Parsley, also known as parsley, is a medicinal plant that has diuretic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and nephroprotective properties, due to its main active components such as myristicin and epigenin (flavonoids), apiol, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, in addition to containing vitamin C and carotenes.
Therefore, parsley can be used to treat kidney diseases, such as urinary infections and kidney stones, and for high blood pressure, as it has a diuretic property.
The leaves, seeds and roots of parsley are used to prepare natural remedies, vitamins, teas and to season foods, and can be found in fresh or dehydrated form.
1. Fight urinary infections
Parsley has antimicrobial and diuretic action and, therefore, helps to prevent the emergence of recurrent urinary infections.
2. Strengthens the immune system
As it is rich in vitamin C, zinc and vitamin A and because it contains antimicrobial properties, parsley helps to increase the body’s defenses and strengthen the immune system.
Some studies indicate that it helps fight some types of bacteria witho Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, and viruses, such as the Influenza virus, being an excellent option to fight the flu and the cold.
3. Helps control diabetes
Parsley consumption can help regulate blood sugar, in addition to protecting the liver in people with diabetes, as it has an antioxidant action. Furthermore, due to the presence of flavonoids it also helps to prevent the onset of diabetes, making it an excellent option for people who suffer from pre-diabetes.
4. Improves blood pressure and fights fluid retention
Parsley is rich in potassium, a mineral that promotes the excretion of sodium through the urine, in addition to having diuretic properties, which helps lower blood pressure and fight fluid retention.
5. Prevent and fight anemia
As it is a plant rich in iron and folic acid, parsley helps to prevent and fight anemia.
Iron is one of the constituents of red blood cells, which are the cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood, and folic acid is also necessary for the formation and development of these cells.
In addition, parsley also has vitamin C, which favors the absorption of iron in the intestinal tract.
6. Promotes vision health
Parsley is rich in carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, components that help maintain visual health and promote healthy vision. Some studies show that these compounds help prevent age-related macular degeneration, which is a disease that can cause blindness.
7. Take care of skin health
Parsley contains lutein, a type of carotenoid that has antioxidant action and helps to reduce oxidative damage in the upper layers of the skin, caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays, cigarette smoke and pollution, preventing premature aging.
In addition, parsley has vitamin C, which, in addition to being a powerful antioxidant, also promotes the formation of collagen in the body, reducing skin sagging and increasing its firmness and elasticity.
8. Prevent the appearance of kidney stones
Parsley helps to stimulate the elimination of fluid from the body, and scientific study indicates that it could reduce urinary calcium excretion, increase urinary pH, have a nephroprotective effect and decrease urinary protein excretion, helping to prevent the formation of kidney stone.
9. Prevent cancer and chronic diseases
Parsley is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and carotenoids, compounds that help fight free radical damage to cells and prevent oxidative stress, which are linked to the development of cancer and chronic disease.
Flavonoids are linked to a lower risk of developing colon cancer and obesity. Carotenoids, such as lutein, can inhibit the growth of breast cancer-related cancer cells, preventing them from occurring. Vitamin C is linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer.
10. Prevent heart disease
Parsley is rich in folate, a B-complex vitamin that prevents the formation of atheromatous plaques, helping to maintain healthy blood vessels and preventing diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke.
In addition, it also has vitamin K, which helps to improve the health of blood vessels, providing greater elasticity and preventing the accumulation of calcium, which can cause cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis.
11. Improves digestion
Some scientific studies indicate that parsley could be beneficial in the treatment of intestinal ulcers, as it apparently protects the gastric mucosa and inhibits gastric secretion. However, more studies are needed to prove this property.
12. Promotes bone health
Parsley is rich in vitamin K, which promotes bone formation due to the activity of osteoblasts. In addition, it is also responsible for activating some proteins that increase bone density and stimulate greater fixation of calcium in bones and teeth, preventing osteoporosis.
Nutritional information
The table below provides nutritional information for 100 g of fresh parsley:
| nutritional composition | Fresh parsley (100g) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 36 calories |
| Carbohydrates | 6.33 g |
| proteins | 2.97 g |
| fats | 0.79 g |
| Fibers | 3.3 g |
| Calcium | 138 mg |
| Magnesium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 6.2 mg |
| Zinc | 1.07 mg |
| Potassium | 554mg |
| Phosphor | 58mg |
| Vitamin C | 133 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.086 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.098 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 1.31 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.09mg |
| Folate | 152 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 421 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0.75mg |
| Vitamin K | 1640 mcg |
| Hill | 12.8 mg |
how to consume
To use parsley in recipes, drain the fresh parsley with very green and firm leaves or pure dehydrated parsley, preferably organic, as this form provides more health benefits.
Parsley is quite versatile and can be used in juices, soups, smoothies, salads or to season foods such as seafood and fish, for example.
The best way to ensure that parsley lasts longer is to wash it before using it, as damp leaves in the fridge can turn brown more quickly. Another suggestion is to store the parsley in the refrigerator in a closed container. To make the leaves last longer, you can place a sheet of paper towel over the parsley to absorb moisture and keep the leaves fresh longer.
parsley tea
Parsley tea can be used to help fight urinary tract infections, kidney stones, to control high blood pressure and fluid retention.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley;
- 250 ml of boiling water
Method of preparation
Add the parsley to the boiling water, cover and let stand for about 10 minutes. Then strain and drink a maximum of 3 cups of tea a day. It is important to remember that parsley tea is contraindicated for pregnant women.
green parsley juice
Green juice made with parsley is rich in antioxidants that help keep your skin young and healthy and that fight fluid retention, helping in diets to lose weight.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of parsley;
- 1 orange;
- 1/2 apple;
- 1/2 cucumber;
- 1 cup of coconut water.
Method of preparation
Blend all ingredients in a blender and drink without adding sugar or straining.
Parsley contraindications
Parsley should not be consumed by people with severe kidney problems, such as acute or chronic kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome, for example, or who have undergone surgery for less than 1 month.
In addition, the tea or juice should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women, as it is not known what effect they could have on the baby’s development or breastfeeding.
Parsley contains high amounts of vitamin K and, therefore, could interact with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, for example, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming.
Parsley tea should also not be consumed by people who use diuretics, as it can cause a loss of minerals through the urine above what is indicated.
