Most of us don’t think about parsley. Sure, we may occasionally encounter it as a shriveled garnish on the edge of the plate or as a decorative sprinkling over soup, but aside from that, we rarely give it a second thought. However, this aromatic green herb is packed with vitamins and minerals—and may even have healing properties. Read on to find out six reasons we should all be eating more parsley.
1. Lots of nutrients, few calories
At first glance, parsley may seem inconspicuous, but don’t let that fool you: the herb is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Just 30 grams of parsley—one small handful—covers the entire daily requirement of vitamin K, which plays an important role in wound healing and blood clotting. It also helps to bind calcium in the bones to support bone health.
But that’s not all: parsley also provides plenty of vitamin C and vitamin A, both of which are important for a strong immune system and healthy skin. Parlsey also contains iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Best of all, parsley hardly contains any calories—just 40 to 60 calories per 100 grams. A little parsley goes a long way!
2. Parsley for detoxification
The body is exposed to many harmful substances from the environment every day—via air pollution, processed foods, and much more. The liver in particular has to work extremely hard to detoxify the body.
Parsley may be helpful in this regard as it contains apigenin, which not only has an anti-inflammatory effect but is also said to support the body in detoxification.
Chlorophyll, the green plant pigment in parsley, is also particularly interesting. According to studies, chlorophyll protects against dioxins, highly toxic substances that enter the body primarily through fatty foods such as meat and fish. Chlorophyll also protects against aflatoxins, the poisons present in mold.
3. Parsley for digestion
Anyone who suffers from digestive problems should consider eating more parsley, too. The herb has a long tradition in folk medicine and is often used to stimulate digestion. The essential oils in parsley stimulate the production of digestive juices and enzymes necessary to break down food. As a result, parsley can relieve cramps and bloating.
In addition, parsley is rich in fiber, which contributes to intestinal health. Fiber is crucial for healthy digestion as it cleanses the intestines and promotes intestinal movement. A diet rich in fiber can not only prevent constipation, but also reduce the risk of certain intestinal diseases.
4. Parsley as a diuretic
Parsley has a slightly diuretic effect, which can help flush excess fluid from the body and reduce water retention.
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