Health Benefits of Parsley

What are the health benefits of parsley? What are parsley side effects?

Parsley is the little green leaf garnish that is often on various dishes. It actually has a nice fresh flavor to it along with great nutritional value.

Nutritional Facts for Parsley

1. Vitamin C
   
   
   
2. Vitamin K
   
   
   
3. Folate
   
   
   
4. Vitamin A
   
   
   
5. Iron
   
   
   
6. Calcium
   
   
   
7. Copper
   
   
   
8. Magnesium
   
   
   
9. Potassium

Health Benefits of Parsley

As far back as the Middle Ages the herb parsley was known to brighten up dull eyes caused from a lack of vitamin A. It was also used for the condition they called fastening teeth due to scurvy. Scurvy is caused from a lack of vitamin C.

The anti-oxidant vitamin C is effective in controlling free radicals. Too many of these can bring on conditions such as colon problems, asthma, and diabetes. Vitamin C has been known to boost the immune system for years and prevent cold and other infections from happening. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties which help with painful conditions such as arthritis.

Folic acid is in parsley too and is so important to the health of the heart. This can lower the risk of heart attacks by helping the body to regulate the homocysteine levels. When these levels are allowed to get high then you have a higher risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Another one of the health benefits of parsley is that it is a good blood builder, since it is a good source of iron. It is great for fighting anemia. When you have this condition you need to up your intake of iron, which is always best done by food even though supplements are on the market. So adding parsley to your diet along with other iron-rich foods will help your weak blood. Also with parsley containing vitamin C the iron can absorb more effectively.

The parsley benefits even extend over to refreshing your breath after a meal. It kills bacteria for one thing. So it should really be eaten at the end of the meal for this purpose. It should also be eaten during meals to aid digestion. It is high in enzymes, which increases the body's ability to properly process not just in the digestive tract but also through the intestinal tract.

Parsley is great to help a woman's hormone levels and conditions associated with such. It can even increase the blood flow to the uterus. It may help bring on a late menstruation.

But taking parsley oil isn't recommended for pregnant women because it may affect the fetus. This is one of parsley side effects. People with untreated kidney or gallbladder problem might also be adversely affected. It is highly recommended that you check with your doctor before taking any parsley essential oil.

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