Overview
Parsley is a very popular in most recipes especially those that require garnishing. It is not only nutritious but it is loaded with numerous health benefits. The health benefits and uses of parsley are dated back to over 2,000 years ago. This herb was popularly used for its medicinal properties. The word parsley is derived from a Greek word that means ‘rock-celery’. Parsley was considered to be a sacred herb that was used to decorate tombs. It was also used as a medication to treat different ailments. The Romans were the first people to use parsley for garnishing food items. Today, parsley is used as a garnish for its health benefits and nutritional value.
Types of parsley
Many people are not aware that there are many varieties of parsley. The most popular among them are the flat leaf type and the curly leaf type which are commonly used by chefs as garnish. Italian parsley is characterized by deeply divided and flat leaves while the Hamburg parsley is tightly curled with a green mossy look. The different types of parsley have different health benefits but most of them are widely used for medicinal purposes.
Parsley nutritional value
Parsley is said to be a rich source of vitamin K, vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin C, iron, and folate. This explains why parsley has all over sudden gained so much popularity amongst nutritionists and chefs. It also contains other vitamins and minerals and is also very low in calories thus it is a great source of nutrients.
Parsley health benefits
Parsley is known for garnishing soups, meats, and a wide range of dishes. These are not the only benefits of parsley there are other numerous health benefits. Parsley can be used as a tea for various health problems such as flatulence, dyspepsia and menstrual disorders. Parsley leaves, roots and seeds are known to have healing properties that help to treat different ailments. The Italian parsley is the most commonly used type of parsley that is known for its healing properties thus it is used for therapeutic purposes. Here are some of the most popular health benefits of parsley.
Lowering blood pressure
Parsley is known to lower blood pressure thus reducing the risk of diseases that can be caused by high blood pressure. To help lower blood pressure, take a reasonable amount of parsley in your diet regularly.
Boost the health of the kidneys
Parsley helps in excretion of sodium and water; thereby preventing retention of water and salt in the body and narrowing of blood vessels. Regular intake of parsley also helps to strengthen the urinary bladder and prevent kidney stones.
Healthy heart
Folate present in parsley is responsible for promoting cardiovascular health. Folate helps in conversion homocysteine into harmless molecules thus reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Homocysteine is a molecule can damage the blood vessels if it is in high levels. Parsley is also said to be good for cleansing blood vessels, as it dissolves the sticky deposits in the veins. For a healthy heart and to maintain the elasticity of the blood vessels, take parsley. The high levels of vitamin C present in parsley also prevent osteoarthritis and a type of rheumatoid arthritis called inflammatory polyarthritis
Get rid of bad breath, bruises and deafness
Parsley contains chlorophyll which is responsible for counter balancing the breath odor. The herb is also known to help in treating bruises and deafness. Other ailments that parsley can be used to treat include; digestive problems, anemia, diarrhea, gallstones, gout, insect bites, liver congestion and many other ailments.
Weight loss
Are you struggling with weight and you are looking for a way to get rid of some pounds? Parsley might be the answer to your problem. According to a research carried out, parsley is low in calories and can help you get rid of weight.
Preventing tumor
Intake of parsley is useful for preventing tumor since folate present in the herb plays an important role in proper cell division. It prevents the abnormal and rapid cell division that causes cancer, especially in the colon and cervix. The antioxidants and flavonoids in parsley are also beneficial for preventing tumor and cancer.
Other uses and benefits of parsley may include; treating gastrointestinal disorders and urinary tract infections. Use parsley for garnishing for a happy and healthy life.
