Powerful Parsley

Posted on Aug 21, 2014 | 0 comments

You know those little green flakes that seem to decorate every entrée in restaurants across the U.S. that many people try to avoid? It is actually an herb which packs a seriously powerful punch – Parsley!

The most common types of parsley are curly parsley (bright green curly leaves and a more bitter taste) and Italian flat-leaf parsley (smooth, dark green, fragrant leaves) and they are not to be ignored!

Parsley has been used medicinally (and for flavoring) for over 2000 years now. It comes from the Umbelliferae family and is an herb, not a vegetable. Its close relatives are carrots, celery, dill, fennel, cumin, parsnip and coriander.

Parsley Power

Parsley has just 36 calories/100 g, but their phyto-nutrients profile is no less than any high-calorie food sources. All this power in such a small herb!

This distinctive herb provides:

38% of folates,
220% of vitamin C,
281% of vitamin A,
1366% of vitamin K,
14% of calcium,
77.5% of iron and
5561 mcg of zeaxanthin.
5054 mcg of carotene-beta

(Note: the values are in % of RDA per 100 g (RDA-Recommended daily allowance). Source: Nutrition and You)

The Benefits of Parsley

Helps Prevent Cancer – Parsley has been labeled a ‘chemoprotective’ food because of its high amounts of apigenin, monoterpenes, phthalides, and polyacetylenes. These help neutralize carcinogens and are also good for lung infection or asthma.

Supports Your Immune System and is an Anti-Inflammatory – Parsley is rich in Vitamin C (it has more than oranges!), B 12, K and A. These make parsley an incredible immune booster helping fight off most infections, colds and flus. The high amount of vitamin C in parsley also helps relieve Arthritis.

Kidney/Bladder/Urinary Tract Problems – Parsley contains myristicin and apiole. These compounds increase urine flow that removes infection-causing bacteria from the urinary tract AND detoxifies the toxins through urination. This diuretic effect can aid in preventing kidney stones. Parsley tea once a week is very good for people with kidney stones, but be careful not to overdo it as too much can have an adverse effect.

Keeps your Heart Healthy – The folate found in parsley protects your blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart attack by converting potentially dangerous homocysteine into harmless molecules. The folate will also help control your blood pressure. The high amount of chlorophyll in parsley is an exceptional blood purifier and builder, which also supports a healthy heart.

Regulates Your Menstrual Cycle – The apiole oil (a constituent of the female sex hormone estrogen) in parsley helps it to regulate monthly periods.

Hair Growth – It has been used for thousands of years to promote hair growth. Liquefy a big bunch of parsley or get some parsley oil and rub it onto your scalp. Let sit for about an hour then rinse off and shampoo and condition as you normally would.

Supports Vision Health – Parsley has a high amount of carotenoids which makes it a particularly healing food for your eyes.

Aids in Digestion – Parsley has been shown to calm the nerves and adrenal glands as well as aiding in the whole digestion process.

How to Buy and Store Parsley

Organic parsley is available year round in farmer’s markets (and grocery stores) throughout the US. It is also incredibly easy to grow, either outdoors (if you live in warmer climates) or inside.

I prefer to buy a bunch of fresh, organic leaves as they pack the most punch. Look for bright green color leaves and very firm stems. There should be no mold, dark spots or yellowing.

To dry parsley, I wash it then tie a bunch of parsley together and hang upside down, in my kitchen, for about 2 weeks. I then crumble it into a glass container and store in a cool, dark place. It stays good for up to 5 months.

To store fresh parsley, I wash it, wrap it in a paper towel, place it in a Ziploc, then refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Make sure that it is loose, not tied together with anything as if it even has a rubber band on it, I find that it will go off faster.

How I Use Parsley

Don’t tell my family, but I sprinkle parsley in almost everything I make!! I do not use it only as a garnish, I cook it right into most dishes – soups, casseroles, pasta sauces – even if it is not called for!

I add it to our smoothies! Raw parsley is so beneficial and if mixed with other things, you cannot even taste it yet you still get the benefits.

In pesto’s. I love making different pesto’s for either pizzas, a pasta sauce or even on a baguette as an appetizer. Pesto is so beneficial as it is raw and delivers quite a power punch to our bodies.

My husband has suffered from bad kidneys his entire life. A few years ago I heard about Parsley Tea and have been making it for him ever since. Once a week I put a big bunch of organic parsley into a bowl, pour in boiling water for 15 minutes, filter it and serve! I give him 3 cups a week and it seems to be very helpful. I will squeeze some lime juice in sometimes to help with the taste. Check with your doctor first to see if this would work for you!

Power Tip: When parsley and garlic are eaten together, raw, they give a synergistic boost to your immune system, aid digestion, and have natural antibiotic / antiviral / antifungal effects. Try making a salad dressing including both. Here is a salad dressing recipe I found from Juicing For Health that is really good:

Garlic-Parsley salad dressing

5 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
5 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
5 tbsp fresh loose breadcrumbs (optional, but it adds some texture to the dressing)
2-3 tbsp of olive oil or flaxseed oil
1/2 tsp of sesame oil for the aroma
Juice of 1 lemon
Celtic sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Stir all the ingredients in a big bowl and make into a paste.
Store the unused portion in an air-tight container in the fridge.

What are your great ways to use parsley?

Cheers and Healthy Eating!
Malibu Mama Loves Xx

For more on parsley check out:
Care2
Natural Alternative Remedy
Natural News