What is Parsley?
Parsley is a herb that is widely used as a condiment in the preparation of various dishes. It belongs to the Apiaceae family of plants. The scientific name of parsley is Petroselinum crispum. It is popularly known as garden parsley and rock parsley. It is generally cultivated all over the world. However, it is primarily produced in America, Arabian countries, and several parts of Europe.
There are two varieties of fresh parsley commonly found in markets. One is curly leaf parsley which is generally used for garnishing the dishes. Another one is flat-leaf parsley which is used in cooked foods and salads. It is also found as a dried herb in shops. Parsley is not only known for its culinary uses but also for its tremendous health benefits. It is commercially very popular in the cosmetic industry. A large variety of perfumes are manufactured using parsley seed oil.
Benefits of Parsley
1. May improve kidney health
Parsley is considered an excellent kidney cleanser. It is a diuretic herb because of the presence of apiol and myristicin compounds. This property of parsley effectively helps in flushing out the toxins from the body. It has a direct effect on regulating urinary pH. Parsley also contains high levels of nitrates.
Scientific research suggests that nitrates help in improving blood flow and are useful in maintaining optimum blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure helps the overall health of the kidneys. This consequently lessens the risk of having kidney stones and gallbladder stones.
2. May improve bone health
Clinical studies suggest that Parsley has an antiosteoporotic effect. Research shows that it supports maintaining the mineral density of the bones. It contains a type of flavonoid that helps in increasing the collagen content of bones. Parsley may help in maintaining Vitamin K levels in the body which is important for calcium absorption. Consuming recommended quantity of Parsley may support reducing the excretion of calcium in the urine.
3. Supports the gastric system
It has been found in studies that Parsley reduces gastric inflammation. Its antioxidant properties help the gastric system by lowering the oxidation process in the stomach. It diminishes stress-related injury to the gastrointestinal tract. It reduces bloating and aids the digestive process. People with gastric ulcers and ulcerative colitis may benefit from the optimum intake of parsley. Spearmint is also a source of a healthy gut, you may prefer to read it here.
4. Good for skin
In some scientific findings, parsley has shown amazing results in relieving epidermal melasma. Melasma is a disease in which skin turns darker in patches. This hyperpigmented skin affects the quality of life. Affected people often feel stressed and depressed.
In many clinical studies, parsley has shown effective results as good as hydroquinone cream for controlling melasma. However, there has to be substantial research for evaluating parsley as a natural substitute for hydroquinone cream.
Parsley also helps in collagen production due to its high vitamin C content. Collagen gives elasticity to the skin and makes it firm. Parsley can be applied directly to the skin in either powdered or paste form for visible benefits.
Turmeric is a great alternative to maintaining healthy skin.
5. Good for hair
Parsley may be useful in boosting hair health. Due to its ability to increase the production of keratin and collagen, hairs remain protected from free radical scarring. It may also be useful in soothing the scalp and relieving irritation.
6. May help in weight loss
Parsley is naturally rich in chlorophyll. This property of parsley makes it an excellent detoxifier. Detoxification aids in shedding excess fat from the body. Parsely is a widely popular ingredient in a large variety of foods recommended in weight management programs (link to a product which helps in reducing weight) It is used in many types of shakes, salads, smoothies, etc. as a healthy weight loss ingredient.
7. Parsley Aids In Anemia treatment
Parsley is an excellent source of folate and iron. Intake of Parsley in appropriate quantity may help in increasing red blood cells. Parsley is naturally abundant in Vitamin C. Consequently it enhances the absorption of iron. Thus it is a natural remedy for treating low hemoglobin.