Many Confuse This Plant with a Weed, But It’s Actually Full of Surprising Health Benefits

High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial fats the body isn’t able to develop on its own, so it must get it from foods. Many people associate this nutrient with fatty fish such as salmon, but purslane is an example of a plant-based source. There is not much fat in this plant, but what’s there is largely in the form of omega-3s, according to Healthline. Moreover it has two types of these fatty acids: ALA and EPA. ALA appears in many plants, such as spinach, but purslane contains 5 to 7 times more. Additionally, EPA is usually found in animal products and algae, and it’s generally not found in land plants. EPA is also more active in the body than ALA.