Whether you call it Flat-Leaf Parsley, Italian Parsley or Petroselinum crispum, this herb is both the world's most popular and also the most underappreciated. Parsley is often just an after-thought herb. People add it as a garnish to a dish to add a little pop of color or a little freshness. However, they forget that in addition to its delicious fresh flavor this herb is packed with a ton of herbal goodness!
Let's Talk Nutrition
When we think of healthy eating and good nutrition, I'm afraid we often overlook the powerhouse herbs sitting right there in the produce aisle of our grocery store. Culinary herbs are all full of great vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that benefit the body. Let's take a closer look at Parsley and what it brings to the nutritive table.
Parsley is an excellent source of:
Vitamin K - important for bone health and blood clotting
Vitamin C - important for healing, blood vessel health, and the formation of cartilage, muscle and bone
Vitamin A (beta carotene) - important for healthy immune systems, vision, and reproductive health
Folate - important for building red blood cells and critical during early pregnancy to prevent birth defects
Iron - important to prevent anemia and to make certain hormones
Potassium - important for heart function, as well as the function of other muscles and our nervous system
Zinc - supports immune health and healthy metabolism
Antioxidants (some of which are listed above) - prevent cellular damage and lower your risk of certain cancers, type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Just considering the nutritive value of parsley should be reason enough to start putting it on everything! But wait, there's more...
I Talk About Parsley Here
Herbal Benefits
Urinary Health - Parsley has a gentle diuretic effect, which means it increases urine production which can be helpful for renal issues like kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Blood Pressure - The diuretic effect means parsley can also help with mild high blood pressure.
Women's Health - The iron and folate in parsley make it useful in combatting anemia. The diuretic effect can help alleviate fluid retention and bloating related to our menstrual cycle.
Digestion - Parsley can be beneficial to the digestive system, as it protects the gastric lining and is therefore sometimes used to treat intestinal ulcers.
Skin Health - Parsley promotes the formation of collagen, making skin appear firmer.
The Taste
In Ayurveda, there are six tastes - Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Pungent, and Astringent. Parsley falls into the Astringent category, along with cranberries, turmeric, bay leaf, and broccoli. When you place a leaf in your mouth, it tastes fresh and grassy with just a hint of pepper.
How To Use Parsley
As with all culinary herbs, the easiest way to use is it to cook with it! You can use chopped fresh parsley to finish off almost any savory dish. Add a bunch of parsley leaves with other greens for a refreshing salad. Make an herbal relish. Combine it with basil when making pesto. Use parsley in your Falafel or Tabbouleh.
Make fresh Parsley Tea.
place about 2 TBSP of parsley leaves and stem
gently muddle the leaves
add 8oz of almost boiling water to the parsley
strain and enjoy
Include Parsley in your green juice.
Parsley can also be taken as a supplement. If you choose to take parsley in capsule form, be sure to consult your doctor as well as an herbalist.
Side Effects and Quantity
Overall, parsley is considered a very safe herb. However, too much of a good thing is indeed too much. Use good judgment.
As always, everything has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. If you have previously shown signs of an allergy to parsley you should avoid it in all forms.
Disclaimer
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing. The information provided should not be considered health advice. You are responsible for consulting a medical professional before implementing a new herb or herbal remedy.
Allergic reactions can occur and can be serious. If you are struggling to breathe, seek medical attention immediately.
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