Health Benefits of Parsley

Health Benefits of Parsley

Men have been cultivating parsley for years. It was primarily grown for medicinal purposes. Later on, people added it to their diet and seasoning. Parsley is a flowering herb that is mostly used for garnishing foods due to its flavor all over the world. It has a vibrant green color and a bitter kind of flavor. Because of its unique flavor and taste, it has made a place in various cuisines as a dried spice and seasoning.  

Parsley can be found anywhere; you probably have it in your fridge right now. You may be considering it useless but let me tell you, when it comes to health advantages, it is probably the thing you are looking for! It is one of the most economical vegetables out there with medicinal properties. Parsley makes an excellent addition to salads, juices, and smoothies. Like other green veggies, it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, iron, copper, potassium, protein, and fiber.

In this article, you will learn about types, health benefits, ways of using, and side effects of parsley.  

Types of Parsley

The two main types of parsley are flat-leaf and curly-leaf parsley. Curly-leaf parsley is known as Italian parsley. The Italian parsley is mostly used for garnishing while flat-leaf ones for cooking. However, both can serve as alternatives to each other.

Nutritional Facts

(Per 100g serving)

Health Benefits

The following are some benefits of this incredible herb.

Prevents Diabetes

Parsley can help a diabetic person to control blood sugar. The abnormal sugar levels are quite common even in non-diabetic people. The use of junk food and lack of exercise can increase sugar level. Research has shown that antioxidants in parsley can help lower sugar level and reduces the risk of diabetes in future. If you have a family history of diabetes, you should add parsley to your diet to avoid getting it. Parsley has been used in Turkish medicines for decades to treat diabetes.

Cleanse your Kidneys

Kidneys remove toxins from the blood. Over the years many harmful substances build up in our kidneys which may affect their working so, it becomes essential to clean them. Parsley can help to naturally cleanse your kidney. Parsley is an excellent diuretic that helps to avoid water retention and prevents kidney stones. In addition to that, it improves the working of your liver. The parsley plant has a mechanism that stops the reabsorption of sodium and potassium; this enables the water to come out of the kidney more easily. It quickens the uric acid removal, which is a symptom of arthritis. Also, the cleansing of your blood will beautify your skin.

Bone Health

The rich amount of vitamin K, folic acid, and calcium in parsley helps to promote good health. Vitamin K is quite abundant in parsley. Just one cup contains more than the daily recommended dose of vitamin K. Vitamin K plays an important role in calcium absorption and mineralization in your bones. It helps to stop osteoporosis and reduces the risks of getting fractures. If you have vitamin K deficiency, parsley can help you in a natural way. Also, vitamin C in parsley is the major contributor to collagen production. So, this humble plant really works great for your skeleton.  

Strengthen your Immune System

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in parsley help to enhance your immunity. The ample amount of vitamin C in it helps to protect you from viral diseases like cold or flu. The antibacterial properties help to treat various infections and diseases.

Improves Digestion

Parsley is one of the herbs that help you with digestion. It helps to alleviate constipation, bloating, and gas. The high fiber content improves your gut health and digestion. Parsley helps to produce bile and juices in your body that quickly starts your digestive system. It may boost your metabolism and help with weight loss. As mentioned earlier, the diuretic property of parsley aids in losing water weight.

Brain and Eye Health

This incredible herb contains apigenin that can improve neuron production and enhance your memory. It helps you to stay alert and learn new things. This herb has also proved to be effective to prevent and cure Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. Parsley is loaded with vitamin A that helps with healthy eyes and good visions. Furthermore, beta-carotene and antioxidants can help with night blindness and cataracts. The vitamin A and other antioxidants also help to protect the retina.

Heart Health

The regular use of parsley can control your blood pressure due to the presence of folic acid and thus, reduces the risks of heart problems. Also, folate and vitamin B prevent the thickening of blood vessels.

Protects Against Cancer

The word cancer is scary, and we all know that prevention is better than cure. According to a study, parsley can be really helpful to fight breast cancer. The inflammatory properties and cease the carcinogenic cells from developing. Some studies have shown that it also protects you from colon and prostate cancer.

Skincare and Beauty

Both topical and edible use of parsley can do wonders for your skin. The antioxidants help to get rid of stubborn dark circles and puffiness. The vitamin C helps to generate collagen, which has antiaging properties. Also, the vitamins balance the pH of your skin and remove dark spots, cure breakouts, and brighten your skin.

DIY Parsley Face Mask

Ingredients 

1. Parsley (of course!)
2. Apple cider vinegar  
3. Yogurt

Preparation

Take a tablespoon of the apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of yogurt, and a tablespoon of crushed or powdered parsley. Make a homogenous mixture and apply thoroughly on your face. You can also use it on neck, hands and feet. Wait for 10 to 20 minutes until it dries. Wash with cold water and gently dry with the towel. Follow with your favorite moisturizer. You will instantly get a stunning face. Use this mask once or twice every day to keep your skin fresh and youthful. Do not forget to do a patch test before using it.

Ways of Eating Parsley

One of the best things about parsley is that it can be easily added to your diet.

Add Parsley in your Meals

You can add parsley in seasoning and garnishing. Parsley sauce is one of the most famous condiments for dipping. You can simply add chopped parsley to your pasta, pizza, and soup. It's not just used as a side dish but can be used to make salads and pesto pasta.

Parsley Oil

The oil of parsley is readily available in markets. This can be used for messaging as well can be added to food. Using it on the body will relax your muscles and calm yourself. Adding to foods will give add to the aroma and flavor. Also, applying parsley oil to your face in a circular motion will help to lift your skin while hydrating it.

Parsley in Drinks

Parsley juice works as an instant medicine. However, it may not be a taste thing in the world. An idea that can work is adding parsley to fruit juices and smoothies. It will make no difference to the taste while you'll get full nutrition.

Parsley Tea

Boil water, add some parsley leaves. Cover it and turn of the stoke after a minute. Now, let it sit for 5 minutes and serve. Add lemon if you want to. This tea will calm your nerves, improve digestion, and will instantly help you with any illness you have.

Supplements

Nowadays, many supplements are available for people who find it hard to eat actual herbs. These medicines are available in the form of powders and tablets. But it is best to eat the actual vegetable and enjoy natural flavors. You must consult your doctor before using any supplements.

The Best Way of Using Parsley

It is best to eat parsley in raw form. Cooking or heating it for more than 10 minutes will decrease its efficiency.

Side effects and Risks of Parsley 

Parsley is mostly considered safe for eating or applying. However, taking a larger amount can cause an upset stomach or allergies in some people. Oregano may increase bleeding, so, medicinal use by pregnant women is not recommended. Also, if you are using any blood thinning, anti-allergic, or diabetes medication, you should consult your doctor before using larger amounts of parsley.  

Final Word

To conclude, parsley contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals. It is a nature's gift to us to get a whole lot of health advantages. It has been used as homeopathic medicine for many years. It has great healing properties and is best for overall wellbeing. It has miraculous benefits for brain, eyesight, kidney, digestion, and heart. Furthermore, it can protect you from many fatal diseases. It is one of the leading sources of vitamin K and helps to get stronger bones. Chewing parsley will help to get rid of mouth odor. Besides eating, oral application of parsley oil can be really soothing.  

References

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11849841/
• https://defeatdiabetes.org/resources/healthful-eating/herbs-and-spices/parsley/
  
• https://worldwidescience.org/topicpages/p/parsley+petroselinum+crispum.html