The health benefits of parsley include controlling cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, along with helping prevent osteoporosis. Furthermore, it acts as a pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. It also provides relief from gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, stomach cramps, bloating, and nausea, while helping strengthen the immune system.

 

Parsley can be found throughout the year on the market. It is also a highly nutritious plant and has ample vitamins and antioxidants which can greatly improve our health.

 

Parsley is an herb that originated in the Mediterranean region of southern Italy, Algeria, and Tunisia. This herb is known scientifically as Petroselinum hortense and Petroselinum crispum, and it belongs to the family Apiaceae.

 

Parsley, known for its use as a garnish, has many nutrients that provide health benefits to people. Some of these benefits include:

 

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.

 

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.

 

Zheng, Kenney, and Lam from LKT Laboratories in Minneapolis, Minnesota have extracted a compound named myristicin, which is a phenylpropane, from parsley oil extract. A preliminary investigation into myristicin 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.

 

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 displays anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxicity properties. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce internal inflammations, while the anti-hepatotoxic properties help cleanse the liver.

 

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 lack of 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.

 

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 more fluid in the body 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 useful in counteracting kidney stones. Adding its roots to boiling water and drinking it on a daily basis is also known to be effective as a general cleanser for the body.

 

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in parsley are helpful for strengthening immunity. Vitamins such as vitamin C, A, 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 also shown that the herb contains antioxidant properties and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal source for various home remedies.

 

Risky for Pregnant Women: The consumption of large quantities of the herb may induce uterine contractions during pregnancy. At any stage of pregnancy, this can be very risky. Large amounts of parsley are not safe for women who are breastfeeding. Avoiding excessive consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding is strongly advised.

 

Your Health Is Our Concern!

 

Mawuena Workartey/Ghanahospitals.org