Health Benefits of Purslane

 HEART HEALTH

Mr. Artemis P. Simopoulos, MD, The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, Washington DC, USA, in his research has found that the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in purslane help to reduce the amount of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body. This helps to promote a healthier cholesterol balance in our bloodstream.

Consuming foods that are high in omega-3s has shown to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as atherosclerosis, thereby preventing heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, the potassium found in it can reduce blood pressure due to its behavior as a vasodilator, meaning that it relaxes blood vessels and reduces strain on the heart.

 GASTROINTESTINAL

Some people may shy away from alternative medicine treatments for their various health conditions, but in traditional Chinese medicine, purslane (known as Ma Chi Xian) was widely used to treat everything from diarrhea and intestinal bleeding to hemorrhoids and dysentery. And even today it is used to treat a wide variety of intestinal conditions. These benefits are mainly attributed to the organic compounds found in purslane, including dopamine, malic acid, citric acid, alanine, glucose, and many others.

 SKIN CARE

Purslane can help treat a wide variety of skin conditions as well. A study published in 2004 revealed that purslane leaves contain high levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A, combined with other compounds found in this plant mean that it can help reduce inflammation caused by bee stings and snake bites when applied topically.

Purslane has strong regenerative effects on a cellular level and it protects the DNA of the cells from age-related dysfunction, thereby maintaining the cells repair function and strengthening them with the natural antioxidant system contained in these compounds Plus, purslane contains a high amount of glutathione, which is a natural antioxidant system, and hydrating Omega-3 fatty acids.

Purslane has been touted as the "fountain of youth" as it promotes the anti-aging enzyme telomerase (the object of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Medicine), which is a 'body own enzyme' that protects the DNA, but as we age the length of these are reduced.

It improves skin health and appearance, reduces wrinkles, and stimulates the healing of skin cells to remove scars and blemishes

 IMPROVES VISION

Vitamin A and beta-carotene, in purslane, have both been connected to improved eye health and vision for many years. It can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts by eliminating free radicals that attack the cells of the eye and cause these common age-related diseases.

 STRENGTHENS BONES

The minerals present in purslane make it a healthy choice for people who want to prevent bone loss. Calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese are all elements required to develop bone tissue and speed the healing process of the bones in our body. This can help in preventing osteoporosis, a common age-related condition that affects millions of people.

 IMPROVES CIRCULATION

The high content of iron and copper in purslane means that it will stimulate the production of red blood cells. Both of these minerals are essential for boosting circulation, by delivering more oxygen to essential parts of the body and increasing the healing speed of cells and organs. Further, iron and copper also aid in improving hair growth and metabolic efficiency!

 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL

Purslane contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are responsible for helping to prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Omega-3 fats also play a role in lowering the risk for the development of heart disease by combating inflammation, and also help manage cognitive function and normal growth and development.

 IMMUNE SYSTEM

Contains zinc, phosphorus, manganese, copper and calcium. Zinc is responsible for maintaining and improving immune system function. It is also responsible for fighting off free radicals that may cause cancer.

Phosphorus and calcium are responsible for bone and dental health. Calcium is also essential for nerve, muscle, and blood function. Meanwhile, you need copper to help ensure the thorough absorption of iron. It is also important for hemoglobin production in your body. Lastly, manganese acts as an antioxidant and helps in fighting off free radicals. It is also important for repairing damaged tissue, breaking down fats and cholesterol, and producing energy.

Purslane has many benefits that help in the prevention of diseases

 PURSLANE IS RICH IN MELATONIN

Irregular sleep patterns are associated with a wide variety of health problems and premature aging. Melatonin is the hormone used by your body to help you fall asleep, and thus supplementation is seen as a way to get regular sleep.

Other benefits of melatonin include general neuroprotective effects, as melatonin is a powerful antioxidant. Melatonin also has several anti-cancer properties. It does not appear to have much of an effect on lean mass or body fat, but it potentially stops your body from gaining more fat. Melatonin supplementation also benefits eye health, possibly reduces tinnitus, and improve mood (by helping you get better sleep).

Melatonin’s primary mechanism is by helping decrease the time it takes to fall asleep (as a hormone, that's its primary job).

There are some demographics that tend to have irregular melatonin production in their body. Smokers tend to be less responsive to supplementation, and older people tend to not produce as much during night time. Depression has also been associated with lower melatonin levels.

Taking melatonin is not associated with negative feedback when taking supplementation

 PURSLANE IS LOADED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants are reactions that help to neutralize the damage of oxidization in the body. Oxidization in our bodies is similar to what happens to metal when it rusts or to an apple when it turns brown. This oxidization is caused by many things but the major causes are air and water pollution, industrial chemicals, cigarette smoke, drugs, poor diets and rancid oils. Antioxidants also help the body fight disease and the effects of aging yet few people are getting enough of them. Purslane was found to be very high in glutathione, an antioxidant and detoxifying agent that has been demonstrated in many chemical studies. Glutathione is now known to be widely distributed in plant cells and is quickly synthesized in the liver, kidneys and other tissues including the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that glutathione obtained from the diet is directly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and thus dietary glutathione can readily increase the antioxidant status in all of us.

 VITAMIN A

It contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A is best known for its role in eye health. Purslane packs the highest amount of vitamin A present in any leafy vegetable. Vitamin A is also crucial for bone and cell growth.

 VITAMIN C

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an antioxidant that is essential for the maintenance of skin, muscles and bone

 VITAMIN E

It contains high levels of a form of vitamin E called alpha-tocopherol. It may protect cell membranes from damage