Parsley

The two popular types of parsley are the curly parsley which has bright green curly leaves; and the italian flat-leaf parsley which has a darker shade of green with smooth flat leaves. The latter has a more fragrant and less bitter taste compared to the curly variety.

Parsley provides natureas best carotenoids and is a nutrition powerhouse of a few known anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and flavonoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, apiole, rutin and apigenin).

A strong decoction of them is good against jaundice. It operates powerfully by urine, and it expels wind. It gently opens the body, and removes obstructions of the liver and spleen. Galen recommended it in falling sickness, and in obstructed menstruation.

Parsley is a herb. The leaf, seed, and root are used to make medicine. Be careful not to confuse parsley with fool's parsley and parsley piert.

Parsley is used for urinary tract infections (utis), kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), gastrointestinal (gi) disorders, constipation, jaundice, intestinal gas (flatulence), indigestion, colic, diabetes, cough, asthma, fluid retention (edema), osteoarthritis, atired blooda (anemia), high blood pressure, prostate conditions, and spleen conditions. It is also used to start menstrual flow, to cause an abortion, as an aphrodisiac, and as a breath freshener.

The seeds are also powerful. The distilled water of parsley is a good medicine to give children troubled with wind in the stomach or bowels. The leaves of parsley mixed with meal and applied to inflamed eyes greatly relieves them, and fried with butter and applied to hard breasts, greatly relieves and mollifies them.

Tragus gives the following medicine for jaundice, falling sickaness, dropsy, and stone in the kidneys; seed of parsley, fennel annise, and carraways, of each an ounce; roots of parsley, burnet, saxifrage and carraways, of each an ounce and a half; bruise the seeds, wash the roots and cut small; all night steep in a bottle of white wine, and in the morning boil in a close earthen vessel, until a third part be wasted; which being strained, take four ounces morning and evening, abstaining from drink after it for three hours.

Parsley is one of less calorific herb. 100 g of fresh leaves carry only 36 calories. Additionally, its leaves contains zero cholesterol and fat, but rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Altogether, the herb helps control blood-cholesterol, offer protection from free radical mediated injury and cancers.

Parsley contains health benefiting essential volatile oils that include myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene.

The essential oil, eugenol, present in this herb has been in therapeutic application in dentistry as a local anesthetic and anti-septic agent for teeth and gum diseases. Eugenol has also been found to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics; however, further detailed studies required to establish its role.

Parsley is rich in poly-phenolic flavonoid antioxidants, including apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin; and has been rated as one of the plant sources with quality antioxidant activities. Total orac value, which measures the anti-oxidant strength of 100 g of fresh, raw parsley, is 1301 amol te (trolex equivalents).

The herb is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. 100 g fresh herb provides 554 mg or 12% of daily-required levels of potassium. Potassium is the chief component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure by countering the effects of sodium. Iron is essential for the production of heme, which is an important oxygen-carrying component inside the red blood cells. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Additionally, the herb is also rich in many antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin-a, beta-carotene, vitamin-c, vitamin-e, zea-xanthin, lutein, and cryptoxanthin. The herb is an excellent source of vitamin-k and folates. Zea-xanthin helps prevent age-related macular degeneration (armd) in the retina of the eye in the old age population through its anti-oxidant and ultra-violet light filtering functions.

Fresh herb leaves are also rich in many essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin b-5), riboflavin (vitamin b-2), niacin (vitamin b-3), pyridoxine (vitamin b-6) and thiamin (vitamin b-1). These vitamins play a vital role in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism by acting as co-enzymes inside the human body.

It is, perhaps, the richest herbal source for vitamin k; provide 1640 ag or 1366% of recommended daily intake. Vitamin k has been found to have the potential role in bone health by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It has also established role in the treatment of alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.

Wonderful! humble parsley has just 36 calories/100 g, but their phyto-nutrients profile is no less than any high-calorie food sources.

38% of folates

220% of vitamin c,

281% of vitamin a,

1366% of vitamin k,

14% of calcium,

77.5% of iron and

5561 mcg of zeaxanthin.

5054 mcg of carotene-beta

Parsley is a popular culinary and 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 belonging in theaapiaceae family, in the genus; petroselinum. Its botanical name is petroselinum crispum.

The herb is a small plant featuring dark-green leaves that resemble coriander leaves, especially in the flat-leaf variety. However, it is milder in flavor than that of leaf-coriander. The herb is widely used in mediterranean, east european, and american cuisine.

There exist several cultivars ofaparsley growing across the europe.aitalian or flat leaf-parsley (petroselinum crispum neapolitanum) is popular around mediterranean countries, and has rather more intense flavor than curley leaf parsley.

Myricetin, a flavonol found in parsley and other plants, has been shown to have chemopreventive effects on skin cancer.

Sweet potatoes, parsley, blackcurrants and cranberries are among the foods containing the highest concentration of myricetin (per 100 grams).

Parsley and other green herbs and vegetables that contain high amounts of chlorophyll have been shown to be effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines, which are generated when grilling foods at a high temperature.

If you tend to like your grilled foods charred, make sure to pair them with green vegetables to help negate these effects.

A natural chemical found in parsley, celery and other plants known as apigenin has been found to decrease tumor size in an aggressive form of breast cancer in a recent study conducted at the university of missouri.

Researchers say that this shows apigenin to be a promising non-toxic treatment for cancer in the future.

Myricetin has also been evaluated for its effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of diabetes.

In vitro and animal studies have showed that myricetin may lower blood sugars as well as decrease insulin resistance and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemia effects.

Low intakes of vitamin k have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture.

Adequate vitamin k consumption (which parsley provides in just 10 sprigs) improves bone health by acting as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improving calcium absorption and reducing urinary excretion of calcium.

Two healing compounds in parsley, myristicin and apiole, help increase urine flow that removes infection-causing bacteria from the urinary tract.

At the same time, it also detoxify the toxins from the body through urination.

The diuretic effect helps prevent kidney stones and various urinary tract problems.

The rich vitamin c from parley helps protect against inflammatory problems like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

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 parsley 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 parsley possess anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling arthritis.

Consuming parsley regularly is also believed to speed up the process of uric acid removal, which has been linked to symptoms of arthritis.

The high chlorophyll content from parsley is an excellent blood purifier and builder.

The vitamin c and iron content makes iron absorption more effective.

Regularly drinking parsley juice (extracted using a gear juicer) helps bring up the hemoglobin count.

The presence of apiole oil in parsley, which is a constituent of female sex hormones estrogen, makes it effective in regulating monthly periods.

Consume parsley regularly for its vitamin c to prevent hardening of the arteries.

It also helps to dissolve the sticky substances and maintain the elasticity of the blood vessels.

Zheng, kenney and lam from lkt laboratories in minneapolis, minnesota have extracted a compound named myristicin, which is a phenylpropane compound, from parsley oil extract.

Preliminary investigation into the myristicin compound had revealed that it has anti-carcinogenic properties.

Myristicin extract from parsley 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 displayed anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxicity properties.

The anti-inflammatory properties reduce in internal inflammations, while the anti-hepatotoxic properties help to 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 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 fluid in the body more 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 parsley are also very much useful in counteracting kidney stones.

Adding parsley roots to boiling water and drinking it on a daily basis is known to be effective as a general cleanser for the body.

Helps your blood clot properly and plays a role in bone mineralization - parsley tops the charts with 1093% of your daily needs for vitamin k.

The transporter of oxygen to your tissues and the garbage collector getting rid of carbon dioxide - parsley has 21% of your daily iron intake in a cup, and since it also has lots of vitamin c it should be absorbed very well.

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in parsley are helpful for strengthening immunity.

Vitamins such as vitamin c, vitamin a, vitamin 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 parsley has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well.

Studies have showed that parsley contains antioxidant properties and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal source for various home remedies.

Eating parsley can decrease the danger of cancers like skin, alimentary canal, breast and prostate cancer.

Parsley has high amounts of the flavonoid known as apigenin.

In addition to apigenin possessing remarkable anticancer properties, itas additionally a strong antiinflammatory and antioxidant.

Parsley might help boost the immune system.

Parsley essential oil has been proven to suppress an overstimulated immune response, which makes it a crucial player in the fight against allergies, auto-immune and persistent inflammatory disorders.

Parsley helps you to lessen the swelling and pain related to arthritis.

Parsley includes a volatile oil called eugenol thatas been proven in studies to have antiarthritic properties and powerful antiinflammatory benefits, and can significantly curb swelling within the joints.

Parsley is completely chock full of chlorophyll.

This can help because it has anti-bacterial properties that cut down on the development of bad bacteria.

Chlorophyll found in parsley is a great remedy to prevent bad breath (halitosis) for ages.

Parsley also comprises the flavonoid anti-oxidants apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin.

Folate in parsley encourages heart health by reducing amounts of proinflammatory homocysteine.

Parsley offers protection from an extensive selection of disorders a from diabetes, atherosclerosis and colon cancer to asthma and more!

Good for your eyes, skin and immune system - parsley gives you 36% of your daily needs in just 1 cup.

Most notably important for pregnant women, but also for everyone else to have healthy blood and support your brain function - 1 cup of parsley contributes a whopping 23% of your daily intake.

Famous for boosting your immune system, it's also a key nutrient for your adrenal glands - parsley has you covered with 106% of your rdi in a cup.

Parsley is a great generator of just one of the very significant b vitamins:

Folic acid.

This acid can help you to reduce homocysteine.

Homocysteine is just a naturally occurring amino acid within the human body, but blood vessels can be damaged by high levels in the blood, raising the danger of stroke and heart attack.

Homocysteine (the amino acid that appears within the human body mentioned above) threatens the bodyas blood vessels when its amounts become too high.

A routine garnish of parsley will help defend against cardiovascular issues like stroke, coronary attack, and atherosclerosis.

Bastyr university has listed as one of its recommended herbs for remedying urinary tract infections as an antibiotics alternative.

Other herbs on the list contain uva-ursi, goldenrod, nettles and horsetail.

Ask your physician before making use of parsley to take care of a uti.

Apigenin and myristicin (found in parsley) boost the productivity of one of our liveras enzymes that detoxes our bodies.

A report on apigenin, specifically, found that the flavone compound also improves the effects of some drugs used to treat colon cancer.

This is in line with a study published in the february 2011 journal aclinical and experimental metastasisa.

*below is a list of side effect which may be cause from over dosing in usage of parsley

*headaches - a headache may possibly happen with a higher utilization of parsley.

*headaches commonly pass as you become accustomed to the parsley, but when they continue, youall want a physicianas counsel.

*by removing parsley from your diet plan and supplement list, you are able to prevent this side effect from re-occurring.

*lack of equilibrium

*you may experience a loss of equilibrium that might cause a fall.

*until youave seen your doctor, keep hallways and entryways well-lit.

*convulsions

*seizure activity like convulsions may happen with the over-consumption of parsley supplements.

*an imbalance or anomaly in your mind might force you to blank out or send the body into uncontrollable writhing, jerking movements.

*seizures may be experienced by you even if you have never had a seizure formerly.

*should you experience convulsions a visit to the emergency room to take care of the convulsions is more than justified.

*kidney damage

*indications of kidney damage may possibly happen together with the utilization of taking this supplement.

*youall need medical care to assess your complete health and also to treat this kidney damage, should this become a problem.

*laboratory work and close observation of kidney damage should take place in the event that you experience this side effect from an over-use of parsley.

*the consumption of large quantities of parsley 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 of parsley during pregnancy and breastfeeding is strongly advised.