Beat the summer heat with green-leafy vegetable kulfa or purslane. Experts answer how

Do you eat kulfa? (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Green leafy vegetables are a must, not just for eating seasonal and fresh but also nutritious.

While spinach or palak and fenugreek leaves or methi are the most common green leafy vegetables, you must have purslane or kulfa too this season. According to nutritionist Leema Mahajan, it is a culinary find like no other. She took to Instagram to share a post.

What is kulfa?

Kulfa, also known as purslane or portulaca oleracea, is a succulent leafy green vegetable commonly found in many parts of the world, especially in the summer months. “It is highly nutritious and offers numerous health benefits, particularly during hot weather,” said Payal Sharma, dietician, Dharamshila Narayana Suprspeciality Hospital.

Kulfa is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. “It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit heart health. Additionally, kulfa is low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making it a great choice for weight management and digestive health,” said Sharma.

One of the key benefits of kulfa during summer is its ability to keep the body hydrated. According to Sharma, its high water content helps replenish fluids lost through sweating, keeping the body cool and preventing dehydration. “Furthermore, kulfa is believed to have cooling properties, making it a popular ingredient in traditional remedies for heat-related ailments such as heatstroke and prickly heat,” said Sharma.