Parsley - A Wealth of Health Benefits

Parsley is a popular culinary as well as medicinal herb, which is recognized as one of the functional food for its unique antioxidants and disease preventing properties. This wonderful, fragrant rich biennial herb is native to the Mediterranean region and belongs to the family of Apiaceae in the genus; Petroselinum. Its botanical name is Petroselinum crispum.

The herb is a small plant with dark-green leaves that resemble coriander leaves, especially in the flat-leaf variety. However, it is milder in flavor than coriander. The herb is widely used in Mediterranean, East European, and American cuisine.

The health benefits of parsley herb:

Parsley herb has many curative values and is used to heal several health problems. Here we list some of the most common and useful health benefits of this herb:

· Parsley is rich in Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A as well as Beta Carotene. Apart from the above listed vitamins this herb is also a good source of folic acid as well as iron.

· Parsley is a power plant of chlorophyll, this helps curb the growth of bad bacteria as it has anti bacterial properties. Chlorophyll found in parsley is a good cure to stop and avoid bad breath (halitosis) for long time.

· Having parsley everyday helps in reducing blood pressure and reduces the risks related to high blood pressure such as hypertension.

· Parsley herb is found to be diuretic in nature which promotes healthy workings of the kidney. The diuretic found in parsley helps in getting rid of sodium and other harmful elements from the human body.

· Heart Health: Homocysteine, an amino acid present in the body is dangerous to blood vessels. This is made harmless by Folate or Vitamin B9 present in Parsley keeping you safe from cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, etc.

·  Antioxidants: Parsley is rich in anti-oxidants. It contains luteolin, a flavonoid that fights against free radicals and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

· Supports glands: It supports all the glands in our body like liver, spleen, etc. to release the enzymes properly.

· Gallstones: Gallstones can be dissolved with Parsley consumption.

· Edema: It strengthens blood vessels.

· Liver Congestion: Parsley improves liver activities, reduces liver congestion and nourishes the blood.

· Digestion: It improves digestion of proteins and fats due the presence of enzymes. It also improves elimination process.

· Night Blindness: Vitamin A in Parsley improves vision.

· Stomach problems: Cures stomach problems like pain, infection etc.

· The oil of parsley herb is a good remedy for hair loss as well as dryness of the skin. Daily application of this oil helps in improving the hair growth as well as makes the skin supple and smooth.

· Parsley herb is used by the herbalists to cure some ear infections, ringing in the ear and partial deafness.

· Having parsley herbal tea is helpful as it stimulates digestion of protein as well as fat. The tea also promotes enteric absorption and storage in the liver. It is helpful in treating diarrhea.

· Parsley herb improves the hormonal balance in females and it also betters the estrogen secretion. This herb is helpful in treating hormonal problems like premenstrual syndrome, menopause or delayed menstruation cycle. This herb is also known to be helpful in easing cramps during menstrual cycle.

Thus keeping in mind all the health benefits of Parsley as given above, try to consume it regularly more than as a garnished food.

Sources:

nutrition-and-you.com

bewellbuzz.com

stylecraze.com

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