8 super benefits of purslane (and how to use it)

Purslane is a creeping plant that helps control diabetes, take care of heart health and prevent the onset of chronic diseases.

These benefits are due to the fact that the plant has diuretic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, purslane is one of the most important plant sources of omega-3 and its scientific name is Purslane oleracea.

Furthermore, this plant can also be used in food to prepare salads, soups and as part of stews, being widely used in some European countries. As it is an important source of omega 3, purslane is considered a great alternative to fish, in the diet of vegetarians or vegan.

What is it for

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1. Help control diabetes

According to some studies carried out with the plant, it was observed that the consumption of the extract made from this plant is capable of controlling blood sugar levels, as it can modulate glucose metabolism, in addition to increasing insulin sensitivity.

2. Protect oxidative stress

Purslane is a plant rich in antioxidant substances, such as gallotannins, omega 3, ascorbic acid, quercetin and apigenin, which protect cells against oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Therefore, consuming this plant may be able to protect the body against premature aging, strengthen the immune system and even reduce the risk of cancer.

3. Relieve Arthritis Inflammation

Investigations carried out with purslane extract in the laboratory have shown that the plant is capable of relieving the inflammation common in arthritis in rats, presenting an effect very similar to that of various corticosteroids that are used to treat this condition.

4. Fight bacterial infections

Several studies carried out with the plant extract have demonstrated antibacterial action against different types of bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes e Streptococcus aureuseven when the bacteria were resistant to antibiotics such as erythromycin, tetracycline or ampicillin.

5. Prevent cardiovascular diseases

In addition to being very rich in omega 3, which is a type of healthy fat that helps protect the heart, purslane has also demonstrated action against hyperlipidemia in rats, being able to maintain cholesterol and triglyceride levels within normal parameters.

6. Prevent the appearance of gastric ulcers

Due to its composition of flavonoids, such as kaempferol, apigenin and quercetin, purslane appears to be able to create protection in the stomach that hinders the appearance of gastric ulcers.

7. Reduce blood pressure

In studies carried out with an aqueous extract of purslane, researchers observed that the plant’s amounts of potassium seem to be able to reduce blood pressure. Furthermore, purslane also has a diuretic action, which also contributes to lowering blood pressure.

8. Help with wound healing

When applied directly to wounds and burns, crushed purslane leaves appear to speed up the healing process by reducing the wound surface area and increasing tensile strength.

Nutritional information table

The following table indicates the amount of nutrients in 100 grams of purslane:

It is important to mention that, to obtain the benefits of purslane, it must be part of a balanced and healthy diet, in addition to being important to practice physical activity regularly.

Make an appointment with your nearest nutritionist for guidance on how to include purslane in your diet:

How to use the plant

Purslane can be used in cooking to make salads, soups and stews, as well as being added to recipes for green juices and smoothies. Furthermore, the plant can be used as a tea or poultice.

1. Purslane tea

Ingredients

• 50 g of purslane leaves;
• 1 liter of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Combine the ingredients for 5 to 10 minutes and then strain. Finally, let it cool and drink 1 to 2 cups a day.

2. Cataplasma de beldroega

Natural medicine also uses the stalks and crushed leaves of purslane on burns and wounds, as they relieve pain and accelerate healing. For this purpose, crushing the plant and placing it on the skin is recommended.

3. Salada de beldroega

Ingredients

• 2 cups of purslane;
• 1 tomato;
• 1 grilled turkey breast cut into cubes;
• 2 cups of arugula;
• 1 tablespoon of coriander leaves;
• 1/4 of onion cut into strips.

Preparation mode

Mix all the salad ingredients in a container and consume immediately.

4. Pineapple juice with purslane

Ingredients

• 3 cups of pineapple cut into pieces;
• 2 cups of purslane leaves (without stem);
• 1 lemon;
• 1/2 cucumber;
• 1 liter of water;
• Stevia to taste.

Preparation mode

Blend purslane, lemon juice and cucumber in a blender. Next, add the sweetener, strain and drink afterwards, adding ice.

When not indicated

Because it is rich in oxalic acid, purslane should be avoided by people who have or have had kidney stones, and excessive consumption can cause intestinal problems such as pain and nausea.