Pigweed Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Pigweed is the common name for the Amaranthus palmeri plant. Pigweed grows in low-lying areas and desert environments in the southern United States, including California. Pigweed leaves and seeds are edible, and the leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach.¹

Pigweed Health Uses and Health Benefits

Pigweed leaves and seeds offer nutritional health benefits being a good source of vitamin E—an antioxidant vitamin. Pigweed seeds are also high in protein and fiber, which helps the body regulate bowel movements and eliminate toxins, fats and cholesterol from the body. For this reason, pigweed can be taken to help with heart health and prevent constipation and diarrhea.^2,3

References

1. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Amaranthus+palmeri 
2. https://ourworld.unu.edu/en/rethinking-a-weed-the-truth-about-amaranth 
3. http://www.aihd.ku.edu/foods/Pigweed.html