Italian flat-leaf and French curly-leaf are the common types of parsley – a plant that is widely grown in the Mediterranean. Its consumption may benefit your health in several ways.
Its use to treat minor ailments dates back to several decades ago when it was applied in the management of high blood pressure, allergic reactions, arthritis, and other conditions.In the contemporary system, parsley is commonly used for cooking purposes and is readily available as a dried spice. Its characteristic color is bright green with a bitter flavor. Current studies have shown that it can help bolster your immunity and overall health in various ways. This article explains some of these proven benefits of health.
Parsley Is Loaded With High Profile Nutrients
Parsley is a great option to add to your healthy diet. This is because it is high in beneficial nutrients. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 30 g of fresh parsley provides the following nutrients:11 calories, 2 g of fat, 1 g of protein, 1 g of fat, 1 g of fiber, 108% of the recommended daily value (RDV) of vitamin A, 53% of the RDV of vitamin C, 547% of the RDV of vitamin K, 11% of the RDV of vitamin B9, and 4% of the RDV of potassium.
Vitamin K found in parsley is essential for the formation of a blood clot, while vitamin A and C act as powerful antioxidants thus boosting your immunity.
With its low-calorie content, parsley can be a good food option for those following a calorie-restricted diet.
1. It’s High In Antioxidants
Apart from vitamins A and C, parsley contains several powerful antioxidants that have been shown to benefit your health significantly. According to the National Institutes of Health, antioxidants are stable compounds that are involved in preventing and reversing damages on cells and tissues that are caused by the action of free radicals.There should always be a consistent balance between free radicals and antioxidants for a healthy living. When free radicals outnumber antioxidants they usually lead to oxidative stress which damages cells.Published studies have shown that parsley contains the following antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C.
Flavonoids in this herb include myricetin and apigenin. According to one study published in PubMed, the risk of some health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and colon cancer, can be significantly by eating foods rich in flavonoids.
Carotenoids found in parsley include beta-carotene and lutein. One published study associated regular consumption of carotenoids with a decreased risk of lung cancer. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and immune booster. Increasing your intake of vitamin C by consuming parsley, may help reduce the duration of a common cold.
Strengthens Bones
For an increased bone density and healthy skeletal system, you need to eat some foods including parsley. Vitamin K in parsley is essential for strong and healthy bones.According to USDA, just half a cup of fresh chopped parsley packs a decent amount of up to 547% of the RDV of vitamin K.
Vitamin K strengthens your bones by working synergistically with osteoblasts – one of the three cells responsible for the building of bones. Vitamin K also helps increase the production of proteins involved in increasing bone density.According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, lower mineral density in bones is a predisposing factor to increased incidences of fracture as seen in older adults. Therefore, including foods that increase the level of vitamin K such as parsley can help reduce the risk of fracture.
May Help Fight Cancer
Several studies have shown that parsley contains some powerful plant compounds that have anticancer properties. One study published in PubMed indicated that certain long-term conditions like cancer are caused by oxidative stress that happens when free radicals outnumber antioxidants.
Consuming parsley may help lower the risk of certain cancer as it contains vitamin C and flavonoid antioxidants – both of which counteract oxidative stress. According to the researchers at the National Center for Biotechnology, the risk for colon cancer may be reduced by about 30% with flavonoids.Similarly, test-tube studies have shown that myricetin and apigenin possess anticancer effects. Additionally, may help reduce the risk of all cancers by up to 7%, while reducing by up to 21% the risk of prostate cancer.
May Support Heart Health
Eating half a cup of fresh parsley packs about 11% of the RDV of folate according to the USDA. Folate is important in improving heart health.One study examined 58,000 participants and found that increasing the intake of folate can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 38%. Folate works to improve your heart health by seeking out amino acid homocysteine and eliminating them. This amino acid interferes with the structure of arteries as well as their function.
May Have Antibacterial Properties
According to successful studies, the extract of parsley possesses antibacterial properties. One study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information indicated that the extract of parsley may work effectively against molds, yeasts, and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, parsley extracts may help prevent food poisoning by working against food pathogens Listeria and Salmonella.
May Help Improve Eyesight
Poor and reduced vision tends to be worse as one grows old. A good and healthy diet including parsley may prevent and reduce the risk of vision issues that occurs with age. It has been found that parsley contains carotenoids like zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta carotene, all of which are powerful antioxidants.
One study found that the likelihood of developing the age-related macular disease (AMD) can be lowered by eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin by up to 26%. Similarly, beta carotene can be converted to vitamin A. At the same time, half a cup of fresh parsley packs up to 108% of the RDV of vitamin A. This vitamin is important in protecting the cornea and conjunctiva.
Conclusion
Parsley is an herb that is widely used for culinary purposes as a spice with a bitter flavor. Traditionally, it was used to treat allergic reactions. Today, parsley is taken for its health benefits including increased bone density and improving eyesight.
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