Parsley is an aromatic plant consumed mainly as a condiment. Its scientific name is Petroselinum crispum or Petroselinum sativum , depending on its classification, and it is native to the Eastern Mediterranean.
This plant is cultivated in orchards, gardens and even in cracks and walls it is capable of growing. It is green in color and reaches between 30 and 80 cm in height.
It has a very characteristic aroma and is used from its leaves to its stem, but it is very important to mention that although its use stands out in the culinary area, we might be surprised by the number of properties attributed to it. Even the root has benefits in its use.
Health benefits of parsley
In the investigation entitled “ Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley ”, they demonstrate the positive effects provided by the compounds that make up this plant.
In this sense, many medicinal and therapeutic properties are attributed to parsley that we will develop throughout the article for its applications.
Here we mention 15 incredible benefits of this plant that we commonly use only as a seasoning.
1. Reduces the risk of heart disease
Diets rich in high amounts of flavonoids reduce the risk of developing cancer cells and cardiovascular conditions. In addition to the antioxidants present in parsley such as coumarins or benzopyrans, they have an effect on the arteries and veins that make their alterations difficult.
Also within its benefits is the control of blood pressure and in fact, in the thesis entitled ” Effect of profile infusion consumption “, they consider parsley as a food with the potential to develop supplements that benefit the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
It is important to mention that parsley lowers homocysteine levels, due to its high amounts of folate.
2. Strengthens the immune system
The Spanish Nutrition Foundation carried out research on the nutrient composition of parsley, and it is specified that in 100 grams of the plant the value of vitamin C that we need in daily intake is doubled.
It also stands out for its vitamin A content and components such as flavonoids in portions of fresh parsley. It also includes vitamin K, B3 and B9.
All these compounds are wonderful for physiological functions and the proper functioning of the immune system, therefore, their consumption helps us prevent many diseases.
3. Balances blood pressure
In the parsley leaf there is apigenin content, for which reason Villareal, in his investigation of a treatment with ethanolic extract of parsley leaves and stems, affirms the reducing effect of both systolic and diastolic pressure.
The flavonoids in this plant inhibit protein kinase C and phosphodiesterase, and it is therefore that calcium levels in the body are decreased and a vasodilator effect is generated.
4. Lowers cholesterol
In medicinal herbaceous investigations , directed directly to the chemical compounds of parsley and their applications, it is evident that luteolin is included in the components that are perceived.
Luteolin is a flavonoid that captures free radicals and helps modulate the immune system. It reduces cholesterol and inhibits its oxidation and therefore reduces the risks derived from it.
In addition to this, the diuretic property of parsley benefits the detoxification of the organism and its correct performance.
5. Contributes to good blood circulation
As we mentioned before, the properties of flavonoids prove to be extraordinary and, when metabolized in the body, favor circulation and reduce risks in patients with the potential for thrombosis or atherosclerosis.
Likewise, inflammation decreases and that also favors the passage of blood.
On the other hand, the richness in vitamin K also favors blood coagulation, and thus protects against unforeseen complications that may influence this area.
6. Eliminate fluid retention
Parsley favors the good condition of the urinary tract and therefore decreases fluid retention. It is consumed mainly in the form of tea or infusion for treatments of this nature.
In the work entitled ” Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley ” that we have previously cited, the increase in urine flow is evidenced with a mechanism of sodium-potassium inhibition favoring the expulsion of sodium and water, also increasing the reabsorption of potassium.
It should be noted that the excessive use of parsley is dangerous, since it can even produce hyperkalemia .
7. Improves the functioning of the digestive system
Parsley has a record of functionality as a digestive and colic treatment. Relieves intestinal spasms and flatulence.
This goes hand in hand with the way it detoxifies the body and it is important to mention that it is also consumed as an infusion.
In the same way, parsley decreases acidity and luteolin, also boosts the metabolism of carbohydrates, thus promoting intestinal transit.
8. Fights colds and respiratory conditions
Parsley, due to its high content of vitamins and antioxidants, keeps the immune system in proper working order, thus preventing colds and flu and helping to reduce the time of illnesses.
However, the deficiency of the components provided by parsley complicates the severity of infectious diseases and the immune response to parasites, for this reason we highlight the fact that the flavonoids and essential oils present in parsley modulate the cellular immune response.
9. Contributes to the control of diabetes
A study carried out in 2009 entitled ” Reflections regarding medicinal plants and their teaching “, reports that analyzes were carried out on 306 plants where antidiabetic properties were found in parsley.
In this sense, free radicals present participation in pathologies of the type: cataract, cancer, arthritis and diabetes, for which the components of parsley infer as a defense system to prevent the formation of free radicals.
10. Fight urinary tract infections
Due to the diuretic properties of parsley, urination is increased, therefore improvements are attributed in patients with urological complications.
In addition, due to the micronutrients that abound in the composition of parsley, infections are fought and the immune system is stabilized for its correct performance.
11. Avoid anemia
In the nutritional composition of parsley, its high iron value stands out, which favors the formation of red blood cells where hemoglobin is its main component and allows to combat and prevent anemia.
12. Reduces tiredness
Due to its high level of minerals, parsley helps combat fatigue systems, in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties favor the use of this plant for these applications.
13. Improves skin health
The antioxidants provided by parsley help oxygenate the skin and disinfect it if applied as a tonic.
In this sense, in the composition of its seeds petroselinic acid is present, which the SPTO in the year 2000 found its application to stimulate levels of proteins such as collagen and decorin in the skin.
14. Prevents premature aging
The consumption of parsley seeds are an excellent source of petroselinic acid, which in its presence, allows the variability in acids to be favorable for antioxidant agents and its antiaging property.
It is also important to mention that free radicals influence this type of process and that lutein retains them, thus delaying the process.
15. Reduces the risk of cancer
Initially, parsley leaves are used to heal and disinfect cancerous ulcers, but in addition to its prevailing properties, there are studies that talk about how its compounds are attributed anticancer properties.
Its phytochemical and phytonutrient compounds are able to prevent normal cells from turning into cancer cells.
Likewise, in studies carried out in 2013 it was found that apigenin, present in parsley, induces apoptosis in prostate, breast and leukemia cancer cells and reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.
Nutritional properties of parsley
Parsley is a plant with a high nutritional amount, especially in micronutrients. These are the ones that give it the medicinal benefits for its use.
In an evaluation of its components, the following values are proposed:
vitamins
The values presented are based on percentages of daily intake.
It is important to mention that vitamin A, C and K exceed twice the recommended daily intake, so it is one of the best sources (taking care not to exceed) of them.
- Vitamin A 281%
- Vitamin C 222%
- Vitamin K 2050%
- Vitamin B3 7%
- Vitamin B9 38%
minerals
The values presented are based on percentages of daily intake.
- Calcium 14%
- Iron 34%
- Potassium 12%
- phosphorus 6%
- sodium 4%
- Zinc 7%
Likewise, we allow ourselves to indicate that the most important values of these minerals based on 100 grams of consumption would be: Iron mg: 6.20 and Zinc mg: 1.20.
How to consume parsley?
parsley tea
This infusion is used for many functions as an excellent remedy. It has gained great popularity and the wide variety of its beneficial effects supports it. In addition to being a rich source of micronutrients and a fabulous and recognized fat burner.
Next we will show a simple way to prepare it for those who have not yet come out of their amazement.
Raw parsley is not just a seasoning! Thanks to this article we discovered that it is a great ally.
Ingredients:
- raw parsley leaves
- Hot water
Preparation:
- Tea is prepared as an infusion. The water is boiled with raw parsley leaves and stems to get as many nutrients as possible.
- It is left to rest later and is consumed.
- It is recommended as a last step to be aware of your consumption: nothing in excess is good.
parsley smoothie
Parsley is definitely a new ally. And perhaps its flavor is a bit strong and particular, so we recommend adding fruit to liven it up and strengthen the nutritional properties of the smoothie or green juice.
Ingredients:
- parsley leaves
- ½ green apple
- ½ Cucumber
- 2 Oranges
- 1 glass of coconut water
Preparation:
- Wash all the fruits and the raw parsley. Separate the leaves from the stems if preferred.
- Squeeze the oranges to get as much juice as possible.
- Cut and wash the green apple and cucumber into pieces.
- Add everything to the blender glass, including the coconut water . Blend for 1 minute to integrate properly.
- It is advisable to consume it after its preparation so that its benefits and properties are intact.
- You can add sugar and add ice if you want.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.