Believe me, and I did not know this truth. While shopping, I used to pick all other greens except this wonderful leafy vegetable.
Then one fine day, I read about Purslane in Authority Nutrition. I felt so bad that I had missed such a wealth of nutrients till now. But not anymore. So if you want to know more about this Purslane, read the entire post.
Purslane
The North Indians called it Luni-bhaji. It seems that Gandhiji ate it and named it Luni. Though this sour and salty-tasting vegetable had its origins in India. It is famous the world over.
Nutrients
Purslane has a wealth of nutrients waiting for you to consume them. It has the following nutrients.
- EPA
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Iron
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Vitamin C
- Niacin
- Pyridoxine
- Riboflavin
- Carotenoids
Healing Properties of Luni Bhaji
Research studies say that luni bhaji has many medicinal properties, including
- Neuroprotective
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-fatigue
- Hepatoprotective
- Antidiabetic
- Anti-cancer properties
- Likewise, purslane leaves are also used for postpartum bleeding, diarrhea, and intestinal bleeding.
The other amazing facts about Purslane include
Ø They are very low in calories
Ø Rich in dietary fiber
Ø Contains alpha-linoleic acid, which boosts cardiovascular health and it is an essential fatty acid.
Ø It contains potent antioxidants.
So far, so good. Let us see what the research studies have to say about Purslane.
The researchers in Malaysia are exploring this exciting fact about purslane and its defense mechanism against saline soil.
The salt stress increases the free radicals in the purslane, damaging the plant’s DNA. The plant produces unique antioxidants such as phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids to detoxify these free radicals.
Now, do you get it? Why did I tell you purslane is so healthy? When you consume this wonderful leafy vegetable, you consume all the goodness that it possesses. Simple logic!
Tasty Dhal with Luni Bhaji
I did a simple yet healthy recipe with purslane. Let me tell you how.
Ingredients
- Purslane
- Onions 2
- Tomato 1
- Cumin seeds ½ tsp
- Green chilies 2
- Chili powder ½ tsp
- Salt to taste
- Sambar dhal I cup
Method
Wash the leafy vegetable
Heat oil in a pan
Add cumin seeds
Add onion, green chilies, and fry well
Add tomatoes and purslane leaves
Cook dal along with ½ tsp cumin seeds, garlic two pods, a pinch of turmeric powder, and few curry leaves
When the tomatoes and purslane are cooked well, add the cooked sambar dal
Add chili powder and salt
Serve with little ghee and decorate with coriander leaves
It goes well with steamed hot rice and chapatti.
Try it and enjoy it.
Luni Bhaji Product Ideas
Do you love Purslane (Luni Bhaji) products? Here are some great ideas to try out.
Luni Bhaji Organic seeds
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Luni Bhaji Extract
Purslane extract powder
Florida Herbal Pharmacy, Purslane (Portulaca Olearacea) Extract Powder 10:1 (4 oz)
Purslane dried and cut vegetable
Purslane Tincture
