5 Amazing Parsley Health Benefits
Parsley is considered the world’s most popular garnish. It was originally cultivated in Europe and the Middle East but has become a staple in American cuisine. This herb has remarkable healing and blood purifying benefits that classify it as a superfood. In this article you will learn 5 amazing health benefits of parsley.
Parsley has been revered throughout history and used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The Greeks made crowns of parsley to bestow upon their sports champions. It was used for the Hebrew celebration of Passover as a sign of rebirth in the spring. The Romans used it to deodorize corpses before funerals.
Super Nutrients in Parsley:
It contains a unique combination of nutrients that make it a powerful superfood. The volatile oil compounds myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene have been shown to inhibit tumor cell formation (1, 2, 3). Additionally, it is rich in flavonoids-including apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin that have strong antioxidant properties.
Parsley also contains about three times the amount of vitamin C by volume as an orange. Vitamin C is extremely important for healthy immune function and youthful skin & joints. Additionally, it contains carotenoid antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which enhance eye function and help the body neutralize damage from UV radiation.
Super Rich in Chlorophyll
Parsley is also particularly rich in chlorophyll, the energy producing substance that gives herbs and plants its characteristic green color. Chlorophyll helps to alkalize the body, purify blood, and form new red blood cells. In addition, the chlorophyll and flavonoids in parsley help to enhance cellular glutathione formation. Higher levels of cellular glutathione allow the body to detoxify and heal more effectively (4).
Through these properties, parsley health benefits are able to improve cellular oxygenation properties. Increased oxygenation = increased cellular energy = increased detoxification & healing mechanisms.
Parsley is a fantastic source of natural folate which is extremely crucial for its ability to reduce homocysteine levels. Homeocysteine is an inflammatory mediator that is linked with cardiovascular disease and brain degeneration (5, 6) . Folate is also important for pregnant women as it plays a critical role in fetal development. It is also an important nutrient for cancer prevention.
Parsley Lowers Blood Pressure:
Parsley is also known as a powerful diuretic that reduces blood pressure and enhances kidney function. In particular, it’s health benefits, such as increasing sodium and water excretion thru urine and increases potassium reabsorption into the kidneys (7). This is particularly useful for anyone with poor circulation, swelling, cellulite, and other cardiovascular problems.
Juiced parsley is also believed to stimulate uterine contractions during labor. This juice has also been used to enhance skin and hair texture. It is also thought to reduce inflammation and mucous formation throughout the body. This is why many individuals see results using parsley to reduce symptoms of asthma, allergies, bronchitis, & urinary tract infections (8).
Parsley Improves Breath and Body Odor:
The rich chlorophyll content is also a great body odor and breath freshener. Chlorophyll acts as an anti-mutagen and it reduces odor causing bacteria which are responsible for producing bad breath and body odor. Parsley combines well with garlic and onions and reduces the strong pungent body odor these sulfur rich foods are known to cause.
Parsley dipped in apple cider vinegar is especially useful for reducing body odor and improving digestive function. The natural acids, chlorophyll and enzymes present in this food combination synergize to enhance the intestinal microflora. This is one of the best aids for neutralizing acid reflux, gas and bloating.
