10 Reasons Why Not To Kill This Weed In Your Garden

The plant that you see on this picture is called Purslane! Also known as little hogweed! This plant grows like weed and it’s good for you! This annual plant grew originally in the South of France, but thankfully we can find it a bit everywhere now! Here’s 10 reasons why you should never get rid of this weed but instead cultivate it, because it is very precious!

1. You thought Omega-3 were only in salmon and flaxseeds? So you will be happy to learn that Purslane leaves are good to eat and are also a great source of Omega-3, which is a pure fuel for the brain, it prevents from heart attacks and is a good treatment to fight depression. According to mother earth living you could replace your green and leafy vegetables in your plates by purslane leaves. Use them to fill you sandwiches, add them in the soup, in the stew and especially in all of your salads! The purslane has a very peppery taste and can sometimes be lumpy.

Contraindication: Avoid consumption of purslane during pregnancy, because it contracts the uterine muscles

2. It makes a good antioxidant. Still according to the mother earth living, this plant is full of antioxidant that would delay the cellular damages and slow down the aging of the skin. Rich in vitamins A, C and E, these vitamins are known for their antioxidant powers. This edible weed also contains betalain alkaloid, beta-cyanin and beta-xanthin pigments which act as antioxidants. Consume them as suggested previously.

3. Calcium and magnesium. Add purslane leaves as previously suggested to keep your bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

4. Potassium. Adding purslane to your daily diet, will contribute to maintain a good blood pressure.

5. Iron. Iron is not only in the meat and beans. Purslane is also a good source of iron.

6. Beta carotene. Strangely considering its dark green color we might think that this statement is totally false! Yet, the Chicago Tribune confirms that this is one of the biggest advantages of growing this weed!

7. Hydration. Purslane is made of 93% water. Consume this herb to refuel the dehydrated cells.

8. Melatonin. This antioxidant helps to produce melatonin. Melatonin is very important for regularizing the sleep-wake cycle.

9. Purslane contains batalain. It is an antioxidant that prevents cholesterol from damaging the blood vessels. Purslane has an extremely positive effect on cholesterol levels. Add it to your salads!

10. Purslane contains a very important amino acid that regulates the mood. Eating purslane can help fight depression.