Unless you’re either a gardener or a chef, you’ve likely never heard of purslane, a common weed that may just be growing in your yard as we speak. It’s a plant that we’re used to pulling or whacking away but, as it turns out, this everyday weed actually holds some mind-blowing health benefits.

Here are 7 reasons why you should think twice before throwing your purslane in the green bin.

1. It fits into your diet plan

   In fact, each serving of purslane only contains about 16 calories, a detail any dieter could appreciate. On top of being quite light, the weed is also high in fiber, which has been shown to slow the rate of sugar in your blood stream and may just help curb your appetite.

2. It’s high in omega 3-fatty acids

   Believe it or not, purslane contains more omega 3-fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable around! This means that adding a bit of the miracle weed to your diet can help improve sleep, mood, depression, and even rheumatoid arthritis.

3. It’s an excellent source of potassium

   This unassuming weed packs quite the nutritional punch; it contains almost 250 mg of potassium per serving! This means that chomping on the heavenly plant could bring down your blood pressure, lessen your anxiety, and help you recover faster from grueling physical activity. A must for athletes of all ages!

4. It’s great for your peepers

   Similar to omega 3-fatty acid, purslane beats out every other weed and leafy vegetable for vitamin A content, which plays a key role in maintaining a person’s sight, teeth, bones, and overall immunity.

5. It’s chock-full of calcium

   If you want to maintain an active lifestyle, especially as you get older, it’s important that you are focusing on getting enough calcium. Luckily, at about 28 mg per serving, purslane offers up plenty of this vital mineral. A must for athletes of all ages!

6. It’s a dinner party conversation starter

   Although its taste is not everybody’s cup of tea, plenty of diners ask for purslane by name. In fact, a number of swanky fine dining restaurants have created dishes around this unexpected weed. When prepared well, purslane should complement mellow meals with a bold, peppery taste, similar to arugula. Yum!

7. It’s the missing ingredient in your green smoothie

   If the strong bite of purslane isn’t really your thing, don’t fret—you can still reap all of the same benefits by throwing a couple of handfuls into your A.M. smoothie. For some added sweetness, flavor with antioxidant-rich fruits, like strawberries, blackberries, and cherries. For a swifter morning, freeze it along with your other fruits and veggies, like this.

Who knew such a tiny plant could pack such a big punch? We can’t wait to add a pinch of purslane to our favorite salad!

Now that you know all about the many benefits of purslane, we want to hear from you. Have you ever tried noshing on this weed before? If so, how do you like to prepare it? Are there any other edible garden plants that you like to put in your cooking?