Parsley can only be used as a side dish, but it plays an important role in taste and overall presentation. In addition to adding flavor and bright green color to your food, parsley has many health benefits.
Food profile
One serving of fresh parsley (1 tablespoon) contains:
- 1.37 calories.
- 0.03 g of fat.
- 0.241 g of carbohydrates.
- 0.113 g of protein.
Vitamins and minerals:
- 5.24 mg of calcium.
- 0.236 mg of iron.
- 1.9 mg of magnesium.
- 2.2 mg of phosphorus.
- 21.1 mg of potassium.
- 2.13 mg of sodium.
- 0.041 mg of zinc.
- 0.006 mg of copper.
- 0.006 mg of manganese.
- 0.004 mcg of selenium.
- 5.05 mg of vitamin C.
- 0.003 mg of thiamine.
- 0.004 mg of riboflavin.
- 0.05 mg of niacin.
- 0.015 mg of pantothenic acid.
- 0.003 mg of vitamin B6.
- 5.78 mcg of folic acid.
- 0.486 mg of choline.
- 320 IU of vitamin A.
- 192 mcg of choline.
- 62.3 mcg of vitamin K.
Because parsley is good
Below is a list of the proven health benefits of parsley:
Powerful diuretic
Parsley has a strong diuretic effect on the body, which can help you detoxify your body. Research shows that parsley seed extract can help you pass more urine in 24 hours than just drinking water.
For this reason, parsley is often added to detox drink recipes. But remember to drink plenty of water.
It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties
Parsley cleanses the body of free radicals, which can help you stay healthy and protect you from certain diseases.
It may contain neuroprotective capabilities
According to a study, parsley may help protect against harmful changes in the brain. It can also help support neurons and neurotransmitters in the brain.
It has a positive effect on the whole body
Parsley has many health benefits for your whole body. She was shown to:
- Helps in oxygen metabolism.
- Supports adrenal and thyroid health.
- Promotes the health of blood vessels (especially capillaries).
- Supports the genitals and urinary organs.
- Helps prevent visual impairment.
- Prevents premature aging.
- It acts as an antiseptic in both the intestine and the blood.
It can help reduce the risk of kidney and gallstones.
According to a study, parsley may have anti-urolithiasis properties to help prevent kidney and gallstones. Research has shown that parsley acts as an anti-urolithiasis drug, increasing the acidity of the urine, decreasing the urinary excretion of calcium and protein, and supporting the overall health of the kidneys.
It can protect against cancer
Research shows that parsley contains an antioxidant flavonoid called apigenin, which may help protect against cancer. Apigenin is also found in grapes, apples, chamomile, and red wine.
Useful for digestion
Research shows that parsley has a carminative effect that can help reduce colic and gas. It is also used to treat constipation.
Good source of Vitamin C
Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron, which can help reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant and helps in the production of collagen.
It can help strengthen the immune system and protect the liver
Research shows that thanks to its antiviral properties, parsley helps strengthen the immune system. It is particularly useful for fighting viruses that attack the liver. Fresh juice from parsley leaves can be used to treat hepatitis A, B, and C.
One study found that parsley and its antioxidant flavonoids can be used as an alternative to allopurinol or in combination with a drug to help manage hyperuricemia and oxidative stress conditions such as gout.
It can help reduce blood sugar levels.
Due to its antioxidant profile, parsley helps reduce blood sugar levels.
Is parsley good for the keto diet?
Parsley is a great keto-friendly herb to add to your favorite low-carb foods. It is low in calories and carbohydrates, but only as long as you consume it in small portions. Additionally, most recipes require a maximum of a few teaspoons.
