This picture shows a purslane. This is a typical weed that grows in lawns and gardens. Though it may be tempting to pluck it out or treat it with herbicides, this plant is edible as a leafy green and is pleasant and nutritious.

Working on a community garden project led me to learn about purslane’s health advantages. I learned from one of the more seasoned gardeners that purslane can be used as a garnish or added to salads because of its high omega-3 fatty acid content. Ever since I have deliberately tried not to pick any purslane when I see it in my garden and have instead used it in my cooking. To learn more about the advantages of purslane, keep reading:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

Mother Earth Living claims that the omega-3 fatty acids in purslane serve as heart attack prevention, brain fuel, and depression treatment.

2. Antioxidants

According to Mother Earth Living, the plant is also a goldmine of antioxidants, which stall the aging process and prevent cell damage.

3. Calcium and magnesium

Eat purslane to maintain healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.

4. Potassium

Add purslane to your daily diet, because the potassium in the leaves helps keep your blood pressure in check.

5. Iron

Most people think they can only get iron from red meat and beans. But Heal With Food claims purslane is also a good source of iron.

6. Beta-carotene

Given its green hue, you might not believe purslane is a strong source of beta carotene, but one of the plant’s biggest benefits, according to the Chicago Tribune, is that it is.

7. Hydration

As per Progressive Health, purslane is 93 percent water. Eat the plant to refuel dehydrated cells.

8. Glutathione and melatonin

Purslane has been shown to contain melatonin, which controls sleep-wake cycles, and glutathione, an antioxidant that helps shield cells from damage (Progressive Health).

9. Betalain

Progressive Health states that betalain, an antioxidant found in purslane, guards against blood vessel damage caused by cholesterol. Purslane is well known for its ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels because of this.

10. Tryptophan

Purslane contains this important amino acid that regulates mood. Progressive Health says eating purslane can fight depression.