Here we present, purslane, a common plant with many benefits for the body and the palate!
We often talk about omega 3, the essential fatty acids that help our body protect itself from cardiovascular diseases and from cholesterol accumulation.
The sources from which these precious "helpers" for our organism are drawn are many more than we might think.
In fact, omega 3 does not only come from fish and other foods we commonly associate them with, but can also be found in little-known herbs and plants.
One of these has very ancient origins and, due to its properties, seems to be truly miraculous.
via hindawi.com
We are talking about portulaca (Portulaca oleracea), an edible plant of Asian origin, but now widespread in most temperate and tropical areas of the world.
In English, it is also called "purslane", and for millennia has been a common remedy used in traditional medicine. In fact, its healing properties are incredibly useful, as is its concentration of nutritional substances.
Carotenoids, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins C and B, as well as the aforementioned omega 3, are found in purslane which offers all of this, and much more, as scientific studies show.
Purselane, is in fact, considered a purifying, diuretic, digestive, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-diabetic remedy, that is also very helpful against hemorrhoids, constipation, and insect bites.
In recent years, the use of purslane has been less than in the past, so much so that it is often considered by many to be just a weed.
Purslane, however, is returning to the center of attention, probably due to an increased interest in rediscovering the remedies that nature makes available to us.
The resources of the purslane plant, however, do not end there. In fact, even if we may not need it to cure ourselves naturally of some pathology, then why not still enjoy its benefits by eating it?
Cooked or raw, purslane has innumerable uses in the kitchen, since it can be used to flavor stews, soups, salads, pasta, smoothies, omelets, and is also a fantastic filling for ravioli or fritters.
In short, a 360-degree human-friendly plant! Do you feel like giving it a try?
