Purslane, the typical weed in the picture, is actually a pleasant and healthy plant, which may surprise you. It is prevalent in lawns and gardens, and while getting rid of it could be tempting, there are many benefits to keeping it around.
Uncovering Purslane’s Advantages
Working on a community garden project gave me the chance to get knowledgeable about the advantages of purslane. I learned from an experienced gardener that purslane can be used as a garnish or added to salads because of its high omega-3 fatty acid content. Ever since, I have always made it a point to use whatever purslane I find in my own yard as a side dish. Now let’s explore the reasons purslane is valuable to have:
1. Fatty acids Omega-3Purslane is reportedly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, according to Mother Earth Living. These vital minerals support mental function, lower the risk of heart attacks, and can even be used to treat depression.
2. AntioxidantsAntioxidants, which are abundant in purslane, are also important in preventing cell damage and slowing down aging. Keeping purslane in your garden, then, is like welcome a formidable ally in the fight against aging.
3. Magnesium and CalciumInclude purslane in your diet if you want to keep your teeth, muscles, and bones in good condition. The elements calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for robust and healthy bodily structures, can be found naturally in this small weed.
4. AmmoniumAnother excellent source of potassium, which lowers blood pressure, is purslane leaves. You are moving in the direction of keeping your cardiovascular system healthy by include purslane in your regular meals.
5. IronContrary to popular belief, purslane is a good source of iron as well. Most people believe that the only foods high in iron are red meat and beans. Thus, you can increase your intake of iron by eating purslane.
6. Beta-CarotenePurslane is actually a strong source of beta-carotene, despite its green hue. The Chicago Tribune claims that this is one of the plant’s main benefits. Strong immune function and eye health are dependent on beta-carotene.
7. Drink plenty of waterSurprisingly, water makes up 93% of purslane. Purslane can therefore help rehydrate your cells, keeping you feeling renewed and invigorated.
8. Melatonin and glutathioneGlutathione, an antioxidant that shields cells from harm, and melatonin, a hormone that controls sleep-wake cycles, are both found in purslane. Thus, the health of your cells and your sleep patterns can both benefit from this small amount of marijuana.
9. BetalainBetalane is another potent antioxidant included in purslane. According to Progressive Health, betalain shields blood vessels from the harmful effects of cholesterol. For this reason, purslane may help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
10. GlutamineFinally, but just as importantly, tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is present in purslane. This amino acid has antidepressant properties and is involved in mood regulation. Therefore, you may improve your mood by include purslane in your meals.
The next time you see purslane growing in your garden, give it some thought before pulling it out. In actuality, this small herb is a nutritional powerhouse with a host of health advantages. Accept purslane as a beneficial addition to your diet and witness the health benefits it offers.
After Trashman Babysat My Kids for 25 Minutes, I Decided to Hire Him as Full-Time Nanny — Story of the Day
A doctor was called for an emergency at the hospital and didn’t have anyone to leave her three kids with, but suddenly, she saw the garbageman and got an idea. She couldn’t believe her eyes when she returned home.
“Now? Are you sure Dr. Morris is not available?” I asked Nurse Carey on the phone, although I was already changing my clothes and thinking hard.
“No, Dr. Sanders. Dr. Morris is currently driving across state lines trying to get here. You live close by, so I thought I would call. The interns have no idea what they’re doing. I know it’s your day off, but I didn’t know what else to do. Will you be able to come?” Nurse Carey said, trying not to sound worried, but I knew they needed me.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“I’ll be there as soon as I can. I just need to find a babysitter,” I replied and hung up, immediately dialing Vicky, who was the only person who could somewhat handle my three crazy kids.
I’ve been a surgeon for a long time, but I used to have my husband, Peter. My rock. He became a stay-at-home dad when the realities of having three children became too much. But he passed away from a sudden heart attack while I was in the middle of another surgery.
My entire house… wait, was this my house? It couldn’t be.
Now, I had to constantly find babysitters for the children when unexpected emergencies happened. I couldn’t handle them. I had no patience, and it was silly to think that any babysitter would be able to handle them either. Two babysitters quit after one day of work, and word got around that my kids Johnny, 9, Christie, 7, and Lucy, 3, were menaces.
I mean… they were not wrong. But they didn’t have to put me in this position. Now, only Vicky ever said yes. Usually, I paid through the roof for the local daycare center when I was scheduled regularly at work, but I couldn’t rush them in today. It was already noon on a Friday, and I would feel bad sending them.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“I’m sorry, Opal. I can’t babysit today. I’m sick and can barely move,” Vicky said when I called. I told her to get some rest and hung up the phone. I hated the staff at the hospital daycare, and they hated me in return. But I was out of ideas. I would have to wrangle with my children and go there.
But suddenly, I heard all the kids yelling, “Uncle Bob! Uncle Bob!”
I sighed. They didn’t have an uncle. The local garbageman was so friendly and sweet that they started calling him uncle as soon as they could speak. I had known him for over ten years, and my kids adored him.
Johnny opened the front door, and all my babies went outside to greet him. I might have to call the hospital, I thought. I was never going to get those kids back into the house to be dressed on time.
But I did smile at the sight of them playing with Bob. My kids had turned into devils when their father died. The therapist said it was normal and would pass, but I wasn’t so sure. I felt like a failure. Like my mothering instincts were faulty or something. I didn’t know what to do.
But as I watched the kids hug and ask Uncle Bob to play, I had an idea. “That’s it,” I told myself and ran to Bob.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Bob, I have a crazy request. I know you’re busy. But I was wondering if you would babysit my kids for 25 minutes. I have to check something urgent at the hospital, and I have no one else,” I begged, and my kids looked at me with wide eyes filled with happiness.
“Sure, Dr. Sanders. I can watch them for a while,” he replied, nodding and smiling. My children jumped and cheered.
“They’re more than a handful, though. I’m warning you,” I said sheepishly.
“Don’t worry. You go ahead. Your job is important,” he told me, and I ran off, hoping my house would not be entirely destroyed by the time I returned.
The situation took more than 25 minutes, as Dr. Morris got stuck in traffic, and the patient became even more urgent. I was rushed into an operating room, and I couldn’t get away until three hours later. I felt so bad for Bob, who obviously had his own work to finish.
I drove home as quickly as I could. “Bob! Bob! I’m sorry!” I yelled breathlessly as I opened my door, but I froze.
My entire house… wait, was this my house? It couldn’t be. My house was always littered with toys, crayons, paper, and sometimes smears of peanut butter. I know. Gross. Don’t judge me.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Dr. Sanders, how was your surgery? Everything alright?” Bob asked as he appeared from the hallway.
“What happened here? My house… is unrecognizable. And why aren’t the kids screaming and running around?” I asked, so confused and shocked.
“Lucy is napping, and Christie and Johnny are in their rooms, reading,” he told me, and I swear, my jaw hit the floor.
“What? Are you kidding me?”
“No, go see.”
I had to go, and my eyes couldn’t believe it either. But Bob had told me the truth. “How did you do this?”
“Oh, Dr. Sanders. I was a single father raising kids once. Mine were ten times worse than these three angels,” Bob laughed. “I taught them to pick up after themselves and narrated them fairy tales. Your kids ate that up. You might want to buy them more books.”
I nodded, starstruck. No one in my life had ever called my kids “angels,” and they had never been interested in the few books I got. “I can’t believe it,” I whispered.
“It was easy. But now I have to go,” Bob said, picking up his work jacket from the back of a chair.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pe
“Oh, yes. I’m so sorry about being late. I’m so embarrassed,” I said, touching my forehead. “I’ll pay you triple for that.”
“No. No. I don’t need money,” Bob shook his head, raising his hands.
“Please. For your time,” I insisted with my stern look. People at the hospital were afraid of that look, so I knew Bob would not be able to reject the money.
“Ok, I’ll treat the kids to something nice,” he laughed. “Goodbye, Dr. Sanders. Have a nice day!”
“Thank you!” I yelled out, exhausted.
***
My kids behaved for the rest of the day, and I almost cried. It was the best day ever.
So, I called Bob and offered him a full-time nanny job, tripling his current salary and adding more health benefits since I had connections at the hospital. He accepted in the end, and I was so thankful that I gave him a Christmas bonus and plane tickets to his family could visit Disneyland in California later that year.
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