If you’ve ever bent down to pull out a mat of low‑growing greenery in your vegetable patch, chances are you’ve seen it:
purslane — often dismissed as a weed, but in reality, one of the most nutrient‑dense plants you can grow (or rather, let grow) in your garden.
Garden experts call purslane a gold mine in the garden because it is both a soil‑improving ground cover and a superfood packed with health benefits.
Before you step on it or throw it in the compost, here’s why you should think twice.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a succulent, low‑growing plant with fleshy green leaves and tiny yellow flowers.
It thrives in poor soil, hot summers, and neglected corners of the yard. Many gardeners see it as invasive, but in truth, it is:
✅ Edible and delicious – slightly lemony and crisp
✅ Rich in omega‑3 fatty acids – rare in green plants
✅ Loaded with vitamins A, C, and E
✅ A natural source of magnesium, potassium, and iron
Nutritionists rank purslane as one of the most nutrient‑dense vegetables in the world, rivaling kale and spinach.
Just one cup of fresh purslane provides:
✔️ More omega‑3s than many fish oils
✔️ A wealth of antioxidants that fight free radicals
✔️ Fiber that supports gut health and digestion
Heart Health: The omega‑3s in purslane can help lower cholesterol and support cardiovascular wellness.
Skin Healing: Its antioxidants and vitamins make it a favorite in natural skincare and DIY remedies for irritated skin.
Immune Boosting: Vitamins A and C strengthen your immune system naturally.
Weight‑Friendly: Low in calories and carbs, purslane is ideal for keto diet meal plans and diabetic‑friendly salads.
Aside from being a nutritional powerhouse, purslane is also a garden ally:
✅ It acts as a living mulch, protecting soil from erosion and keeping it cool.
✅ Its deep roots bring up nutrients and moisture, improving soil structure.
✅ When left to grow between crops, it can reduce weeds and retain soil humidity.
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