The outstanding health benefits of parsley have been known during the ancient times. But at present, it's just regarded as a dish or culinary garnish. In fact, it provides nature's best carotenoids and is filled with nutrients that prevents cancer, inflammation, high in beneficial contents, promotes bone health and prevents diabetes among others.
Parsley comes from the Umbelliferae family that includes carrots, celery, dill, fennel, cumin, coriander, and parsnip. It is a herb, not a vegetable. It contains many nutritional elements that make it a potent herb that has many health benefits.
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, approximately ten springs of parlsey contains only 4 calories, proteins, fat, carbohydrate, fiber and sugar. It has 205% of Vitamin K needs to one day, 22% of Vitamin C and 17% of Vitamin A.
It has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory propertiaes because it contains phytonutrients and flavonoids namely lutein, zeaxanthin, apiole, rutin and apigenin. Aside from that, it has chlorophyll and high amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vanadium, iron and zinc.
It fights Anemia because the chlorophyll content of parsley is an excellent blood builder and expander. Plus, it contains both iron and Vitamin C that makes it easier for the body to absorb and synthesize. Aside from that, it also prevents atherosclerosis because of its flavonoid and Vitamin C content. They are natural antioxidants that prevent cell oxidation that can cause plaque buildup on the blood vessel walls. Vitamin C prevents the hardening of the walls of the blood vessels and dissolves the sticky particles that might block the circulation of blood.
Myricetin, is a flavonoid found in parsley. This makes the herb potent for cancer cells because it kills the free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the culprit for many diseases including cancer. Also, chlorophyll has been shown to be effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines, which are generated when grilling foods at a high temperature. Furthermore, myricetin is effective in controlling the blood sugar levels in the body hence reducing the risk for diabetes.
Lower intake of Vitamin K is linked to poor bone health. As stated earlier, parlsey contains 205% of the needed daily requirement of Vitamin K. It aids in the modification of the bone matrix proteins, improving calcium absorption and reducing urinary excretion of calcium.
It aids in kidney and bladder health. There are two components that aid in this endeavor. Myristicin and apiole aid in increasing urine flow that removes infection-causing bacteria from the urinary tract. Also, it aids in detoxifying the toxins from the body through urination.
Aside from these, parsley is effective in promoting vision health, hair health, heart health, would healing.
