The Health Benefits And Nutrition Of Parsley

Parsley is an herb plant, spice and vegetable that has been included in Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisine for thousands of years, not just because of the taste it adds to dishes, but also because of its fabulous healing properties.

Although it looks unassuming, this little green herb packs a massive nutritional punch and comes with an array of fantastic health benefits. Although largely popular as a table garnish because of the vibrancy it offers to our casseroles, salads and soups and stews, parsley should also really be super popular because it promotes a healthier you.

Let’s take a look at its health benefits and nutrition.

Nutritional Content

Parsley is a nutritional powerhouse. According to data from NutritionData, a single cup of parsley is rich in the following essential minerals and vitamins:

• Vitamin K - 55%
• Vitamin C - 54%
• Vitamin A - 14%
• Folate - 12%
• Iron - 10%
• Copper - 6%
• Potassium - 5%
• Magnesium - 4%
• Fiber - 4%
• Calcium - 4%
• Manganese - 3%
• Phosphorus - 3%
• Zinc - 3%
• Vitamin B1 - 3%
• Vitamin B3 - 3%

Parsley also contains numerous flavonoids and antioxidants, all of which help to flush toxins out of your body, as well as fight free radicals.

Parsley Can Give Your Immune System A Boost

Our immune system is important. In fact, it’s downright fundamental. We rely on a properly functioning immune system to get us through the day, and we never give it a second thought until something goes wrong; after all, a compromised immune system makes us more susceptible to colds and common ailments, while wounds take longer to heal and we generally feel exhausted and worn down.

Parsley is a crucial player in battle against autoimmune disorders, as well as allergies and inflammatory issues that just won’t go away.

Parsley Can Protect Your Blood Vessels

One of the most potent B vitamins is folic acid, which parsley helps to generate in your body. A crucial role which folic acid plays in your body is in the reduction of an amino acid called homocysteine. This amino acid is naturally produced by your body, and at low levels is perfectly okay. However, once it is overproduced, it can damage your blood vessels, which in turn can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

As such, parsley not only protects your blood vessels - it also promotes cardiovascular health.

Parsley Helps To Detox Your Body

A properly functioning liver is essential for a detox, while a detox itself is essential for your overall physical and mental wellbeing. You might not realize it, but if you are constantly feeling tired and stressed, it could be down to too many toxins in your body. The only way to eliminate these toxins is via a detox.

Apigenin and myristicin are both found in parsley, and they both aid our liver in detoxing our bodies. As mentioned earlier, parsley is also rich in antioxidants that help to eliminate nasty toxins from your body.

Vitamin K Is Wonderful

Parsley is most prized by health experts and dieticians because of its high vitamin K content. This essential vitamin plays a strong role in ensuring that our blood is able to clot, as well as strengthening our bones. In this way, parsley is a preventative measure taken to guard against osteoporosis and arthritis.

According to WebMB, parsley can also be applied directly to your skin to alleviate chapped or cracked skin, as well as to aid the treatment of insect bites.

Enjoying Parsley

Parsley can be an acquired taste, and not everyone can simply much on raw parsley. Add it to salads, smoothies, juicing recipes and soups and stews. Freshly grated parsley is also wonderful over a very rich roast, like lamb or beef.