Why parsley is not just a spice and how it protects us
It is especially rich in vitamins A, C and K and has strong antioxidant properties. Strengthens immunity, cleanses the body, solves bloating.
Parsley is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean. The Greeks and Romans also knew about it. From ancient times, primrose has been used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, allergies, inflammatory diseases and as a diuretic.
Today it is widely used as a fresh culinary plant or dried spice. It is intensely green in color and has a mild, bitter taste that goes well with many dishes.
Often labeled as one of the most powerful disease-fighting plants, primrose provides great nutritional value and offers many potential health benefits.
It contains many important nutrients
Parsley offers many more nutrients than people think. It is rich in vitamins A, C, important nutrients with antioxidant properties. It is especially rich in vitamin K, which has a role in blood clotting and bone health. Parsley also contains folate and potassium.
In addition, it has very few calories, and the great taste makes it an excellent low-calorie ingredient for many recipes.
Rich in antioxidants
Parsley contains many powerful antioxidants important for your health.
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent cell damage from molecules called free radicals. Your body requires a healthy balance of antioxidants and free radicals to maintain optimal health
The main antioxidants in primrose are flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C.
The fragrant plant is especially rich in a class of antioxidants known as flavonoids. The two main flavonoids include myricetin and apigenin.
Studies show that a diet rich in flavonoids can reduce the risk of various diseases, including colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Furthermore, beta carotene and lutein are two antioxidants known as carotenoids. Many studies have linked higher carotenoid intake to a reduced risk of certain diseases, including lung cancer (13).
Vitamin C also has strong antioxidant effects and plays an important role in preserving immunity and protecting against chronic diseases.
Interestingly, dried parsley can contain more antioxidants than fresh twigs. In fact, one study found that dried plants have 17 times more antioxidants than fresh plants.
Good for bones
Bones need certain vitamins and minerals in different amounts to stay healthy and strong.
Parsley is full of vitamin K – an essential nutrient for bone health. Just 30 grams provides an impressive 547 percent of the daily needs of this mineral.
Vitamin K helps build stronger bones. This vitamin also activates certain proteins that increase bone mineral density.
Some studies show that consuming foods rich in vitamin K can reduce the risk of fractures, and even one study found that a higher intake of vitamin K is associated with a 22 percent lower risk of fractures.
Contains compounds important for fighting cancer
Parsley contains herbal compounds that may have anti-cancer effects.
Parsley is especially rich in flavonoid antioxidants and vitamin C. which reduce oxidative stress in your body and can reduce the risk of certain cancers. For example, a high intake of flavonoids in the diet can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 30 percent.
Just 30 grams of parsley provides 53 percent of the daily needs for this vitamin.
In addition, subgroups of certain flavonoids in primrose – such as myricetin and apigenin – have shown anticancer activity in studies.
Rich in nutrients that protect the eyes
Lutein, beta carotene and zeaxanthin are the three first carotenoids that help protect the eyes and eyesight. Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that have strong antioxidant activity.
Lutein and zeaxanthin can prevent age-related macular degeneration, incurable eye disease and the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
In fact, eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of late AMD by up to 26 percent.
Beta carotene is another carotenoid important for eye health. This carotenoid can be converted into vitamin A in your body.
This conversion of beta carotene explains why parsley is very rich in vitamin A. Only 30 grams of freshly chopped leaves provide 108 percent of the daily needs for this vitamin.
Vitamin A is essential for eye health because it helps protect the cornea – the farthest layer of your eye – as well as the conjunctiva – the thin membrane that covers the front of your eye and the inside of the eyelid.
It also improves heart health
Parsley is a nutritious plant that can improve heart health. It is a good source of B vitamins – 30 grams provides 11% of daily needs.
High dietary folate intake can reduce the risk of heart disease in certain age groups. A large study in over 58,000 people found that the highest folate intake was associated with a 38 percent reduced risk of heart disease.
Accelerates urination
Parsley leaf is especially effective as a means of stimulating the excretion of harmful substances from the body. Antioxidants and chlorophyll in the leaf of the plant help to get rid of harmful and toxic elements that cause inflammation and infection.
Chop the root and leaf of the primrose to get two or three tablespoons of the mixture. Boil in 2.5 decilitres for five minutes. When cool, drink. You can drink up to three cups of this tea a day. The drink will help you get rid of swelling and bloating.
Ideal in nutrition
Parsley is an extremely practical and cheap option to spice up food. You can use dried primrose as an ingredient in various recipes. It can improve the taste of tomato soups, stews and sauces. In addition, it is often combined with other herbs in recipes inspired by Italian recipes.
Fresh parsley is also a great addition to homemade salad dressings, marinades and seafood. Many people use fresh twigs in recipes that do not require cooking or add the plant at the end of the cooking period.
Interestingly, the plant can act as a natural breath freshener, so you can also chew a twig during cooking to freshen your breath.
To prolong the life of fresh parsley, tie the bunch with a damp paper towel and store it in a closed container in the refrigerator. You can easily include dried or fresh leaves in your diet by adding them to soups, salads, marinades and sauces.
