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Parsley is the most popular herb in the world with its origin from South Italy, Algeria. It is now grown for more than 2000 years. Parsley was earlier used as a medicinal plant, but later people started using it as food also. Parsley requires sufficient sunlight to grow. It is used in food as an herb, a veggie and also as a spice. It can be utilised in two forms, the leaves and roots. It is also used in salads, sandwiches and as a garnishee. Parsley is a powerhouse of nutrients which has various nutrients including vitamins like A, C, B and K and also some minerals like potassium and iron. This herb can also be used in reducing excessive fluid from the body, prior to any important function to reduce excessive bloating (oedema). Apart from this, it also helps in controlling the blood sugar levels in body.
It also reduces the degenerative changes that occur in the liver due to excessive blood sugar level. It also contains two special types of compounds which promote good health. One being the volatile compounds; like myristicin, eugenol, limonene and alpha-thujene, and secondly the flavonoids; including apigenin, luteolin, apiin and crisoeriol.
Parsley contains some volatile oils. One of these is myristicin, which is particularly shown to inhibit the growth of tumour in studies with animals. One more property of this oil is the activation of glutathione S-transferase enzyme which facilitates the binding of glutathione to oxidised molecules. Glutathione otherwise, is responsible for damage to the body.
Parsley is known to contain high amounts of folic acid. Folic acid is known to have many benefits for the body including cardiovascular benefits. It converts active homocysteine into inactive compound. Homocysteine damages blood vessels and is known to increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Parsley contains many vitamins including vitamin A and vitamin C which improve immunity. Also, vitamin C improves collagen formation and is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Whereas vitamin A improves the physical barriers of the immune system like skin, gut and lining of eyes.
Parsley also contains a volatile oil, eugenol, which has an anti-inflammatory action and also reduces the inflammation of arthritis.
It can prevent many diseases including atherosclerosis, colon cancer and asthma.
Parsley is a rich source of anti-oxidants, which reduce the free radicals of the body. The free radicals can otherwise damage body cells by inducing oxidative stress on them. A flavonoid, Luteolin is also present in parsley, which increases carbohydrate metabolism.
Parsley contains high levels of chlorophyll which helps in oxidation of blood in the bloodstream. As well as, the vitamin content also plays a role in blood refinement.
It is one of the excellent advantages of parsley consumption. Daily consumption can significantly avoid high blood pressures. Parsley can retain potassium which helps to manage blood pressure.
It reduces the production of mucus in which can help you with chronic allergic conditions like sinusitis and coughing.
Parsley can help you avoid hair loss and is good for the treatment of dry skin. Parsley can also promote new hair growth.
Raw parsley juice can be consumed to get relief from heartburn and gastric reflux, and it also enhances the digestion process in general.
You can use parsley juice to get rid of your Urinary Tract infection, but consult your physician before using it for this purpose.
Apigenin, a flavonoid present in parsley alongwith mystricin is known to enhance the function of liver enzymes, which help to detoxify the body.
Parsley can prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a systemic condition in which the bone density is reduced due to more reduction of calcium from the bones. Homocysteine is responsible for accelerating this process. Parsley contains folic acid, which reduces homocysteine, thus preventing osteoporosis.
This effect of parsley can help you with several medical conditions like Urinary Tract Infections, gall bladder stone, kidney stones and oedema in any part of the body. Parsley roots are known to be useful in managing kidney stones. The roots of parsley should be boiled in water and the water should be consumed daily for kidney stones.
As mentioned earlier, parsley is a good source of vitamin A and beta carotene. Parsley should be given to children for developing good eyesight.
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