Lambs quarter, or Lamb’s quarters or lambs quarters (Chenopodium album), is a leafy green vegetable commonly found in Europe, North America, and different parts of Asia. There are more than 250 Chenopodium species worldwide. Goosefood, fat-hen, muck hill weed, Bathua, and pigweed are the other names for lamb quarters. It is common in mustard, gram, wheat, barley, and other crops and is considered a common weed species. However, it has been consumed by humans for thousands of years and has numerous health benefits.
Can we eat lambs quarter? what do lambs quarter taste like
Lambs quarter is an edible plant that can be eaten raw or cooked like green vegetables. It has an earthy flavor similar to spinach or chard. Leaves, flowers, and stems are the plant parts that we can consume. However, there are not enough studies regarding the possibility of lambs quarter used in different foods and food processing areas.
Nutrition facts of lambs quarter
Lambs quarter is a nutritious and edible wild weed. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, FoodData Center, 100 grams of raw lamb quarters contain different nutrients such as protein, fibers, carbohydrates, minerals, and naturally occurring antioxidants. The protein in the Lamb quarter is high with a balanced amino acid spectrum with high lysine and methionine content. Likewise, it contains a high degree of nitrogen, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. Similarly, different minerals are present in lamb quarter, but sodium concentration is low, and potassium is high.
| Name | Amount |
| Water | 84.3 g |
| Protein | 4.2 g |
| Total Lipid (fat) | 0.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.3 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Calcium | 309 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 34 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.16 mg |
| Niacin | 1.2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 72 mg |
| Potassium | 452 mg |
| Sodium | 43 mg |
| Zinc | 0.44 mg |
| Copper | 0.293 mg |
| Manganese | 0.782 mg |
| Selenium | 0.9 µg |
| Vitamin C | 80 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.44 mg |
| Folate | 30 µg |
Antioxidants may play an essential role in inhibiting free radicals. Polyphenols are an important component in Lamb quarter, and phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and saponins are the major.
Possible health benefits of lambs quarter
1. Lambs quarter may contain antimicrobial activity
Different scientific studies have shown the antimicrobial activity of Lamb’s quarter extract against various bacteria and fungal species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus species, Streptococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas species, Salmonella species, Escherichia coli, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Candida species.
2. Anthelmintic activity of lambs quarter
Helmintics are parasitic worms that infect a large population of people worldwide. A study by Akhtar and group reported that lamb quarters leaves may have anthelmintic, antiphlogistic, and antirheumatic activity. Helminthic infections can contribute to malnutrition, anemia, cognitive impairment, stunted growth, and other diseases.
3. Lambs quarter may help in digestive health
Dietary fibers are an important component of a balanced diet that can interact directly with the gut microbiota and produce metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. Short-chain fatty acids have health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective. Lamb quarter contain high dietary fiber. Including lambs quarter in our dietary plant may help help to promote digestion, prevent constipation, and be anti-inflammatory and anticancer. However, more studies and clinical trials are necessary to claim these benefits.
4. Lambs quarter may help in weight loss
Lamb’s quarter is a low-calorie green vegetable that can be incorporated into a weight-loss diet. Similarly, it is a good source of protein and dietary fiber, which reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness.
Risk of consuming lambs quarter
- Some people may be allergic to lamb quarters, so allergic people should exclude lamb quarter from their diet.
- Raw lamb quarters leaves can contain different pathogenic microorganisms and pesticides, so they should be cleaned and cooked appropriately before consumption. It is best to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet.
- Oxalic acid can interfere with the absorption of nutrients in food. Lamb’s quarter raw leaves contain some oxalic acid. Therefore, consuming a large amount of raw leaves can interface the nutrient absorption. Small servings can be safe. Cooking also reduces oxalic acid’s content, so cooked lamb quarters may be more beneficial than consuming raw.
Lambs quarter recipes
- Steam the leaves lightly in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
- Drain the water
- Soak leaves in cold water for 1 minute and drain all the water.
- Add some butter, salt, and your favorite seasoning.
- You can add this to soup and other foods if you want.
Summary
Lambs quarter is a leafy green vegetable with edible leaves, flowers, and stems of lambs quarter. It is a common weed in agriculture fields. However, people have been consuming it for a long time. Lamb quarters contain nutrients such as protein, fibers, carbohydrates, minerals, and naturally occurring antioxidants. Likewise, it includes a high degree of nitrogen, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. Lamb quarters may have several health benefits, including antimicrobial and anthelmintic; consuming lambs quarter may promote digestive health and help in weight loss. However, some people may be allergic to it, and consuming a large amount may interfere with nutrient absorption in the human body.
