Parsley gets regarded as a herb, a spice, and a vegetable that is replete with a plethora of splendid medicinal values. Regular consumption of parsley benefits the health and well-being and helps to stay fit and fine. Wondering if these are about the same parsley that you put over your pizza or as a seasoning in many dishes? Yes, it’s the same! If you still don’t believe us then read and be amazed at benefits and some great ways to use parsley.
Parsley or Petroselinumcrispum and PetroselinumHortense(1) is a medicinal herb whose origin lies in the Mediterranean basin of South Italy, Tunisia, and Algeria. The herb serves as an exotic spice in the culinary department in its dried and crushed form.
It is a green leafy vegetable that can get added to salads and soups. There are many different types of parsley, and the roots and leaves of the tropical herb get regarded as powerful medicines since times immemorial.
Calories in parsley: 1 calorie in a tablespoon of fresh parsley
Parsley can get considered as a superfood owing to its rich density of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The nutritional composition of parsley comprises of the following.
Sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium.
Vitamins A, E, K, folate, B^, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin.
Sugars, Dietary fiber, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, energy, and water.
Alpha-thujene, eugenol, limonene, myristicin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, apigenin, luteolin, etc.
Parley benefits the health and beauty in several ways. The most significant ways in which parsley benefits health are as below.
Parsley benefits health by fighting against oxidative stress and damage caused by harmful free radicals. The powerful antioxidants present in parsley can prevent and cure chronic disorders caused by oxidative damage such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiac problems, etc
Parsley benefits the cure of bloating and stomachache. Parsley juice can be used as an incredibly useful douche to flush out the toxins from the body. The diuretic nature of parsley juice can cure fluid retention, abdominal pain, and inflammation.
One of the best parsley health benefits is helping in the reduction of excessive body weight. Consumption of parsley helps in boosting the rate of metabolism and digestion. Its diuretic nature flushes out excess water from the body and prevents any weight gain from water retention.
Parsley helps to enhance the beauty of skin. Topical application of a paste of parsley root and yogurt can help to heal insect stings and bites. Use of parsley juice aids in the prevention of acne, dark spots, premature lines and wrinkles, blemishes, pimples, and skin rashes.
Consumption of dried parsley benefits the detoxification of the body by the elimination of heavy metals and toxins. You can also drink parsley root infusion twice a day to fight against oxidative stress inflicted by lead and mercury and other such toxins and stay healthy and detoxified.
Parsley benefits the cure of diabetes. The dried parsley leaves contain myricetin which is a flavonoid that can reduce insulin resistivity and decrease the level of blood glucose quite effectively. Regular consumption of parsley tea can also prevent sudden spikes and drops in blood glucose levels.
Consumption of fresh parsley benefits the health of the digestive tract. Parsley is rich in dietary fibrous content that helps in the regulation of healthy bowel movement and the prevention and cure of constipation. Eating fresh parsley leaves can help to prevent digestive problems like abdominal cramps, stomach flu, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, acidity, and diarrhea.
The rich content of beta-carotene and vitamin C of wild parsley makes the herb powerfully anti-inflammatory. Parsley helps in the cure of rheumatoid arthritis by the alleviation of pain, inflammation, swelling, and redness of the affected joints and muscles.
Parsley and cilantro are two different herbs that resemble each other in their appearance. The difference between the two herbs lies in the flavor. While parsley is aromatic and possesses a spicy flavor, cilantro is known for its tangy notes and citrusy flavor.
Some of the most common side effects of the use of parsley are given below. If you notice any of the side effects of parsley, then it is recommended to avoid the herb to stay safe and healthy.
Parsley benefits are incredibly useful and beneficial for health. From curing cancer to relieving muscle cramps, parsley works like magic and addresses many different ailments and health issues. Besides, it is readily available in local groceries and online markets, and you can buy it throughout the year. Try a handful of parsley instead of a bunch of pills and potions to stay detoxified and healthy.
There are two unique techniques to freeze parsley. The simplest method is to rinse the fresh parsley in ice-cold water and then let it dry in the air. Put the dry parsley in a ziplock bag and place the pack in the refrigerator. Another method is to make parsley cubes by placing the parsley leaves in the ice-tray and pouring a little water in each compartment. Put the ice-tray in the deep freezer and thaw a cube of ice to extract the frozen parsley.
Overconsumption of parsley might prove to be harmful to health because of the presence of toxic oxalic acid in parsley.
The freshness of parsley does not last any more than 15-20 minutes when left out in the open. However, when frozen, it can last up to an extended period.