It is a prominent herb that is used in a variety of cuisines, including those in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
The flavour of dishes such as soups, salads, and seafood recipes are frequently enhanced by the use of this spice.
Beyond its numerous culinary applications, parsley is extremely nutritious and has been proved to offer a variety of powerful health advantages.
This article discusses parsley and the numerous health benefits that this remarkable herb may provide.
Health benefits
The consumption of parsley may have the following health benefits, according to some research.
1. Preventing cancer
Flavonoids are plant molecules that occur naturally in the environment and have the ability to combat disease-causing pathogens in the body.
Myricetin is a flavonoid that can be found in parsley and a variety of other plants. It has been demonstrated to be beneficial in the prevention of skin cancer. Parsley has one of the greatest quantities of myricetin per 100 grammes of food, making it one of the most beneficial herbs.
Heterocyclic amines, which cause cancer, have been proven to be inhibited by parsley and other green herbs and vegetables, according to scientific evidence. These are chemical substances that have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. When meat is grilled at high temperatures, several compounds are produced.
Charred steak should be served with green vegetables such as parsley to help mitigate the potential negative effects of this cooking method.
Apigenin is a naturally occuring chemical compound found in parsley. According to a review published in 2015, it has been found to reduce tumour size in an aggressive form of breast cancer. Apigenin, according to the researchers, has the potential to be a promising non-toxic cancer treatment in the future.
2. Preventing the development of diabetes
A study has also been conducted on the myricetin found in parsley to determine whether it can be used in the treatment and prevention of diabetes.
It has been established in laboratory and animal tests that myricetin can lower blood sugar levels while also decreasing insulin resistance. It also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as the ability to eliminate excess fat from the circulation.
3. Improving bone health
A low vitamin K intake has been linked to an increased risk of bone fractures in several studies. Consuming a proper amount of vitamin K may help to promote bone health by increasing calcium absorption and decreasing calcium excretion in the urine, according to research.
According to a recent meta-analysis, participants who had the greatest levels of vitamin K had 22 percent fewer fractures than those who had the lowest levels of the vitamin.
In order to get the necessary daily amount of vitamin K, you can consume ten sprigs of parsley.
Consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs has been linked to a lower risk of developing health problems. The use of higher amounts of natural foods and fewer processed foods is more likely to result in improved overall health than the consumption of processed foods.
One chemical or vitamin is unlikely to deliver the same health advantages on its own or in supplement form as a combination of chemicals or vitamins. When food is consumed in its natural state, it has more nutritional value.
Nutrition
According to the National Nutrient Database of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one cup of chopped parsley has the following nutrients:
- 22 calories
- 1.78 grams (g) of protein
- 0.47 g of fat
- 3.8 g of carbohydrate
- 2 g of fiber
- 0.51 g of sugar
It contains 984 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K, as well as 79.8 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin C and 5,054 international units (IU) of vitamin A in the same amount of parsley. Approximately 1,230 percent of the daily required intake of vitamin K is provided by one cup of parsley.
Diet
Freshly cut parsley has a pungent, peppery flavour that goes well with the following foods:
- potatoes
- tomato-based sauces
- poultry dishes
- grain-based salads
- seafood
- egg dishes
Here are a few quick tips:
- Throw a few sprigs of parsley into your favorite green juice.
- Finish off an omelet, quiche, or frittata with a handful of chopped parsley.
- Add chopped parsley to any homemade salad dressing.
Try some of these parsley-based recipes created by trained dietitians that are both healthful and delicious:
- Cauliflower crust pizza
- Moroccan fish over whole grain couscous
- Balsamic black-eyed pea salad
- Citrus shrimp salad with white beans and arugula
Risks
Those taking blood thinners such as Coumadin or warfarin should avoid abruptly increasing or decreasing their vitamin K intake, since this could result in serious complications. Vitamin K is essential for the formation of blood clots.
The most significant factor in disease prevention and maintaining good health is a well-balanced diet. Eating a diverse diet as a means of achieving a healthy lifestyle is more important than concentrating on certain items.
