A 2017 study found that wild Portulaca oleracea (purslane plant) contains a number of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Extracts from purslane have strong free radical activity. (10)
Purslane contains antioxidants such as alpha-Tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), beta-carotene, and glutathione. In fact, apart from beta-carotene, purslane has more of these antioxidants than spinach! (11)
To help give your health a boost and benefit from purslane leaves, thoroughly wash some freshly picked leaves. Roughly chop them and mix them with some tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, and lemon juice to make a delicious health-boosting purslane salad.
Learn about more antioxidant-rich foods that are good to include in your diet.
Purslane Plant Strengthens Your Immune System
Because leaves from purslane “weed” are rich in antioxidants, purslane has immune-boosting potential.
Research has found that compounds in purslane can help to increase the number of white blood cells that help fight infection. Purslane also contains polysaccharides that have free radical scavenging activity which help to prevent various serious diseases from developing. (12)
Other studies have suggested that certain compounds in purslane may stimulate your immune system to help protect against various types of cancer. (13)
A great way to eat purslane is to add chopped purslane leaves to a pot of soup. Remove the thick stems from the purslane plant, roughly chop the leaves, and add along with the other veggies when cooking your soup.
Further reading: Foods, Vitamins and Supplements for Boosting the Immune System.
Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) Promotes Good Cardiovascular Health
Common purslane is a good natural herb to help reduce your risk of coronary heart disease thanks to its levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
As already mentioned, purslane is a good source of antioxidants such as vitamin C which are good for your heart health.
Purslane is also one of the few plants that contains significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of ALA. When compared with spinach, purslane has 5 times more ALA and is the best plant-based source of this healthy fatty acid. (14)
Scientists say that the best type of omega-3 for a healthy heart is fish oil as it contains good concentrations of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). However, some studies indicate that ALA omega-3 can also help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. (15)
You can add purslane to the list of foods that are good for promoting a healthy heart and vascular system.
Purslane Can Help Improve Gastrointestinal Health
Eating fresh purslane leaves could help improve your digestive system and result in fewer gastrointestinal complaints.
