10 Health Benefits Of Parsley Leaf
Parsley is a popular herb native to the central Mediterranean region. Commonly used for culinary, parsley is highly nutritious and has been shown to have many powerful health benefits.
It is rich in nutrients, antioxidants and contains Vitamins C, A, and K.
Here are ten of its amazing health benefits.
1. Rich source of antioxidants
Parsley contains several flavonoid antioxidants including luteolin, apigenin, lycopene, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene. They protect the cells from free radical damage, which is responsible for many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and eye disorders.
2. Helps boost immunity
Parsley contains many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoids. Apigenin fights inflammation in the body.
Parsley also contains vitamin C. It is a potent antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Parsley contains flavonols, such as kaempferol and quercetin, that fight oxidative stress and cellular damage.
3. Improves digestion
Including parsley in your diet helps stimulate digestion because of its enzyme and fibre content. Enzymes help in better nutrient absorption and improve the digestion of proteins and fats in the body. The herb also helps treat gastrointestinal disorders including gas, constipation, bloating, indigestion, edema and nausea.
4. Improves the skin
Parsley has potent collagen-producing and skin-lightening properties. The herb helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars. It also has the ability to balance oil production and hence, is an excellent remedy for acne.
Vitamin A also fights signs of aging on the skin, protects eyes and skin from UV light damage, and may be able to help prevent skin cancer.
5. Reduce the risk of kidney disease
According to studies, parsley benefits for the kidneys include potentially lowering your risk of kidney stones and helping regulate the body’s pH level by reducing acidity.
The anti-inflammatory properties of parsley, along with its ability to regulate urinary pH and reduce blood pressure, may help keep your kidneys healthy and lower your risk of kidney stones.
Keep in mind that parsley is relatively high in oxalates — compounds that may increase kidney stone risk.
6. Eye health
Parsley benefits for eyes are due to its high content of two antioxidants,pro-vitamin A carotenoid and beta-carotene — that are used by the body to boost eye health. These antioxidants protect the retina and cornea from damage as someone ages, helping prevent eye disorders like macular degeneration and cataracts.
7. Regulates blood sugar
Parsley contains a flavonoid called myristicin, which can lower blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance.
Elevated blood sugar levels can increase your risk of health complications, such as insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome — a cluster of symptoms including high cholesterol and high blood sugar.
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8. May improve heart health
Parsley has been used in folk medicine to help treat hypertension. The rich flavonoid content in parsley helps in improving heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Parsley is also a good source of folic acid. Folate intake is associated with good heart health.
9. Helps balance hormones
Parsley helps with menstruation, treating amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle), and decreasing menstrual pain. It’s believed to help balance hormones — important for fertility and preventing symptoms of PMS.
10. Fights Cancer
Parsley contains unique elements in its oil known as volatile oil components — myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. These powerful oil components benefit the body’s immune system and help fight cancer formation, in particular by slowing tumor growth, neutralizing oxidative stress, and fighting off carcinogens, according to research studies.
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