Omega 3's may be growing in your Backyard

Fats are important for health for many reasons. They are essential for normal hormone production, insulation of the body, proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, brain and nervous system, and vital organs; building of cell membranes, formation of our skin, and the absorption of certain nutrients (such as Vitamins D, E, K, and A). Fats also supply energy to the body.

Fats are comprised of smaller units called fatty acids. They are found naturally this way in whole foods. There are different varieties of "essential" fatty acids. They are called essential because, like vitamins, the body needs them and cannot make them. Thus, we need to be sure we get enough from our diets. Omega-3 fatty acids tend to be the one that many people are lacking.

Well, guess what? You may have a source of Omega-3 fatty acids already growing in your backyard. It's called: "Purslane."  It usually grows spread out flat on the ground. It can often be found growing in almost any unshaded area, including flower beds, vegetable fields, and even waste places. It grows in both cold (Canada) warm climate areas (e.g., the Caribbean).

Purslane has been used in salads and as a medicinal plant (for people) for hundreds of years. It is a vegetable green used in many Latin American countries (called "Verdolaga" in spanish). It is also popular as a salad green in France and other European countries. It can be eaten fresh or cooked. It tends to not have a bitter taste, which makes it appealing. It has a mucilaginous quality; and therefore some consider it a great addition for soups and stews.

Identifying Purslane: It's comprised of rosettes of fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves, each with a small (1/4" wide) yellow flower. It tends to grow low to the ground in large circular mats (up to 1.2m across).  It's succulent with short leaves (<1" long) scattered along its brownish stems. The flowers tend to only open for a few hours in the morning sun. Purslane usually has five petals, but sometimes it may have four or six. Its seeds are ovate to triangular, reddish brown to black and are shiny. Purslane can usually be found in the months from June to October.

So, who cares?

Well... with the way food prices are going up, this info could come in very timely. Purslane is said to contain more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable plants.

So, check your yard and some of the fields around you (only if they are pesticide free of course), as you may have a rich source of Omega-3's waiting for you. If you don't have it growing wildly near you, then consider planting some.

Note: Some other common names worldwide for Purslane include:

* Akulikuli-kula
* Ancharupa
* Beldroega
* Berbin
* Coupe-Pied
* Coupier
* Farfena (Central Oman)
* Gelang pasir
* Golasiman (Philippines)
* Krokot
* Ma Ch'Ih Hsien
* Ngalug (Philippines)
* Parpinah
* Perpine
* Pig weed
* Porcelana
* Pourpier Commun, Pourpier
* Purslane (U.S.)
* Pusley (U.S.)
* Rigla (Egypt)
* Semizotu
* Stilchi (Garo in India)
* Suberi-Hiyu
* Verdolaga (Dominican Republic)
* Vertolaga (Peruvian Amazon)