Parsley is a cultivated flowering herb that comes from the family Apiaceae. It is prevalent in American, European, and Middle Eastern cooking.
There are two types of fresh parsley found in markets and other food stores. They are normally known by their descriptive names: curly leaf parsley and flat leaf parsley. Curly leaf parsley, or French parsley, is often used as a garnish in a variety of dishes. Flat leaf parsley, also Italian parsley, has a stronger flavour and is used more as an ingredient in salads and cooked dishes.
You can also find dried parsley in food stores. Drying the herb reduces some of its health benefits, and it may improve its cancer-fighting potential.
Here is a guide on Parsley and all the benefits it has to offer.
Health Benefits
Parsley has a large number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can provide vital health benefits. It is a rich source of vitamin K. One tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley gives you more than 70% of the recommended daily intake.
Parsley also contains a good amount of vitamin A and antioxidants known as flavonoids.
Cancer Prevention
Parsley has a large amount of the flavone apigenin. Cooking and/or drying may reduce some of parsley’s other health benefits, it increases the apigenin in parsley. In fact, dried parsley is the best natural source of apigenin.
Flavones are the pigments in some flowering plants and powerful antioxidants. Apigenin has showcased a particular potential as an anticancer agent, but more research is required.
Diuresis
Diuresis is the process in which your kidneys make extra urine to get rid of a substance in your body, such as alcohol. Parsley works as a powerful natural diuretic and can aid in the reducing of bloating and blood pressure.
Bone Health
Parsley is full of vitamin K, which has been connected to the health of your bones. The vitamin supports and aids bone growth and bone mineral density.
Eye Health
Parsley is also a source of vitamin A, which helps defend the surface of the eye, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that helps your body prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Nutrition
Parsley is also an excellent source of:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
Nutrients per Serving
A 1 tablespoon serving of chopped, fresh parsley contains:
- Calories: 1
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fibre: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Vitamin A: 6% RDI
- Vitamin C: 8% RD
Portion Sizes
Parsley is a low-calorie ingredient that can be eaten and enjoyed without risk by the majority of people. Enormous amounts of parsley may be hazardous to pregnant women, and should be avoided.
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