10 health benefits of parsley
Parsley is an herb that is often used as a side dish or garnish in a variety of meals, but not many people know that parsley has a plethora of powerful health benefits that we will explain in the article.
Parsley is used as a powerful natural antibiotic, which helps to cleanse the body of pests and maintain heart health.
Regular consumption of parsley helps reduce the risk of skin cancer, prevent shortness of breath and diabetes, increase immunity and bone health, strengthen the immune system, and many other benefits.
100 grams of parsley provide our body:
53% of the recommended daily allowance (RDI) of vitamin A.
160% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.
1562% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin K.
12% of the recommended daily amount of potassium
11% of the recommended daily amount of zinc
48% the recommended daily amount of iron
14% of the recommended daily amount of magnesium and calcium
8% of the recommended daily amount of phosphorus, manganese and vitamin B2.
Parsley is rich in many different nutrients that are good for our body. Read on to find out the best benefits of daily consumption of parsley:
1. Lowers the risk of developing various types of cancer
Parsley is an excellent source of unique elements found in its oil which is actually composed of volatile oils from various chemical compounds (Limonene, Myristicin, Alpah-Thujene and Eugenol).
Cancer is one of the most common diseases that causes many health problems and sometimes even impossible to treat, so prevention is the best medicine.
According to a scientific report produced by the Barbara Ann Carmanus Institute for Cancer Research, these powerful oil components help improve the immune system and prevent the formation of cancerous growths.
Parsley helps prevent carcinogens from harming our body, slows the development of tumors and relieves oxidative stress. In addition to being attributed as a plant with anti-cancer benefits, parsley helps protect DNA from damage.
Researchers claim that eating a bunch of fresh parsley a day can stop a cell mutation and help stimulate the process of apoptosis - the deliberate death of harmful cells.
Epigenin is one of the most beneficial ingredients in parsley and has been proven by the American Cancer Society to help prevent progestin-dependent synthesis of breast cancer cells, drastically suppresses the proliferation and development of mammary gland tumors and reduces their incidence.
2. Prevents damage caused by free radicals and inflammation
Parsley has a large amount of flavonoid-type protective antioxidants, which make it a very healthy herb that is effective in preventing the development of serious diseases and infections.
Flavonoid antioxidants such as epigenin, luteolin, lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene have been shown to inhibit free radical damage and strengthen the body.
These antioxidants help slow down the aging process by fighting oxidative stress or free radical damage, along with chronic inflammation in the body.
They are especially critical because the formation of free radicals is associated with almost every age-related disease, such as heart disease, cancer, eye disorders and degenerative diseases.
A study by the Institute for Food Safety and Toxicology, which included adults who ate large amounts of fresh parsley, showed that these adults experienced a large improvement in reducing oxidative stress levels, in contrast to people who did not eat parsley at all.
Prior to the start of the study, participants were asked to eat a diet without natural sources of antioxidants. During the experiment, the scientists found that when participants ate a low-antioxidant diet, their oxygen stress levels rose.
During the second half of the study after they started consuming parsley, oxygen stress levels dropped.
3. Prevents inflammation in the gallbladder and urinary tract and the formation of kidney stones
Parsley helps fight bladder and kidney inflammation, urinary retention and stone formation. Research has shown that when people suffer from sexually transmitted diseases and jaundice, the leaves and roots of parsley are good for spleen and liver function.
Consumption of parsley can also help relieve edema, while other medications may not always help with the problem. Fresh parsley juice helps soothe and treat blood vessels, especially the arteries and capillaries.
Parsley is also known for its ability to store mucous material and expel aqueous toxins, relieving enlarged and swollen glands.
Researchers recommend drinking a cup or two cups of parsley tea a day to help the body fully cleanse, prevent edema and bladder problems, and even to fight kidney stones.
If you have an infection, brew strong cups of parsley tea and drink them slowly throughout the day. If there are kidney stones, it is recommended to drink half a cup of tea every hour.
4. Parsley helps maintain the health of the digestive system
Today, the foods we eat during the day can significantly affect the health of our digestive system. Fruits and vegetables sold in the supermarket can also cause digestive problems.
Many studies have shown that organic parsley can improve digestive health. According to a study by the American University of Beirut, organic parsley acts as a natural diuretic and thus helps relieve the pain of water retention and relieve or prevent swelling.
Consumption of parsley helps regulate the activation of urine production by the kidneys and prevent the accumulation of water in the stomach.
In addition parsley can relieve discomfort and prevent upset stomach. But it is important to consume moderately, a high amount of parsley can lead to diarrhea or nausea.
Parsley essential oil is also used to treat a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders and other problems including constipation, gas, bloating, nausea and indigestion.
According to the world-famous methods of Ayurveda, eating parsley regularly improves digestion as parsley oil tends to help promote bile production along with beneficial gastric juices, which are essential for the function of healthy enzymes. The functions of these enzymes are involved in the good absorption of nutrients. You can add a few drops of parsley essential oil to the bath, as well as dilute and rub it on the abdominal area for quick relief
5. Prevents infections and bacteria
Parsley is good for dental and skin health due to its strong anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
Parsley essential oil is recognized as an effective antifungal treatment. Furthermore, it cleanses skin blemishes caused by bacteria. The microbial properties of parsley make it one of the main ingredients in cleaning products, soaps, perfumes and many other hygiene products.
Parsley essential oil has a strong ability to fight odors and bacteria, including bacteria and odors from the mouth. Parsley has been used as a natural breath freshener for centuries because it helps fight bacteria. Parsley essential oil is strong although it can cause local burning or bad skin reaction if not used properly.
Avoid applying it directly on the skin, without mixing it with almond, olive or coconut oil, to avoid harmful reactions.
6. Strengthens the immune system
As talked before, parsley contains 160% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Thanks to the rich levels of immune antioxidants, including vitamin A and vitamin C, eating parsley helps reduce the risk of colds and flu.
Vitamin C helps support a healthy gut environment, the environment in which the immune system is located. The high levels of vitamin C found in fresh parsley lower the levels of chronic inflammation and prevent the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis, colon cancer, arthritis, asthma and diabetes.
7. Improves bone health
Vitamin K deficiency or low intake of this vitamin has been shown to increase the risk factor for bone fractures. Eating a recommended daily amount of this vitamin helps increase bone health by improving calcium absorption and lowering urinary calcium excretion.
A recent study showed that people who consumed foods rich in vitamin K had 22% fewer fractures than people who were deficient in vitamin K.
Ten stalks of fresh parsley (on top) can provide the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. Vitamin K is not the only one that can support bone health, if you consume enough foods that are rich in phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. Vitamin K works together with these to create nutrients for bone.
8. Supports heart health
Parsley is a wonderful source of folic acid, it is an essential vitamin B that takes an active part in protecting the heart. Folic acid deficiency can lead to many cardiovascular problems, including a heart attack. Therefore, folic acid in parsley helps support heart health.
Our body needs folic acid to help convert homocysteine, a type of amino acid in the blood. It is a molecule that can damage blood vessels. Which can lead to a stroke or a heart attack if left untreated.
9. Maintains the proper functioning of the hormones
Consumption of parsley is often recommended for women because it helps maintain balanced hormones and improve a woman’s overall health.
Parsley helps to ward off nerve duct defects that occur due to a lack of folic acid or its low consumption, Parsley is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Scientists claim that thanks to the ability of parsley to balance hormones, it can help relieve menstrual symptoms and improve fertility.
10. Maintains eye health
Parsley has a large amount of vitamin A which consists of two powerful antioxidants - beta carotene and protein A carotenoid. These antioxidants help the body support eye health.
The antioxidants found in parsley have been scientifically proven to protect the cornea and retina from damage associated with aging, and help avoid eye problems and disorders such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
In addition, vitamin A reduces the risk of premature aging, it also fights the signs of aging, protects the skin and eyes from UV light damage.
Side effects and safety in consumption Parsley is safe to consume in regular quantities. However, there are people who can develop an allergic reaction in the skin.
Also, consumption of large amounts of parsley can cause side effects like anemia, kidney problems and liver.
Additional warnings:
Pregnant or lactating women: Moderate amounts of parsley in food will not cause side effects, but large amounts may be unsafe during pregnancy.
Diabetics: Parsley may reduce sugar levels. Therefore, pay attention to the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor its level. High blood pressure: There is a concern that parsley may cause sodium (salt) retention, thus increasing blood pressure.
Kidney disease: Do not consume parsley in case of kidney disease. Parsley has certain components, which can aggravate kidney disease.
Combining parsley with medicine
Interaction of parsley with the drug coumadin (warfarin) - This drug is taken to thin the blood and reduce its clotting. A large amount of parsley can increase blood clotting. Consumption of parsley may reduce its effectiveness.
Diuretics - Parsley works like a diuretic, so consuming it with diuretics can cause the body to lose more fluid.
In conclusion
Parsley is not valued enough these days. Despite being a simple plant, it contains a variety of nutrients that maintain the health of our body and prevent a plethora of diseases, infections and various health issues.
It is advisable to start consuming a bunch of parsley a day in order to experience all the health benefits it has to offer.