Many dishes taste better with parsley, one of the plants most used as a condiment.
But the most relevant thing about parsley is that this plant also has many properties and health benefits. This article explains what its main benefits are and why it is.
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12 properties and benefits of parsley
Currently parsley is widely used as a fresh or dried culinary herb. This floral plant is very common in the gastronomy of many countries in the Mediterranean area, and it is native to these latitudes.
However, today it is a plant well known throughout the world. And not only for its culinary properties, and is that the properties and benefits of parsley are well known in the five continents.
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1. Contains a lot of vitamin C
Do you know that parsley is the food with more vitamin C that exists? Yes, that’s right, and there is no other edible product that has more mg of vitamin C per gram of product. Anyway, you have to be clear about one thing: it is much easier to take 100 grams of citrus fruits such as lemon or orange than 100 grams of parsley.
2. It is rich in other antioxidants
Vitamin C isn’t the only antioxidant substance parsley contains. In this plant you can find other phytochemical compounds such as lycopene, luteolin, apigenin, alpha-carotene or beta-carotene. Undoubtedly a wide variety of substances that provide the best properties and benefits to combat oxidation.
3. Prevents the onset of diseases
Parsley is a food highlighted its anticancer properties. Many flavonoids and other antioxidant substances it contains are able to fight the damaging effects of free radicals. It is important to fight against these molecules, as they generate dysfunctions in healthy cells that can lead to diseases such as cancer.
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4. Fight fluid retention
This plant also has diuretic properties . There are people who may have fluid retention for different reasons, as well as swelling or edema. A very efficient natural remedy is to combine parsley juice with lemon juice and a little water, which in turn is a detoxifying and purifying drink.
5. Protect the skin
Parsley has the property of taking care of the skin for different reasons . Beyond all the phytochemicals and vitamin C it contains to fight oxidation, vitamin C itself also has the ability to produce collagen. This substance is essential for the good health of the skin, providing elasticity, resistance and smoothness.
6. Contains a lot of calcium
Plants like parsley contain very good amounts of calcium , which helps maintain bone health without having to eat too much dairy. It also contains vitamins such as K or others from group B, micronutrients that also have beneficial effects on bones.
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7. Take care of the eyes
Protecting the macula of the eyes is possible by consuming parsley . The high amounts of some phytochemicals such as lutein and zeaxanthin have beneficial properties for this eye tissue. They work by preventing blue light from reaching the underlying structures in the retina, as well as combating macular degeneration caused by oxidative damage.
8. Improves the immune system
Different compounds present in parsley can improve overall immunity . Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are some of the effective substances to improve the body’s defenses. They can act directly on the health of white blood cells, and indirectly due to their antibacterial, antifungal, etc. properties.
9. Reduces fatigue
There are many people who feel fatigued and who can benefit from parsley . This plant provides energy and vitality because it provides the body with many substances that give vitality, from vitamins to minerals. One of the most significant minerals it has is iron, which can fight anemia.
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10. Promotes digestion
Parsley is a plant especially indicated for those who have digestive difficulties . A little parsley in grilled meat or fish is a good way to improve digestion. It also provides fiber that is always very beneficial, since it has the property of improving intestinal transit.
11. Regulates hormones
Parsley has been shown to help control hormonal changes . It is especially interesting in the case of women who suffer from hormonal disorders such as premenstrual syndrome or even in the case of menopause. It highlights its ability to increase the secretion of estrogen and libido.
12. Take care of the hair
Parsley has long been used to take care of hair health. In this case, instead of eating parsley what is done is to prepare a paste based on this plant or its powdered seeds. This mask is a natural remedy that fights problems such as dandruff or irritation of the scalp, and also nourishes and strengthens the hair.
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References
- Arsdall, A.V. (2002). Medieval Herbal Remedies: The Old English Herbarium and Anglo-Saxon Medicine. London: Psychology Press.
- Craker, L.E. & Simon, J.E. (1986). Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants. Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology. Food Products Press.
- Zin, J. & Weiss, C. (1980). Health through Medicinal Plants. Santiago de Chile: Salesian Typographic School.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.