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 apigenin (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 diuretic properties.
The leaves, seeds and roots of parsley are used to prepare natural remedies, vitamins, teas and to season food, and can be found fresh or dried.
1. Fight urinary infections
Parsley has antimicrobial and diuretic action and, therefore, helps prevent the emergence of recurrent urinary infections.
2. Strengthens the immune system
Because it is rich in vitamin C, zinc and vitamin A and 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 e Escherichia coli, and viruses, such as the Influenza virus, making it an excellent option for fighting flu and colds.
3. Helps control diabetes
Consuming parsley can help regulate blood sugar, in addition to protecting the liver in people with diabetes, as it has antioxidant action. Furthermore, due to the presence of flavonoids it also helps prevent the onset of diabetes, making it an excellent option for people who suffer from pre-diabetes.
4. Improves blood pressure and combats fluid retention
Parsley is rich in potassium, a mineral that promotes the excretion of sodium through urine, in addition to having diuretic properties, which helps to lower blood pressure and combat fluid retention.
5. Prevent and combat anemia
Since it is a plant rich in iron and folic acid, parsley helps prevent and combat 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.
Furthermore, parsley also contains vitamin C, which promotes the absorption of iron at the intestinal level.
6. Promotes vision health
Parsley is rich in carotenoids, mainly 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 reduce oxidative damage in the upper layers of the skin, caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun, cigarette smoke and pollution, preventing premature aging.
Furthermore, parsley contains vitamin C, which in addition to being a powerful antioxidant, also promotes the formation of collagen in the body, reducing sagging skin and increasing its firmness and elasticity.
8. Prevent the appearance of kidney stones
Parsley helps to stimulate the elimination of fluids from the body, in addition to which a scientific study indicates that it could reduce the urinary excretion of calcium, increases urinary pH, has a nephroprotective effect and decreases the urinary excretion of protein, 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 damage caused by free radicals to cells and prevent oxidative stress, which are related to the development of cancer and chronic diseases.
Flavonoids are linked to a lower risk of developing colon cancer and obesity. Carotenoids, such as lutein, can inhibit the growth of cancer cells related to breast cancer, preventing their appearance. Vitamin C is related to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
10. Prevent heart disease
Parsley is rich in folate, a B vitamin that prevents the formation of atheroma plaques, helping to maintain the health of blood vessels and preventing diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke.
In addition, it also contains vitamin K, which helps 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. Furthermore, it is also responsible for activating some proteins that increase bone density and stimulates greater calcium fixation in bones and teeth, preventing osteoporosis.
Nutritional information
The following table provides nutritional information for 100 g of fresh parsley:
How to consume
To use parsley in recipes, you must drain fresh parsley with very green, 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 refrigerator 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 for longer.
parsley tea
Parsley tea can be used to help fight urinary tract infections, kidney stones, control hypertension and fluid retention.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley;
- 250 mL of boiling water
Preparation mode
Add the parsley to the boiling water, cover and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Then, strain and drink a maximum of 3 cups of tea per day. It is important to remember that parsley tea is contraindicated for pregnant women.
Parsley green juice
Green juice made with parsley is rich in antioxidants that help keep the skin young and healthy and combat fluid retention, helping with weight loss diets.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup parsley;
- 1 orange;
- 1/2 apple;
- 1/2 cucumber;
- 1 glass of coconut water.
Preparation mode
Blend all the 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 had surgery less than 1 month ago.
Furthermore, the tea or juice should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding 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 medications, such as warfarin, for example, and it is important to consult your doctor before consuming.
Parsley tea should also not be consumed by people who use diuretics, as it can cause a loss of minerals through urine above what is recommended.
