Learning Goal: You will learn about parsley as an herb and its health benefits in green smoothies.
Background
Parsley is green aromatic herb, whose name means “rock celery” in Greek. It is used in cooking for seasoning and as a garnish in many cuisines throughout the world. A few delicious dishes feature as the main ingredient, such as in Middle Eastern Tabbouleh and in Italian salsa verde.
2 main types of parsley is sold in U.S.
Italian, or flat leaf, parsley has flat leaves (duh). It is known to have a less bitter and more pungent flavor. Curly leaf parsley, as you guessed it, has curly leaves. It is used mostly as a garnish, meaning it makes food look pretty.
According to CookThink, although parsley is generally used for its leaves, parsley stems actually contain more flavor. Finely dice them and add to stocks, sauces, sautés and other preparations for added taste and vitamins.
Smoothies
It is recommended that you add a half cup or approximately 1 ounce or 30 grams of parsley (including the stems) to your smoothie a day to get the most nutritional benefit.
6 Health Benefits
![parsley nutrition]()
1. The Vitamins Keep your Body Healthy
According to the world’s healthiest foods a half cup contains 554.9% of your vitamin K, 53.9% of your Vitamin C, and 14.2% of your Vitamin A. These vitamins act as antioxidants (substances that remove agents in your body that damage your cells – which could lead to cancer), and provide the nutrients to make sure that our brains, bones, skin, hair, eyes, and immune system stay healthy and strong so you look good, stay strong, and do not get sick.
2. Folate Protects You
According to the National Institute of Health, folate is the generic term for both naturally occurring food folate and folic acid, which is a water-soluble B vitamin, and it is essential to your health. Unfortunately many people are folate deficient.
A half cup of parsley contains Folate 11.5%.
Folate protects blood vessels and reduces the risks of stroke, and possible heart attack and heart disease, by converting dangerous homocysteine molecules into a harmless substance.
All women are recommended to meet daily folate intake recommendations because folic acid, when taking before and during pregnancy, has been showed to prevent neural tube defects, or malformations of the spine, skull, and brain, and heart defects, which are often fatal and/or extremely disabling.
There is also evidence that folate can protect against some cancers and can also aid in treating depression.
3. Prevents Anemia
Your red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to your bodies tissues. Your red blood cells use a substance called hemoglobin to hold on to the oxygen. If you do not consume enough Iron, your body cannot make hemoglobin and your tissues will not get the oxygen it needs; this is called anemia. People who are anemic often feel tired and short of breathe.
Luckily, A half cup of parsley contains 10% of your necessary daily intake of iron. Furthermore your body needs Vitamin C and Folate in order to make red bloods cells, and as described earlier, parsley gives you a pretty big dose.
4. Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation often occurs when your immune system is stressed out. Inflammation has been linked to several diseases such as arthritis, lupus, asthma, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Parsley contains many substances such as flavonoids that reduce inflammation.
5. Natural Diuretic (throw away your Midol)
Diuretics are substances that help your pass water from your body. Parsley contains to two substances that help increase urine flow, myristicin and apiole. This can be desired when you are bloated from menstruation and a healthy urinary tract system can help prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Parsley has also been used medicinally to induce menstruation, it is believed the apiole and myristicin cause the uterus to contact.
Because of these two powerful health impacts of parsley it is recommended you talk to your doctor, especially if you have kidney problem or are pregnant, before consuming large amounts of parsley.
6. Breath Freshener
You do not need any scientific studies to know that parsley can get rid of dragon breathe. The chlorophyll (the stuff that makes it green) in the parsley kills bad bacteria in your mouth. Try it for yourself! You will feel fresh and clean!
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