Parsley is an aromatic plant consumed mainly as a condiment. Its scientific name is Petroselinum crispum or Petroselinum depending on its classification, and is native to the Eastern Mediterranean.
This plant is grown in orchards, gardens, and even in cracks and walls it is capable of growing. It is green and reaches between 30 and 80 cm in height.
It has a quite characteristic aroma and is used from its leaves to its stem, but it is very important to mention that although its use stands out in the culinary area, we might be surprised by the number of properties attributed to it. The root even has benefits in its use.
Health benefits of parsley
The research titled “Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley”, demonstrates the positive effects provided by the compounds that make up this plant.
In this sense, many medicinal and therapeutic properties are attributed to parsley that we will develop for its applications throughout the article.
Below we mention 15 incredible benefits of this plant that we commonly use only as a seasoning.
1. Reduces the risk of heart disease
Diets rich in high amounts of flavonoids reduce the risk of developing cancer cells and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, the antioxidants present in parsley, such as coumarins or benzopyrans, affect the arteries and veins, making their alterations difficult.
Also among its benefits is the control of blood pressure and in fact, in the thesis titled “Effect of profile infusion consumption”, they consider parsley as a food with the potential to develop supplements that benefit the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
It is important to mention that parsley decreases homocysteine levels, due to its high amounts of folate.
2. Strengthens the immune system
The Spanish Nutrition Foundation researched the nutrient composition of parsley, and it is stated that 100 grams of the plant doubles the amount of vitamin C that we need in daily intake.
Its content of vitamin A and components such as flavonoids in portions of fresh parsley also stand out. It also includes vitamin K, B3, and B9.
All of these compounds are wonderful for physiological functions and the correct functioning of the immune system, which is why their consumption helps us prevent many diseases.
3. Balances blood pressure
Apigenin content is found in the parsley leaf, which is why Villareal in his research on a treatment with ethanolic extract of parsley leaves and stems affirms the reducing effect of both systolic and diastolic pressure.
The flavonoids in this plant inhibit protein kinase C and phosphodiesterase, and therefore calcium levels in the body are reduced and a vasodilator effect is generated.
4. Lowers cholesterol
In research of medicinal herbs, aimed directly at the chemical compounds of parsley and their applications, it is evident that luteolin is included in the perceived components.
Luteolin is a flavonoid that captures free radicals and helps modulate the immune system. It reduces cholesterol and inhibits its oxidation and therefore the resulting risks are reduced.
In addition, the diuretic property of parsley benefits the detoxification of the body and its correct performance.
5. Contributes to good blood circulation
As we mentioned previously, the properties of flavonoids prove to be extraordinary and, when metabolized in the body, favor circulation and reduce risks in patients with the potential for thrombosis or atherosclerosis.
Likewise, it reduces inflammation and that also favors the passage of blood.
On the other hand, the richness in vitamin K also promotes blood coagulation and thus protects against unforeseen complications that may influence this area.
6. Eliminates fluid retention
Parsley promotes the good condition of the urinary tract and therefore reduces fluid retention. It is consumed mainly in the form of tea or infusion for treatments of this nature.
In the work titled “Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley” that we have mentioned previously, the increase in urine flow is evident with a sodium-potassium inhibition mechanism favoring the expulsion of sodium and water, also increasing the reabsorption of potassium.
It should be noted that excessive use of parsley is dangerous since it can even produce hyperkalemia.
7. Improves the functioning of the digestive system
Parsley has a record of functionality as a digestive and colic treatment. Relieves intestinal spasms and flatulence.
This comes hand in hand with the way it detoxifies the body and it is important to mention that it is also consumed as an infusion.
Similarly, parsley reduces acidity and luteolin and also boosts carbohydrate metabolism, which promotes intestinal transit.
8. Fights colds and respiratory conditions
Parsley, due to its high content of vitamins and antioxidants, keeps the immune system functioning properly, preventing colds and flu and helping to reduce the duration of illnesses.
However, the deficiency of the components provided by parsley complicates the severity of infectious diseases and the immune response to parasites, which is why we highlight the fact that the flavonoids and essential oils present in parsley modulate the cellular immune response.
9. Contributes to diabetes control
A study conducted in 2009 titled “Reflections regarding medicinal plants and their teaching”, reports that analyses were carried out on 306 plants where antidiabetic properties were found in parsley.
In this sense, free radicals are involved in pathologies such as cataracts, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes, so the components of parsley act as a defense system to prevent the formation of free radicals.
10. Fights urinary tract infections
Due to the diuretic properties of parsley, urination increases, therefore improvements are attributed to patients with urological complications.
Furthermore, due to the micronutrients that abound in the composition of parsley, infections are fought and the immune system is stabilized for its correct performance.
11. Avoid anemia
In the nutritional composition of parsley, its high iron value stands out, which favors the formation of red blood cells where hemoglobin is its main component and helps combat and prevent anemia.
12. Reduces fatigue
Due to its high level of minerals, parsley helps combat fatigue systems, in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties favoring the use of this plant for these applications.
13. Improves skin health
The antioxidants that parsley provides help oxygenate the skin and disinfect it if applied as a tonic.
In this sense, petroselinic acid is present in the composition of its seeds, and the OEPM in 2000 found its application to stimulate levels of proteins such as collagen and decorin in the skin.
14. Prevents premature aging
The consumption of parsley seeds is an excellent source of petroselinic acid, which in its presence allows the variability in acids to be favorable for antioxidant agents and their anti-aging properties.
It is also important to mention that free radicals influence this type of process and that lutein retains them, thus delaying the process.
15. Reduces the risk of cancer
Initially, parsley leaves are used to cure and disinfect cancerous ulcers, but in addition to their prevailing properties, some studies talk about how their compounds are attributed to anti-cancer properties.
Its phytochemical compounds and phytonutrients are capable of preventing normal cells from turning into cancerous cells.
Likewise, in studies conducted in 2013, it was proven that apigenin, present in parsley, induces apoptosis in prostate, breast, and leukemia cancer cells and reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.
Nutritional properties of parsley
Parsley is a plant with a high nutritional amount, especially in micronutrients. These are the same ones that give it the medicinal benefits for its use.
In one assessment of its components, the following values are proposed:
Vitamins
The values presented are based on daily intake percentages.
It is important to mention that vitamins A, C, and K exceed double the recommended daily intake, so it is one of the best sources (taking care not to exceed it) of them.
- Vitamin A 281%
- Vitamin C 222%
- Vitamin K 2050%
- Vitamin B3 7%
- Vitamin B9 38%
Minerals
The values presented are based on daily intake percentages.
- Calcium 14%
- Iron 34%
- Potassium 12%
- Phosphorus 6%
- Sodium 4%
- Zinc 7%
Likewise, we would like to indicate that the most important values of these minerals based on 100 grams of consumption would be: Iron mg: 6.20 and Zinc mg: 1.20.
How to consume parsley?
parsley tea
This infusion is used for many functions as an excellent remedy. It has gained great popularity and the wide variety of its beneficial scopes supports it. In addition to being a rich source of micronutrients and a fabulous and recognized fat burner.
Below we will show a simple way to prepare it for those who are still amazed.
Raw parsley is not just a seasoning! Thanks to this article we discovered that it is a great ally.
Ingredients:
- Raw parsley leaves
- Hot water
Preparation:
- The tea is prepared in the form of an infusion. Raw parsley leaves and stems are boiled in water to obtain as many nutrients as possible.
- It is then left to rest and consumed.
- As a last step, it is recommended to be conscious of your consumption: nothing in excess is good.
Parsley smoothie
Parsley is a new ally. Perhaps its flavor is a little strong and particular, so we recommend adding fruits to liven it up and strengthen the nutritional properties of the smoothie or green juice.
Ingredients:
- parsley leaves
- ½ green apple
- ½ Cucumber
- 2 Oranges
- 1 glass of coconut water
Preparation:
- Wash all the fruits and raw parsley. Separate the leaves from the stems if preferred.
- Squeeze the oranges to obtain as much juice as possible.
- Cut and wash the green apple and cucumber into pieces.
- Add everything to the blender glass, including the coconut water. Blend for 1 minute so that they are properly integrated.
- It is advisable to consume it after preparation so that its benefits and properties are intact.
- You can add sugar and add ice if you want.
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