Hi there
While all varieties of purslane contain the Omega 3s, commonly known
as "fish oil," there are a couple that average considerably above the
others. They are the golden-leafed and green-leafed varieties. These
cultivated types are upright in habit and about 35.2% richer in their
alpha-linolenic acid concentration than the weed type. However, you
will not find EPA or DHA in purslane. Once ingested, the body
converts Alpha-linolenic acid which is found in purslane into EPA and
DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used.
However, the varieties may not be as important as the way they are
grown. Studies have shown that alpha-linolenic acid concentration was
increased in purslane when the plants were grown under low light, day
lengths were 14 to 16 hours, and 60% of the total nitrogen was
supplied in the form of ammonium. In fact, the nitrogen source made a
difference in the amount of Omega3s produced. However, conditions
that produce the highest chemical concentration in the plants does not
necessarily produce the
highest dry mass yield. It is also an excellent source of Vitamin E,
providing 6 times as much as spinach.
As for the two varieties, green-leafed purslane is an unnamed cultivar
and the golden-leafed variety is called "Goldberg."
As a test, both were were grown hydroponically in a complete nutrient
solution. Both cultivars had similar LNA concentrations [per g dry
weight (DW)].
Websites used to compile the above:
http://libnts.avrdc.org.tw/scripts/minisa.dll/144/VAVLIB/VAVLIB_WEB_REPORT/SISN+37623?COMMANDSEARCH
- the homepage of the website is not in English and as I don't have
the fonts for it, I have not the slightest idea as to its name.
Since the above is a "command search" link, it may break after I leave
the site. If it does, here is the cache of the same page.
http://216.239.51.100/search?q=cache:Qu5VRSkDzWMC:libnts.avrdc.org.tw/scripts/minisa.dll/144/VAVLIB/VAVLIB_WEB_REPORT/SISN%2B37623%3FCOMMANDSEARCH+golden+leafed+purslane&hl=en&lr=lang_en&ie=UTF-8&client=googlet
University of Connecticut Integrated Pest Management
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/weeds/htms/purslane.htm
Nutritional Glossary Page 3
http://www.angelfire.com/nj/sports22/nutrition3.html - From
Nutritional Glossary
Alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA
http://www.healthandage.com/html/res/com/ConsSupplements/AlphaLinolenicAcidALAcs.html
By A.D.A.M., Inc
In case you are also looking for a source for seed of the mentioned
varieties:
Johnny's Selected Seeds
http://www.johnnyseeds.com/catalog/hgindex.html
Search Google
Terms - purslane omega3 fatty acids, Alpha-linolenic acid, purslane
cultivars
If I may clarify anything before you rte the answer, please ask.
Cheers and good eating
digsalot |
