
There are two compounds (Beta-cyanins and beta-xanthins) that are found in the Purslane Plant that have anti-mutation characteristics. Which means they help to prevent the formation of most forms of cancer.
7. Helps improve vision
The Purslane Plant is very high in both beta-carotene and vitamin A which has long been tied to eye health and good vision. It is also believed to prevent macular degeneration and also cataracts.
By eliminating free-radicals which can threaten the cells of the eyes. This can also help with any age-related vision issues.
8. Helps bone health
Minerals such as calcium, iron, manganese, and magnesium all have a positive effect on bone health. Purslane is very high in each of those common minerals.
Each of the elements is needed for proper bone development and also to improve the healing of injuries to the bones. It also can be beneficial for the treatment of age-related osteoporosis. This is very common and affects millions of people all over the world.
9. Helps improve circulation
This is one of the best purslane plant health benefits. With its high levels of copper and iron, Purslane can help to stimulate the production of red blood cells. The higher levels of iron and copper help to increase blood circulation. Thus, improve the oxygenation of the tissues and cells in the body.
The added copper and iron from the Purslane also has been found to help with hair loss and improved metabolism.
10. Strengthens the immune system
In order for proper immune functions, the body needs Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
The Purslane is high in all of these minerals and will help you keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
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Uses of Purslane Plant
As all parts of the Purslane are edible. There are a number of different ways that the plant can be used and prepared to be eaten.
In many of the places that it is commonly eaten, you will often find it in salads, soups and even in stews. Sometimes it is added to meats as they are cooking in order to add a unique flavor to the meat.
It can also be added to a number of different doughs used in the baking of bread. By adding the Purslane Plant Health Benefits will definitely increase.
Another popular use for the Purslane Plant is in the treatment of diseases and illnesses in parts of China and India.
