Parsley is a versatile species of flowering plant that is used as a spice, herb, and a vegetable. Most people use it for garnishing their food. In European and Mediterranean cuisines, both the leaf and root of parsley is used. Parsley can also enhance the flavor of salads, sandwiches, and stocks. Parsley is widely available and it is quite affordable. However, there are many benefits of parsley. Here are some of them:
1- Fights Free Radical Damage
Parsley is a good source of antioxidants. It contains flavonoids such as luteolin that function as antioxidants. This saves cells from oxygen-based damage. Moreover, parsley extracts have been shown to raise the antioxidant capacity of the blood in animal studies. Parsley is also a good source of vitamin A and C. Vitamin C is the body’s main water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C is also highly anti-inflammatory. It also boosts the immune system and it can be help prevent recurrent infection. Beta-carotene found in parsley can reduce the risk of the development of progressions of various conditions like colon cancer, atherosclerosis, asthma, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
2- Heart Health
Parsley is also great for your heart health. It contains folate, which is a very important B vitamin. It can help prevent heart diseases. Folate also helps the body keep safe levels of homocysteine, which is an amino acid. This is crucial as high levels of homocysteine may lead to heart diseases. Folate is heat sensitive; therefore it is recommended that you consume fresh parsley.
3- Fights Cancer
Parsley contains volatile oil components such as limonene, alpha-thujene, myristicin, and eugenol. These oil components are great for the immune system and can also fight cancer formation. In particular, these oil components can help slow down tumor growth, prevent carcinogens from harming the body, and neutralize oxidative stress. Parsley is also referred to as a chemoprotective plant as it stops cell mutation, protects DNA from damage, and helps to induce the death of harmful cells.
4- Good For Bone Health
Just consuming ten sprigs of parsley a day can help you fulfill the daily requirements of vitamin K. Low vitamin K intake may increase the risk of bone fracture. A diet rich in vitamin K helps the body improve calcium, thereby improving bone health. It also reduces the secretion of calcium in the urine.
5- Kidney Cleanse
Since parsley is rich in vitamin and antioxidants, it cleanses the kidney. Parsley is a diuretic and may help with bladder infections, gallbladder stones, kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
6- Weight Loss
Parsley is nutrient dense and low in calories. It boosts metabolism and removes excess water from the body. It also helps cleanse the livers and the kidneys. It helps your body function optimally and aids in weight loss.
7- Rich in nutrients that protect your eyes
Parsley has three carotenoids, namely, Lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene, that help in the protection of one’s eyes and promote healthy vision. Plants that have powerful antioxidant activity contain carotenoids as pigments.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which is an incurable eye disease and one of the main causes of blindness around the world, may be prevented by lutein and zeaxanthin.
One can reduce the risk of AMD by 26% if they eat lutein and zeaxanthin rich foods.
Another carotenoid that supports eye health, can be converted to vitamin A in the body, is beta carotene.
Parsley is rich in vitamin A due this very feature of beta carotene. A staggering 108% of the RDI for this vitamin comes from just 30 grams of freshly chopped leaves.
The cornea, which is the outer most layer of the eye, and the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane covering the front of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids, are both safeguarded by Vitamin A, making it essential for eye health.
8- Easy to add to your diet
Parsley is a highly adaptable and economical seasoning option.
The dried version can be used as an ingredient in various recipes. It is used in soups, stews and tomato sauces to boost their flavor. Moreover, Italian-inspired recipes use it with other herbs.
Homemade salad dressings, seafood recipes, and marinades can have fresh parsley as an additive. Fresh are mostly added to recipes that do not require cooking, or even at the end of the cooking period.
Some methods to include parsley into one’s diet:
- Add finely chopped leaves into salad dressings.
- Cook dried flakes in a homemade tomato sauce.
- Mix fresh leaves in a homemade chimichurri sauce.
- Add finely chopped stems to a potato salad for an added crunch.
- Fresh or dried leaves sprinkled on a salmon dish.
One can chew on a sprig to freshen up their breath while cooking, as a natural breath freshener.
The life of fresh parsley can be extended by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and storing it in the refrigerator in a closed container.
You can consult a nutritionist to find out which foods you should include in your diet. You can find and book an appointment with top Nutritionist in Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
