Health & Life

Superfood on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide to This $0.20 Miracle Green

In a world where food safety is a growing concern, clean and chemical-free vegetables are highly sought-after. Amidst this search for wholesome produce, one unassuming vegetable stands out - the humble creeping woodgrass, known as "rau sam" in Vietnamese. Often overlooked as a mere weed, this wild vegetable is, in fact, a nutritional powerhouse, offering a plethora of health benefits at a mere fraction of the cost of other vegetables. With its abundant nutrient profile, rau sam truly exemplifies the adage, "you get more than you pay for."

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12 July, 2025

Purslane: The Unassuming Wild Weed with Surprising Benefits

Purslane is an annual herb with a sprawling habit, small succulent leaves, and reddish stems. Often abundant during the rainy season in rural areas, it is commonly sold in markets for a mere 5,000 – 7,000 VND per bundle, and sometimes foraged for free. However, what many don’t realize is that purslane is considered a “precious herb” in both traditional and modern medicine, boasting an array of remarkable health benefits.

You don’t need to look for expensive or rare superfoods; this humble, wild weed can offer your body a wealth of benefits.

Nature’s Wonder Drug – Nutritious from Root to Tip

In traditional Chinese medicine, purslane is believed to have a cooling nature and a sour taste. It is non-toxic and possesses detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, cooling, hemostatic, and anti-dysenteric properties. Folk remedies have long utilized purslane to treat various ailments, including boils, diarrhea, enteritis, and painful urination.

Modern medicine also recognizes the exceptional nutritional profile of purslane:

Abundant in Natural Omega-3: Purslane contains the highest level of omega-3 fatty acids among vegetables, contributing to heart health, lower cholesterol, and reduced inflammation.
Powerful Antioxidant: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as flavonoids, purslane combats free radicals, slows aging, and may help prevent cancer.
Weight Loss Ally: With extremely low-calorie content, purslane is an ideal choice for dieters and those struggling with obesity.
Natural Antibacterial: Purslane exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties, aiding in wound healing.

Maximizing Its Medicinal Properties in Your Diet

Purslane can be prepared in a variety of delicious and nutritious ways, including:

Boiled purslane dipped in garlic fish sauce – a refreshing, rustic dish.
Purslane and shrimp soup – a cooling and nourishing delicacy.
Stir-fried purslane with garlic – a simple yet mouthwatering dish.
Purslane salad – a unique and crunchy delight.

However, due to its cooling nature, those with weak spleen and stomach, frequent abdominal pain, or prolonged diarrhea should consume it in moderation. Pregnant women are also advised against consuming raw purslane to avoid stimulating the uterus.

Despite its humble appearance and affordable price, purslane boasts surprisingly high nutritional value.

A “Poor but Nutrient-Rich” Vegetable

There’s no need to spend a fortune on expensive supplements when a weekly bundle of purslane, costing just 5,000 VND, can provide your body with a natural detox, nourishment, and healing from within. While it may be foraged freely and is commonly consumed by rural folk, purslane’s true worth lies in its recognition as a “golden herb” in Vietnamese cuisine and medicine.

Don’t underestimate the power of simplicity. This unassuming wild weed, purslane, offers a treasure trove of nutrition at a negligible cost. In an era focused on clean eating and healthy living, purslane is nature’s gift, affordable, beneficial, and accessible to all.