Parsley

Parsley is the common name for a bright green, biennial herb {Petroselinum crispum},which is extensively cultivated for its leaves. Native to the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe. While it has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years, parsley was used medicinally prior to being consumed as a food. The ancient Greeks held parsley to be sacred, using it to not only adorn victors of athletic contests, but also for decorating the tombs of the deceased. The practice of using parsley as a garnish actually has a long history that can be traced back to the civilization of the ancient Romans. Only the Romans started consuming this herb for its nutritional benefits and aromatic properties and later spreading its use throughout Europe. Nowadays, many varieties of Parsley are widely grown around the world. Its Greek and Latin original names were “petroselinon” and “petroselinu” which indicate a celery-like plant growing on rocks.

Plant description

Parsley is a self-seeding biennial plant with a single, spindle-shaped taproot, from which grow smooth and many-branched, juicy stems. A biennial plant. The alternate compound leaves are bright green and feather-like in appearance, finely divided and tri-pinnate. Some varieties are flat-leafed and others more curly. The small, five-petaled flowers, which bloom in the second year, are yellow-green and appear in clusters. The seeds are tiny, gray-brown, ribbed, and egg-shaped (ovate).

Parsley Varieties 

There are more than 30 varieties of parsley, two forms are particularly popular: Curly-leaf parsley and Italian or flat-leaf parsely

. Curly-leaf parsley

Curly parsley has tougher leaves that are literally curly, and the flavor is milder and we think more bitter.

. Flat-Leaf Parsley

known as “Italian Parsley” is distinguishable by  its flat leaves, and is known for having a robust flavor. This variety is ideal for flavoring. Italian parsley is sometimes mistaken for cilantro, and they look similar. But Italian parsley has darker, shinier leaves than cilantro ,which also known as( coriander ), cilantro leaves are more delicate and fragrant . Flat -Leaf  Parsley is an aromatic herb that has a more pungent flavor than curly-leaf varieties, and both its flavor and texture hold up better in cooking. The flavor is slightly nutty, reminiscent of a combination of parsley and celery.  Leaves are large, flat and serrated.     

Parsley Health Benefits 

Parsley is loaded with many kinds of benefits as it contains several flavonoid antioxidants including luteolin, apigenin, lycopene, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene.  This wonderful aromatic herb helps protect the cells from free radical damage. This damage is responsible for many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Parsley is a very good source of volatile compounds such as myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. Its leaves contain carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Because parsley is loaded with antioxidants, parsley health benefits are numerous

These are some of its benefits as they are so many!

. Nutrition Booster
Parsley is an excellent source of beta carotene, this antioxidant can help protect the body against free-radical damage and fight the effects of aging.The vitamin K in parsley aids in bone health, while the wealth of vitamin C makes it a great immune booster.

. Anticancer
Parsley is rich in cancer-fighting compounds. A recent study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that parsley has potent anticancer properties. It acts as an antioxidant that destroys free radicals before they damage cells, protects DNA from damage that can lead to cancer, and inhibits the proliferation and migration of cancer cells in the body.

. Benefits Your Skin
Eating parsley is a good way to get more minerals into your diet. There are good levels of calcium, potassium, manganese and iron in parsley and its copper and zinc content are especially relevant for maintaining healthy skin and the very high levels of vitamin K in it may also help improve skin’s elasticity and appearance as well as speeding up wound healing and reducing redness.

. Effective inflammatory agent
Parsley contains luteolin and vitamin C that is an effective anti-inflammatory agent of the body. Regularly eating parsley helps prevent inflammatory illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and arthritis. When applying parsley to areas with insect bites, it will reduce inflammation.

. Removes gallstones
Parsley contains oxalic acid that cleanses and boosts the kidneys. Drinking parsley tea every day helps in dissolving gallstones and kidney stones.

. Rich in Chlorophyll
Parsley is particularly rich in chlorophyll, the substance that gives herbs and plants its characteristic green color.  Chlorophyll helps to alkalize the body, purify blood, and form new red blood cells.  In addition, the chlorophyll and flavonoids in parsley help to enhance cellular glutathione formation. The Higher levels of cellular glutathione allow the body to detoxify and heal more effectively

 . Parsley Eliminates Strong Mouth Odor
Parsley is a powerfull natural breath freshener that eliminates the pungent smell in the mouth. When drinking parsley juice or nibbling parsley leaves after eating some foods that have intense odor, such as garlic and onion, this aromatic herb can assist in releasing the strong mouth odor.

Parsley plant have aromatic leaves which are used  for garnishing food. Don't forget to use this delicious herb in your cooking though as it adds a unique light flavour. Parsley has a vibrant, aromatic flavour. Parsley is typically added toward the end of cooking as heat can destory its flavour. Adding aromatic herbs like parsley in your meal is a great way to enhance the presentation of your dish, boost its aroma, and add more flavor. Most of all it is a great way to add essential nutrients and make most of the big health benefits that this  tiny and powerfull herb can offer. In addition to the unique flavor and aroma of parsley adding to the delight of nature for humans, the plant also is nutritious, providing high amounts of vitamin C and the taproot, leaves, and seeds of parsley are used medicinally .

Allways choose fresh parsley that is deep green in color and looks fresh and crisp. Avoid bunches that have leaves that are wilted or yellow as this indicates that they are either overmature or damaged. 

Eat More Parsley For Better health

There are so many parsley health benefits it’s surely worth eating it. Better still, grow it in your garden or on your windowsill and use this wonderfull aromatic and unique green herb whenever you can in your meals.

People who consume too much parsley may experience anemia or kidney problems. If you have diabetes, fluid retention, high blood pressure, or kidney disease you should talk to your doctor to see if consuming parsley is safe for you as it may cause side effects that can worsen your condition! 

 Check out this big parsley seeds selection! 

Parsley is generally considered safe when consumed in normal amounts. However, some people may experience allergic reactions to parsley.

 

All these information are meant for information only, they don't replace the advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start consuming parsley seeds!

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