Parsley has been grown and cultivated by mankind for about 2,000 years. It originated in the Mediterranean region of southern Italy and North Africa and was given a high status in Greek and Roman cultures. Although parsley is largely used as a food condiment and as a seasoning for various dishes, its earliest use was as a medicinal herb. Combining flavour and nutrition, parsley has now claimed the title of the most popular herb in the world.

As it is not native to India, a lot of people still are unaware of the wonderful benefits that Organic Parsley can provide; in order to dispel the ignorance around parsley, here is a list of some amazing nutritional facts related to this wonder spice:-

1. Promotes a healthy heart

Parsley is an extremely rich source of folic acid which is an important B vitamin required by the body. Folic acid performs numerous functions in the body, but its effect on the health of your heart is worth noticing.

People who are suffering from atherosclerosis (blocked arteries) or generally have poor heart health are exposed to the risk of cardiac arrests and strokes due to the build-up of a chemical compound known as homocysteine in the body. When levels of homocysteine increase, there is a chance that it may attack and damage blood vessels. Folic acid neutralizes the threat of homocysteine by converting it into harmless molecules that pose no danger to the body.

By combating the detrimental effects of homocysteine, parsley not only helps patients of heart diseases, it also prevents the occurrence of such diseases in healthy people.

2. Prevents the formation of cancerous tumours

Parsley has a slew of volatile oils embedded in it but one of those, namely myristicin has been singled out for its anti-carcinogenic properties. Studies conducted on animal subjects have shown that myristicin has the ability to deter the growth of cancerous tumours in the body, specifically in the lungs.

Parsley also has a variety of anti-oxidants in it including flavonoids, vitamin C and beta-carotene all of which are essential to limit the threat of free radicals in the body and protect it from several types of cancer.

3. Can help to prevent rheumatoid arthritis

Although the effects of parsley on arthritis are still being studied in laboratories, the initial results are quite encouraging. Parsley’s effect on arthritis is believed to stem from the anti-inflammatory properties of its vitamin C and beta-carotene content.

A study that observed the dietary habits of more than 20,000 participants concluded that those who consumed the least amounts of vitamin C were three times more likely to suffer from arthritis.

4. It has a significant diuretic effect

Parsley has been observed to display a diuretic effect on the body for many centuries. By increasing the frequency and quantity of urination, parsley can help in ridding the body of excess toxins that get accumulated inside. Moreover, due to its diuretic effect, several diseases like urinary tract infections and oedema (swelling of the body due to fluid accumulation) can also be resolved. Kidney and gall bladder stones are also dissolved and removed from the body much easily due to parsley’s diuretic effect.

5. Boosts the immunity of the body

All the vitamins and minerals present in parsley add up to give your body’s immunity a great boost and preventing it from falling prey to diseases and infections. It increases the activity of white blood cells, prevents auto-immune reactions and its anti-microbial effect keeps bacterial and fungal infections at bay.

Along with all the amazing benefits of parsley, there are also a few words of caution. Parsley – especially in large amounts – is quite risky for pregnant women. Even nursing mothers should try to avoid overconsumption of parsley. It may also make your skin more sensitive or cause headaches, if taken in large quantities. Parsley is safe and beneficial for those who consume it moderately, so use it wisely and avail its amazing nutritional advantages!

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