Health Benefits Of Parsley

The Petroselinum sativum , better known by the name of ‘Parsley’ is a plant that is used very often in the preparation of various recipes as well as decorative element.

It is a plant that, for every one hundred grams consumed, is capable of providing 190 grams of vitamin C. It is also rich in flavonoids, substances with an antioxidant effect that considerably favors health.

It should be noted that this plant also has many other beneficial properties for health. Now, to take advantage of them, it is necessary to resort to fresh parsley, since dried parsley loses much of its properties.

Parsley is more than just a garnish

Parsley is a plant that can grow almost anywhere. Therefore, it is very easy to find. Regarding its nutritional properties we must emphasize that, for example, it provides a good amount of vitamins of groups A and C.

It also provides various minerals in small amounts, such as: calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron. In fact, the calcium intake is 200 grams for every 100 grams consumed. 

In the gastronomic field, parsley is a plant that has almost no calories or fat. About 100 grams hardly contribute: 36 grams of calories and 1 gram of fat. This is because it contains hardly any carbohydrates (4.6 grams).

Ideal for gastrointestinal health

Parsley is a plant that, in general, facilitates digestion and also promotes good intestinal transit, therefore, it is excellent both to improve and to maintain good gastrointestinal health. Of course, this can only be achieved if it is consumed on a regular basis.

According to popular wisdom, the consumption of parsley is a very good idea when we have kidney failure or urinary infection, as it has the ability to purify the kidneys naturally.

We must bear in mind that its consumption is not recommended for those people who have a tendency to form kidney stones since parsley contains a certain amount of oxalic acid that can promote the formation of stones.

It helps you lose weight

If you are dieting to lose weight, do not hesitate to add parsley to your meals and shakes, as this ingredient will help you to say goodbye to excess fluid retention, as well as extra pounds.

There are those who believe that beta-carotene, one of the most mentioned antioxidants, is responsible for this great benefit. Antioxidants help neutralize the action of free radicals and damage lipids. However, there is still no conclusion on this.

Deflame

The consumption of parsley could help reduce inflammation in the body when it suffers from retained fluids. This is because it would have diuretic properties. For this reason, there are people who prepare lemonades with parsley or simply parsley water to consume it as a home drink throughout the day and thus gradually eliminate liquids.

Avoid tiredness

Tiredness and chronic fatigue are very common problems today. Loss of energy throughout the day, the need to sleep more and more, and difficulty concentrating are just some of its symptoms.

Due to its contribution of minerals, such as iron and phosphorus, parsley is able to help combat fatigue and tiredness, when it is included in a balanced diet and enjoyed in preparations that are energetic, such as a fruit smoothie. and vegetables, for example, or a meat dish with couscous and salad.

Other contributions of parsley

Many grandmothers indicate that parsley is capable of providing other contributions to health. According to what the majority indicates, these contributions would be the following:

• It would help improve circulation (thanks to its potassium content).
• It would favor the good health of the skin and mucous membranes (due to its vitamin A content).
• It would regulate blood pressure (therefore, it is perfect for those who suffer from hypertension).

• It would help prevent or treat colds and flu, as the case may be (thanks to its high vitamin C content).
• It would help prevent fatigue and tiredness during menopause (given its contribution of calcium and potassium). It should be noted that to obtain this benefit it would be essential to combine parsley with higher calcium and potassium sources, such as bananas, for example.

In addition to including it in the preparation of meats and various garnishes, remember that fresh parsley can also be used to prepare delicious and nutritious drinks.

For example, it can be included in a kiwi, pineapple and green apple smoothie. Go ahead and try it out and discover your favorite flavors!