Purslane Nutrition Information

Purslane is a nutritious vegetable, though most people consider this plant a weed. It's very low in calories but a rich source of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and copper. Interestingly enough, the functions of each of these minerals are related to bone health, so purslane may be an excellent food to include in your diet to help maintain strong bones. Use purslane in salads, stir-fry or pasta dishes.

Basic Nutrition Information

According to the USDA Food and Nutrient Database, 1 cup of cooked purslane provides 21 calories, 1.7 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat and 4.1 g of fiber. Purslane has very low calorie content, but it's a rich source of fiber and other nutrients. The daily requirement for fiber is 38 g for men and 25 g for women up to age 50.

Calcium

One cup of cooked purslane provides 90 mg of calcium, while the daily requirement for calcium for adults is 1,000 mg. Calcium is the predominant mineral in your bones and teeth. While most people only think of calcium for bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis, calcium is also essential for muscle contraction and blood clotting.

Magnesium

Magnesium helps your body produce energy from the food you eat, and people with higher intakes of magnesium may have lower risk for type II diabetes, according to a September 2010 article on reuters.com. Magnesium, along with calcium and phosphorus, makes up the mineral content of your bones. One cup of cooked purslane provides 77 mg of magnesium. The daily requirement for adults is 420 mg for men and 320 mg for women over age 30. Thus 1 cup of cooked purslane provides more than 18 percent of the daily requirement for men and more than 24 percent of the daily requirement for women.

Potassium

Potassium is an important electrolyte that regulates heart muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, higher consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in potassium may reduce your risk of osteoporosis. The daily requirement for potassium is 4,700 mg for adults, and 1 cup of cooked purslane provides 561 mg, or about 12 percent of your daily requirement.

Copper

The mineral copper is involved in multiple bodily processes including collagen formation and bone mineralization. Collagen makes up connective tissue such as tendons and cartilage. Copper is also important in regulating neurotransmitter levels and functions as part of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. The daily requirement for copper is 900 mcg for adults. One cup of cooked purslane provides 131 mcg of copper.