- Could It Support Heart Health?
There has been some interesting research in this area.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials found that purslane consumption was associated with reductions
in triglycerides and total cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol. It did not show a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol.
A newer umbrella review also found improvements in some metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers, but emphasized that much of the evidence was of low or very low certainty and that larger, longer-term trials are needed.
So purslane may fit into a heart-healthy diet, but it shouldn’t replace cholesterol or blood-pressure treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- What About Blood Sugar?
Research has also examined purslane in people with metabolic conditions.
One systematic review found an improvement in fasting blood glucose, but didn’t find meaningful improvements in several other measurements, including HbA1c. The researchers emphasized that relatively few trials were available.
For people with diabetes, purslane should therefore be viewed as a food—not a substitute for diabetes medication, glucose monitoring or an established dietary plan.
- Does Purslane “Clean” the Liver or
- Kidneys?
This is where many viral articles become misleading.
There isn’t good clinical evidence that eating purslane detoxifies the liver or cleanses the kidneys. Your liver and kidneys already perform essential metabolic and filtration functions.
More importantly, purslane contains relatively high amounts of oxalate. High oxalate intake can be problematic for people susceptible to certain kidney stones.
