Parsley has been around for ages, but these days it is mostly used as a garnish and tossed aside. And that’s a real shame. It is packed with chlorophyll and a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial phytonutrients such as volatile oils and flavonoids.
Its health benefits are more powerful than most people think. To take the full benefit of parsley it is best to enjoy this wonderful herb by taking its juice or blending it in your favorite smoothie recipe (scroll down for my favorite smoothie recipe with parsley). Make sure to not overdo the parsley, one or two ounce a day regularly will do the trick.
1. Promote Overall Health
Parsley is a rich source of vitamin A, B, C, and K to keep your body strong and illness-free. Its high levels of flavonoids and volatile oils prevent damage and neutralize harmful compounds.
2. Cleansing Effect
Parsley works as a natural diuretic. It increases urine flow to remove infection-causing bacteria from the urinary tract. At the same time it helps your body flush out more toxins such as heavy metals and it prevents the formation of kidney stones. But be careful, the herb also contains oxalates, these can cause serious issues for those who already have kidney or gallbladder problems.
Click here to get my green heavy metal detox juice recipe.
3. Fights Cancer
Some studies suggest that parsley may have a role in preventing or inhibiting the growth of cancerous tumors due to its high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
4. Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Parsley is packed with chlorophyll, which has strong antibacterial properties and has been used for ages as a natural remedy to prevent a bad breath.
5. Arthritis
The high levels of vitamin C and eugenol protect your body against inflammation. It lessens the pain and swelling and has shown some great results to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
6. Anemia
Chlorophyll is an excellent blood purifier and helps to build new blood cells as well. The high levels of Vitamin C improves iron absorption and brings the hemoglobin count up.
7. Heart Health
Folate can reduce the risk of heart attacks and helps to control blood pressure. Parsley can also dissolve sticky substances in your blood vessels and improves their elasticity to prevent them from hardening.
8. Immune Booster
Parsley has more vitamin C than oranges and is loaded with immune boosting phytonutrients. It calms down an overstimulated immune response which can cause allergies, auto-immune diseases, and chronic inflammation.
9. Improve Menstrual Cycle
Apiole, a volatile oil present in parsley, is a constituent of estrogen which can aid women to regulate their monthly cycle.
10. Improve Vision
Parsley is high in carotenoids, which is the precursor of vitamin A. This makes it an excellent herb to promote healthy eyes and vision.
11. Wound Healing
Hisidine, found in parsley, is an essential amino acid needed to repair damaged tissues. Parsley juice works wonders to speed up wound healing after surgery.
12.Reduce Hair Loss
Parsley essential oil is well known to reduce hair loss. So for luscious, tick hair massage the oil into your scalp regularly.
Green Immune Booster
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup parsley
- ½ avocado
- 1 ripe pear
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
Directions
Blend parsley, spinach, water, and orange juice until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and blend again.
For more green smoothie inspiration, download my FREE green smoothie eBook or connect with me on Facebook or Google+ for more healthy tips, tricks, and recipes.
