Are weeds the bad guys or the good guys?

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion Greens are: Low in Saturated Fat and CholesterolHigh in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Manganese, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper

The nutritional value and health benefits of dandelion greens makes them ideal for:

Maintaining optimum healthWeight loss

Don't include too many dandelion greens in your diet if you're interested in:

Weight gain

Similar nutritional profile to raw Kale

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

Fresh leaves contain surprisingly more Omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid) than any other leafy vegetable plant. Research studies shows that consumption of foods rich in ω-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and help prevent development of ADHD, autism, and other developmental differences in children.

It is an excellent source of Vitamin A, (1320 IU/100 g, provides 44% of RDA) one of the highest among green leafy vegetables.

Purslane is also a rich source of vitamin C, and some B-complex vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine and carotenoids, as well as dietary minerals, such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and manganese.

Also present in purslane are two types of betalain alkaloid pigments, the reddish beta-cyanins and the yellow beta-xanthins. Both of these pigment types are potent anti-oxidants and have been found to have anti-mutagenic properties in laboratory studies.

Plantain (Plantago major)

Oil

Plantain (Plantago major)

Strong tonic plant – improves overall health

Plantain in water or alcohol solutions does indeed produce a drop in arterial pressure

It can be used in acute diarrhea, and alleviate stomach pain

It can also be used in chronic diarrhea, as in the sort that comes along with HIV and AIDS.

Plantain leaf also soothes the lungs and promotes respiratory health and is used to treat coughs and bronchitis.

Phytochemicals are antioxidant compounds found naturally in plants that prevent free radical induced damage in the body and thereby help to prevent and treat disease in humans. The International College of Herbal Medicine states that plantain leaf has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibiotic and immune-stimulating properties.

Lambsquarter (Chenopodium album)

Lambsquarter (Chenopodium album)

The species is cultivated as a grain or vegetable crop (such as in lieu of spinach) as well as animal feed in Asia and Africa, whereas in Europe and North America it is commonly regarded as a weed in places such as potato fields

Each plant produces tens of thousands of black seeds. These are high in protein, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Quinoa is a closely related species which is grown specifically for its seeds.

Lambsquarter is a cousin to spinach and can be eaten raw or cooked. An excellent source for Vitamins A & C and calcium.

Pair with fresh citrus and berries, nuts, strong cheeses, spring vegetables such as peas and asparagus, eggs and potatoes; toss with hot pasta or grains until barely wilted. Lamb's quarters (wild spinach) has a more mild, less metallic flavor than mature spinach and is complimented by vinaigrette, fresh herbs, garlic, toasted bread and beans.