Most probably you would agree that parsley is one of the most unappreciated vegetables that we know. However, what most of us, people don’t know is that this vegetable is oozing with so many health benefits. Not only that, the health benefits of parsley are all beneficial for the betterment of the health. If you want to know more about this amazing vegetable, feel free to give this article a read. For sure, you’ll learn a lot of things.
Parsley?
Scientifically, it is called Petroselinum crispm. Moreover, it belongs to the Apiaceae family. This vegetable is actually a flowering plant that is native to the regions in the Mediterranean. Furthermore, it is also widely cultivated as a vegetable, herb, and spice as well.
Parsley is a plant that needs moisture and a lot of sunlight for it to grow. In fact, the leaves and the root of parsley are used in the Mediterranean and various European cuisines. Furthermore, it is also consumed in various ways, like sandwiches, stocks, salads, and garnishing. The leaves of the parsley are actually divided into two different types, the flat leaf and the curly leaf. The root form of the spice is actually a new addition that has just begun 300 years ago. In today’s present time, the parsley root is becoming more famous.
Parsley: Is it good for you?
This is the big deal about parsley –if it is good or not. The vitamin K content of the vegetable is what really is impressive. Parsley has 547 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin K. Furthermore, its vitamin C content also is so many; in fact, it is thrice more than the oranges. Also, it is rich in various nutrients like folate, copper, iron, and vitamin A. Another thing to surprise you is that the parsley actually has twice the amount of iron compared to spinach.
Moreover, the nutrients of parsley also include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E. Plus, it is also rich in copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, folates, choline, pantothenic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Moreover, it is also a home for various compounds like alpha thujene, eugenol, limonene, and myristicin.
Undeniably, parsley is a wonder vegetable that may be a great help in the betterment of the health. not only that it is rich in various vitamins and minerals, it is also beneficial in treating various conditions.
Types of Parsley
Here are the three types of parsley:
- Hamburg Parsley: this is also known as Germany or the turnip-rooted parsley. This is actually a lesser popular variety of the parsley. It is not used for its leaves –it is mainly used because of its roots that are just like the turnips. Its roots are roasted and or fried. Moreover, this can be a good addition to soups and stews.
- Flat leaf parsley: this is what they call the Italian Parsley. This has more flavor than some other type of parsley. This is mainly used in soups and stews or in sauces and salads.
- Curled leaf parsley: this is the most common type of parsley. Many people use this as a garnish in soups, dishes, and stews.
Health Benefits of Parsley
Here are some of the most interesting health benefits of parsley:
Helps in rejuvenating the blood. The parsley juice may help in soothing the blood vessels. Specifically, the capillaries and the arterioles.
Helps in supporting the gland health. parsley has an amazing ability to reduce the swollen glands. Moreover, it also helps in getting rid of the watery poisons in excess mucoid matters.
Helps in treating anaemia. Because of its rich iron content, parsley is essential in treating anemia. This is since the high vitamin C content of the vegetable helps in promoting iron absorption much better.
Helps in promoting bone health. the vegetable has high levels of vitamin K, which is essential for the maintenance of the bone density and to fight fractures. Vitamin K goes along with calcium, magnesium, and some other minerals in promoting a bone health.
Helps protect the heart. Since parsley is low in salt content, it can be essential for the heart. Additionally, it can also be a treatment for arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Helps in boosting the immune system. The vitamin C content of parsley helps in boosting the immunity. Furthermore, its essential oils are also beneficial in suppressing over-stimulated immune reaction.
Helps in reducing inflammation. The apigenin present in the vegetable is beneficial in getting rid of inflammation. moreover, its flavonoids are also beneficial in treating the condition.
Helps in fighting cancer. This may be is one of the best health benefits of parsley. This is mainly because of the flavonoids that are present in the vegetable –this helps in inhibiting the cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, it also inhibits the metabolism of the carcinogens, which generates active mutagens in the liver chromosomes.
