Purslane is a plant that grows in gardens like a weed. Most people tend to get rid of it as soon as it starts growing, however, this plant offers many benefits that very few people know about. Here are 8 good reasons to grow purslane in your garden:
Purslane is an annual herbaceous plant that forms clumps. It has long, creeping stems and is covered with small, round, oily, soft green leaves. Between July and October it is decorated with small yellow flowers. We taste its fresh leaves that have a slightly acidic and spicy flavor. It grows spontaneously in gardens in the south of France, but it is possible to grow it in your garden, or in a pot, if your terrain does not suit it!
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) extends its succulent stems, whose fleshy tissues are rich in water, at ground level at the end of summer. Mistakenly considered a weed, it is actually one of the oldest vegetable plants. Imported from the East by the Romans, then abandoned over time, it has become naturalized in our gardens. Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, gardener to Louis XIV, had empirically sensed the excellent nutritional properties of purslane and considered it a “healthy salad.” It is also a bioindicator plant, that is, it provides information about the nature of the soil. If it is very present it is because the soil is too compact, lacks air and is deficient in calcium. Also, it testifies to a substrate that is dry in summer and that has difficulty fixing the elements.
8 good reasons to grow purslane in your garden:
1. FIGHT DEPRESSION:
Purslane leaves are a good source of Omega-3, which is excellent fuel for the brain, prevents heart failure, and is an excellent treatment for depression. According to Mother Earth Living, you can replace your leafy green vegetables in your dishes with purslane leaves. Use them to decorate your sandwiches, add them to soups, stews and above all, to all your salads! Purslane has a spicy flavor and can sometimes be harsh.
Contraindication: Avoid the consumption of purslane during pregnancy, it allows the contraction of the uterine muscles.
2. HYDRATION:
Purslane is made up of 93% water. Consume this herb to recharge dehydrated cells.
3. CALM INFLAMMATION
In ancient Greece, purslane was already used to calm inflammation of the skin but also the mucous membranes. Purslane will also be effective in the treatment of respiratory inflammations, such as sore throats, but also urinary inflammations, such as painful cystitis. In addition, purslane has diuretic properties.
4. AN EXCELENT ANTIOXIDANT
Purslane is rich in vitamins A, C and E, which are said to slow cell damage and slow skin aging.
5. FACILITATE BLOOD CLOTTING
Purslane leaves are also used to facilitate blood clotting.
In phytotherapy, the entire plant is used: fresh, in decoction or dried and then reduced to powder to be taken in capsule form. A well-known benefit of purslane capsule is regulating blood sugar, especially important for people with diabetes.
6. RICH IN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Calcium and Magnesium: Add purslane leaves as suggested above to maintain healthy bones, teeth and muscles.
Potassium: By adding purslane to your daily diet, you will help maintain good blood pressure
Iron: Iron is not only found in meat and beans. Purslane is also a good source of iron.
7. CONTAINS BETALAINE
Purslane contains betalain. It is an antioxidant that prevents cholesterol from damaging blood vessels. Purslane therefore has an extremely positive effect on cholesterol levels.
8. MELATONIN PRODUCTION
This antioxidant helps produce melatonin. Melatonin is very important in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
HOW TO TASTE Purslane?
Very close to lamb’s lettuce, purslane is sometimes called health salad. Its fleshy leaves have a beautiful deep green color, even in winter. Something to brighten up the dishes! Don’t just eat the leaves because the stems are also very tasty. The thicker stems can be prepared and enjoyed as pickles.
Basically, let purslane grow in your garden! Learn to add it to your dishes and you will be healthier!