Parsley is an herb that is very commonly used as decoration for fancy foods.
Because of its reputation as a garnish, it is often forgotten as an herb with many surprising healing properties.
Parsley contains health benefiting essential volatile oils such as myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene.
Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of parsley:
Anti-inflammatory:
Parsley is packed with anti-inflammatory agents such as luteolin and vitamin C. These agents may help prevent certain types of arthritis.
Antioxidant rich:
The anti-inflammatory agents vitamin C and luteolin are also known as potent antioxidants that help fight disease. Antioxidants kill the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and disease.
Cancer fighter:
A Minnesota study shows that myristicin, a compound found in parsley fights oxidation and may slow the growth of tumors.
Detox:
Parsley contains all the chelating minerals and vitamins that help detoxify the body: Vitamin C, beta-carotene, Chlorophyll and folate.
It will help you detoxify your liver and stimulate digestive assimilation. It is known for liver detox.
Heart health:
Parsley is great for the heart. It is a good source of folate, which helps protect blood vessels from high levels of homocysteine. Adding parsley to your diet can help prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other heart conditions.
Immune booster:
Vitamin A and C are potent antioxidants and are well known for their abilities to strengthen the immune system.
Rich in vitamin K:
In addition to vitamin C and A, parsley is also rich in vitamin K. In fact, it is extremely rich in vitamin K, providing 153% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin K is great for strong bones and a healthy nervous system and has been found to have an important role in bone health by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It may help Alzheimer’s disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
For a cancer-preventing smoothie using parsley.
For an immune-boosting smoothie using parsley.
REFERENCES:
1. “6 Health Benefits of Parsley.” 6 Health Benefits of Parsley. N.p., 26 Mar. 2011. Web. 14 June 2013.
2. “Myristicin: A Potential Cancer Chemopreventive Agent from Parsley Leaf Oil.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. N.p., Jan. 1992. Web. 14 June 2013.
3. Power your diet: “Parsley nutrition facts“. Web. 14 June 2013.
