Many Confuse This Plant with a Weed, But It’s Actually Full of Surprising Health Benefits

Purslane, also known as Portulaca oleracea, is a plant commonly found across the United States. Its other names include pigweed, little hogweed, and fatweed. It’s also a popular potherb in Asia and Europe, especially in the Mediterranean region. Not only is it fairly easy to grow, it’s rich in vital minerals and vitamins with antioxidant properties. It’s no wonder that this succulent has been long used in ancient medicine, particularly in Chinese tradition, which describes it as “the vegetable for long life”.

The Nutritional Content of Purslane

A plant called segan or purslane (Portulaca oleracea). Leaves of common purslane Portulaca oleracea. purslane salad

This succulent is high in many nutrients including vitamin A, E, and C, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and iron. It also has small amounts of folate, phosphorus, copper, as well as vitamins B1, B2, and B3. Purslane is 93% water, and therefore it’s low in calories, making it extremely nutritionally-dense. It’s also a versatile food that could be aded to a plethora of dishes.

High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Purslane salad is a type of salad. Purslane salad is a healthy food source. It is a type of salad used in diets. — Source: Shutterstock

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial fats the body isn’t able to develop on its own, so it must get it from foods. Many people associate this nutrient with fatty fish such as salmon, but purslane is an example of a plant-based source. There is not much fat in this plant, but what’s there is largely in the form of omega-3s, according to Healthline. Moreover it has two types of these fatty acids: ALA and EPA. ALA appears in many plants, such as spinach, but purslane contains 5 to 7 times more. Additionally, EPA is usually found in animal products and algae, and it’s generally not found in land plants. EPA is also more active in the body than ALA.

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