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The herb contains
no cholesterol; but is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and dietary
fibre which helps control blood cholesterol levels, prevents constipation,
protects body from free radicals mediated injury and from cancers.
Parsley contains
many health benefiting essential volatile oils that include myristicin,
limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene.
The essential
oil, Eugenol, present in this herb has been in therapeutic use in dentistry as
a local anaesthetic and anti-septic agent for teeth and gum diseases. Eugenol
has also been found to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, however, further
detailed studies required to establish its role.
Parsley is rich
in poly-phenolic flavonoid anti-oxidants including apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol,
and luteolin; and has been rated as one of the plant source with highest
anti-oxidant activities.
The herb is a
good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and
magnesium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps
control heart rate and blood pressure by countering the effects of sodium. Iron
is essential for heme production inside red blood cells. Manganese is used by
the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
It is also rich
in many antioxidant vitamins including vitamin-A, beta-carotene, vitamin-C,
vitamin-E, zeaxanthin, lutein, and cryptoxanthin. The herb is also an excellent
source of vitamin-K and folates. Zeaxanthin helps prevent age related macular
degeneration (ARMD) in the retina of the eye in the old age population through
its anti-oxidant and ultra-violet light filtering functions.
Fresh herb leaves
are also rich in many essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin
B-5), riboflavin (vitamin B-2), niacin (vitamin B-3), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6)
and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential during carbohydrates,
fat and protein metabolism by acting as co-enzymes.
It is probably
the richest of the entire herb source for vitamin K; provides 1640 mcg or 1366%
of recommended daily intake. Vitamin K has been found to have potential role in
bone health by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It has also
established role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting
neuronal damage in the brain.
Wonderful! Humble
parsley has just 36 Cal/100 g, but their phyto-nutrients profile is no less
than any high calorie food source.
This unique
herb provides: (% of RDA per 100 g):-
38% of
folates,
220% of
vitamin C,
281% of
vitamin A,
1366% of
vitamin K,
14% of
calcium,
77.5% of
iron and
5561 mcg of
zeaxanthin.
5054 mcg of
carotene-beta
(Note:
RDA-Recommended daily allowance)
Parsley, known for its use as a garnish, has
many nutrients that provide health benefits to people. Some of these benefits
include:
Anti-Diabetic
Properties: Traditionally, parsley was used as a medicine
for diabetes in Turkey. In order to scientifically validate this claim,
research was conducted at Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey. The research
showed evidence that diabetic rats that were given parsley actually showed a
decrease in their blood sugar levels over a period of a month. The research
indicates that it can be used for diabetic control.
Controls Rheumatoid
Arthritis: Parsley has also been particularly effective
against rheumatoid arthritis. Compounds such as vitamin C and beta-carotene
found in the herb possess anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling
arthritis. Consuming it regularly is also believed to speed up the process of
uric acid removal, which has been linked to symptoms of arthritis.
Anti-Carcinogenic
Properties: Zheng, Kenney and Lam from LKT Laboratories
in Minneapolis, Minnesota have extracted a compound named myristicin, which is
a phenyl propane compound, from parsley oil extract. Preliminary investigation
into the myristicin compound had revealed that it has anti-carcinogenic
properties. Myristicin extract from the herb was only tested on rats and human
application of this compound still remains to be seen.
Anti-Inflammatory
Properties: Parsley has traditionally been used in the
Mediterranean region for toothaches, bruises, insect bites, and rough skin.
According to preliminary studies conducted at the King Saud University by
Al-Howiriny et al., parsley displayed anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxicity
properties. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce in internal inflammations,
while the anti-hepatotoxic properties help to cleanse the liver.
Osteoporosis: Parsley is effective in cases of osteoporosis and is helpful in
maintaining bone health. Osteoporosis occurs due to depleted levels of calcium
in the bones and also due to an amino acid called homocysteine. This amino acid
can be broken down by the intake of folic acid. Due to this aspect, apart from
dairy products and vegetables, parsley is regarded as one of the best sources
of calcium. It also contains an appropriate amount of folic acid, which may
break down homocysteine.
Diuretic effects: For many centuries now, parsley has been used as a diuretic that
helps in controlling various diseases such as kidney stones, urinary tract
infections, and gallbladder stones. Edema is a medical condition where a
patient retains fluid in the body more than what he or she is supposed to hold
under normal circumstances. The body swells because of fluid accumulation. If
you are afflicted by this condition, a few teaspoons of parsley juice can
provide some quick relief. The roots of the herb are also very much useful in
counteracting kidney stones. Adding its roots to boiling water and drinking it
on a daily basis is known to be effective as a general cleanser for the body.
Strengthens the
Immune System: The vitamins, minerals, and
antioxidants found in parsley are helpful for strengthening immunity. Vitamins
such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and niacin each act on
different aspects of the immune system. Vitamin A acts directly on lymphocytes
or white blood cells, thereby increasing their effect. The chlorophyll
contained in it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well. Studies
have showed that the herb contains antioxidant properties and antibacterial
properties, making it an ideal source for various home remedies.
Possible Risks of Eating Parsley : Consumption of parsley especially in large quantities, may have
side effects and disadvantages. Oxalate Over-consumption: Parsley has a high
quantity of oxalates. This high concentration can be particularly problematic
for people who suffer from kidney stones.
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