Parsley

Most of us are familiar with seeing a sprig of parsley embellishing our dinner plates but we don't think of consuming it. We should, though, since parsley contains a surprising number of vitamins and minerals. That's not so surprising, considering that parsley is actually a vegetable. (From the umbelliferous family of vegetables.)

Parsley (petroselinum crispum) Contains All These Nutrients:

• Calcium
• Folate (Folic Acid)
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
• Vitamin E

It is an amazing list, isn't it? It is no wonder, then, that parsley has been prescribed for a large array of purposes, from helping to prevent and treat cancer to freshening breath! It is also used for relieving fluid retention and gas as well as for the treatment of high blood pressure, indigestion, kidney disease, jaundice, menstrual problems, obesity, gallstones, and prostate disorders. Perhaps of higher relevance for the majority of us: It helps alleviate cold and asthma symptoms, since it is a good expectorant and contains Vitamin C, which enhances immunity and helps shorten the duration of a cold.

Parsley contains several B vitamins, which are known for promoting the proper functioning of the nervous system. Therefore it makes sense to take parsley to help relieve stress. Another benefit is the fact that B vitamins work best as a team. In addition, parsley is rich in Vitamin C, which is essential to the production of the anti-stress adrenal gland hormones.

Actually, weight-wise, parsley contains more Vitamin C than an orange! And Vitamin C is a valuable antioxidant that is essential to at least 300 bodily functions! It helps promote the growth and repair of tissue, helps keep gums healthy, and assists in the production of interferon, which is important to the immune system. Studies have indicated that Vitamin C consumption can also reduce the symptoms of asthma, protect against infection, protect against pollution, and even help prevent cancer. Further, it assists in the absorption of iron (one of the components of parsley.)

Caution
Pregnant women should not ingest parsley in the form of juice or oil.

Give it a boost
When parsley is blended with horsetail, its healing properties are multiplied, since horsetail treats fluid retention, is an anti-inflammatory, and reduces muscle cramps and spasms. Horsetail also helps the absorption of calcium, which is contained in parsley and other sources. Therefore, together they promote healthy skin and strengthen bone, hair, nails, and teeth.

Eating your parsley with other nutrients inside a capsule is a convenient and effective way to benefit from this nutrient-rich herb. Remember to look for higher quality raw materials in the dietary supplements you choose.

Obviously parsley is more than just a way to "pretty up" an entree. It is a way to good health.

Sources:

Balch, Phyllis, CNC; Balch, James, M.D. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York: Avery Books, 2000.

Mindell, Earl, Ph.D. Earl Mindell's New Herb Bible. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1992.

Mowrey, Daniel, Ph.D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1986

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