Purslane is known by many names, including “watercress.” It is a leafy green plant that can be eaten raw or cooked and grows in many regions of the world. Purslane is a succulent plant that is distinguished by its ability to withstand harsh conditions by retaining water, reaching about 93%.
Watercress, characterized by its red stems and small green leaves, can be eaten in a variety of ways, like other leafy vegetables, whether in salads or added to sandwiches. A recent study has shown that purslane prevents atherosclerosis, heart disease, and cancer. It is also well-known in traditional Chinese medicine and is a treatment for many serious ailments.
Scientists have studied the effect of purslane on blood lipid levels until they concluded that it is beneficial in reducing fats and harmful cholesterol levels (LDL) to a high percentage, as well as triglycerides, confirming that consuming purslane does not cause any side effects, and therefore has a positive effect on lipid levels and on lipid metabolism disorders, and that it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and flavonoids that eliminate all toxic and dangerous cells in the body.
Benefits of purslane
Among other amazing benefits of purslane leaves:
- Prevents infections and ulcers of the digestive system.
- Expel ringworm from the body.
- Promotes stomach softening and mild diarrhea.
- Stop vomiting and cravings.
- Treatment of warts
- Stop the bleeding.
- Treatment of headache and fever.
Benefits of purslane seeds
- It helps maintain the kidneys, cleanse them and rid them of toxins by drinking boiled seeds in water early in the morning.
- Purslane seeds are anti-inflammatory and treat inflammation quickly.
- Treats fungi and bacteria and expels them from the body.
- It works to lower blood cholesterol levels by eating a spoonful of seeds early in the morning.
Some benefits of purslane for general health
- Promote heart health:
This plant contains high levels of omega-3, and it is known that eating foods rich in omega-3 contributes significantly to promoting heart health and protecting it from various diseases.
- Contributes to weight loss:
Some scientific studies have indicated that consuming purslane helps with weight loss, due to the plant's low calorie content and its richness in dietary fiber, which reduces calorie intake.
- Stimulating children's growth:
As mentioned, purslane contains omega-3, which plays an important role in children's growth and development. Therefore, including the plant in children's diet benefits them and reduces the risk of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Helps treat digestive problems:
This plant has been used since ancient times in alternative medicine to treat some digestive system problems, most notably diarrhea, internal bleeding, and hemorrhoids.
- Maintaining healthy skin and complexion:
This plant helps treat some skin problems due to its high content of vitamin A.
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles:
It speeds up the skin healing process, wound healing, and helps get rid of existing scars.
- Bone health:
Purslane contains two main sources for bone health. It provides your body with these two essential elements. A deficiency in the body increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, on the other hand.
- Benefits of purslane for diabetes
Purslane is used as an alternative medicine in China for diabetics, but according to some sources, there is insufficient research on its direct effect in lowering blood sugar levels. However, some use it for this purpose, and according to other sources, because it contains magnesium, which may have a role in prevention.
- Benefits of purslane for the eyes:
This plant may help improve vision, as it contains vitamin A and beta-carotene, which have been linked to healthy vision for many years.
- Benefits of purslane for the skin:
Purslane contains vitamin A and a group of essential compounds that, when applied topically, reduce inflammation from bee stings and more, improving the appearance of the skin.
- Stimulates blood circulation:
It improves blood circulation and red blood cell formation, as it contains iron and copper, and it also speeds up wound healing.
- Benefits of purslane for pregnant women:
Purslane is rich in folic acid, which aids cell division and promotes DNA replication. Doctors recommend daily folic acid intake because it helps prevent birth defects in the fetus. Purslane also contains many minerals, vitamins, and omega-3, which are beneficial during pregnancy.
Benefits with less strong scientific evidence
- Contribute to maintaining brain health:
A preliminary study conducted on mice in the journal CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets in 2013 indicated that purslane may help protect neurons from environmental factors that may affect one of the pathways that make up nerve fibers in the brain, called dopamine pathways (dopamine system), and may reduce the risk of brain cell damage and the development of Parkinson's disease.
- Reducing the risk of diseases associated with free radicals, such as ovarian cancer:
A scientific study published in the International Journal of Macromolecular Biology in 2009 indicated that purslane, specifically the sugars found in it.
It fights free radicals accumulated in the body because it may inhibit hemolysis in red blood cells, and increases the proliferation of the spleen and B and T lymphocytes.
- Reducing the risk of obesity:
A preliminary study conducted on mice and published in the Malaysian Journal of Nutrition in 2010 indicated that an ethanolic extract of purslane may play a role in reducing weight gain, blood sugar levels, and insulin sensitivity.
In addition to reducing levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, it dose-dependently reduced levels of rats fed a high-fat diet.
- Helps boost immunity:
A preliminary study on mice published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2018 indicated that ethyl acetate extract from purslane leaves may increase the body's phagocytic defense and levels of lysozyme, which accelerates the breakdown of purslane walls, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
How to use purslane
When purchasing, buy fresh green plants. Be careful if you choose a spoiled or low-quality plant. Wash the leaves and stems well before eating to remove dirt, sand, pesticide residue, and fungicide residue. Just like other leafy vegetables, purslane should be eaten within 3 or 4 days at most after purchase.
Risks of using purslane
- The possibility of kidney stones due to excessive consumption
- It is preferable to avoid taking it by patients with kidney stones in the first place, and pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking it.
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