The vibrant bright green parsley is widely used in European, Middle Eastern and American cooking. This tender herb not only spices up your food but also have ample hidden health benefits. You can add parsley to Bulgur wheat, mint, green onion and olive oil and make delicious Middle Eastern Tabbouleh.
Parsley health benefits
Parsley is a good source of flavonoids and antioxidants. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folic acid, and iron.
Parsley contains two types of unusual components that provide unique health benefits. They are the volatile compounds and flavonoids.
The volatile oils in parsley promote optimal health. It prevents tumor formation and also has chemoprotective properties. The flavonoids in parsley protect against oxygen-based damage to cells. They also increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood.
The flavonoid apigenin found in parsley helps increase and strengthens brain cells. It enhances neuron formation. Apigenin shows promise as a non-toxic treatment for the aggressive form of breast cancer.
Parsley for healthy heart
Homocysteine is a dangerous molecule that at higher levels can damage blood vessels. It can cause heart attack and stroke. Parsley contains folic acid which renders this molecule inactive.
Folic acid in parsley is essential for proper cell division.
Parsley fights against inflammation
Parsley is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Free radicals which are caused due to inflammation contribute to atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer and asthma. Vitamin C fights against them and makes them harmless.
Vitamin C fights against osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It prevents frequent ear infections. Vitamin A enhances the function of immune system and strengthens immunity.
Parsley essential oil helps in hair loss, Parsley tea relaxes stiff muscles and aids in digestion.
It flushes out excess fluid from the body and helps support kidney function.
Boosts bone health
Low levels of vitamin K may result in increased risk of bone fracture. Parsley is rich in vitamin K and promotes bone health by acting as a modifier for bone matrix proteins.
Creative ideas to include parsley
You can add few sprigs of parsley into your favorite green juice. Add parsley to omelets, soups, sauces and frittata. You can flavor the salad dressings with parsley.
It can be added to presto sauce. Combine chopped parsley, lemon zest and garlic and flavor chicken with it. WH food writers give us a wonderful idea. You can make a colorful salad with orange, fennel, cherry tomatoes, pumpkin seeds and parsley leaves.
Add color to your salads, vegetable stir-fries, and grilled fish by sprinkling a generous amount of parsley.
