If you see this "weed" growing in your garden

Pulling weeds can be tedious, tiring, and annoying—but there’s nothing like the satisfaction that comes when your garden is finally weed-free.

But before you go and uproot everything in your yard that you didn’t plant, you should know that some so-called “weeds” can actually do wonders for your health.

Take purslane, for example. Many people consider it a weed, and I can see how they might make that mistake. But it turns out, the plant has some surprisingly positive health benefits.

Purslane is dark green succulent with a spade-like leaves. A lot of people mistakenly think that this nutritious plant is just a weed, but after reading this, they might change their minds.

Purslane contains high levels of several vitamins and minerals, and has more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable. Among other nutrients, purslane contains a lot of iron and calcium, which are good for the bones, red blood cells, oxygen transport, and cell detoxification. And the vitamin A in purslane helps the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes function normally.

For those of you who buy expensive supplements, purslane can be part of a good alternative. It costs next to nothing to grow at home and tastes surprisingly good. Its leaves are crisp and have a hint of citrus flavor to them.

A great way to reap the benefits of eating purslane is to put it in salads. The herb also makes an excellent substitute for spinach, and it’s good for seasoning soups and other dishes.