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 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.
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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” it 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
. 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.
These are some of its benefits as they are so many!
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 powerful 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 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 powerful 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.
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.
Watch: How to Harvest Parsley Seeds
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 this information was 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! {alertInfo}
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