Not many know the benefits of parsley, so often this herb is only considered as a decoration and kept out of the diet. Whereas, There are various health benefits of parsleym, among others supports bone healthand prevent various chronic diseases.
The health benefits of parsley can be obtained thanks to its nutritional content which includes vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, iron, and potassium. In addition, parsley also contains flavonoids and carotenoids that can fight free radicals in the body.
Parsley Benefits For Health
There are various health benefits of parsley, including:
1. Prevent various kinds of chronic diseases
Consumption of parsley can help prevent various diseases because it contains 3 important antioxidants, namely vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Vitamin C is useful for increasing endurance and protecting the body from free radicals that cause chronic disease.
Likewise with flavonoids. Studies show that a diet rich in this substance can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and heart disease. Meanwhile, carotenoids can reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
2. Supports bone health
Vitamin K contained in 2 tablespoons of parsley is able to meet the daily needs of vitamin K. Vitamin K is a nutrient that plays an important role in maintaining bone health and increasing bone density.
Several studies show that regularly eating foods that contain vitamin K can reduce the risk of fractures by as much as 22%. In addition to vitamin K, nutrients in parsley that are also good for bone health are calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
3. Maintain eye health
Parsley contains 3 important carotenoids that can help protect and promote eye health. The three carotenoids are lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin.
Lutein and zeaxanthin in parsley are useful for preventing macular degeneration that occurs due to aging. Meanwhile, the beta carotene in parsley can be converted by the body into vitamin A, which is a vitamin that is important for protecting the cornea and conjunctiva as the outermost layer of the eye.
4. Improve heart health
Another benefit of parsley is that it improves heart health. These benefits can be obtained because parsley contains folic acid and carotenoids are quite high.
In a study it was proven that a diet rich in carotenoids can reduce the risk of heart disease. This is because carotenoids have an important role in lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and lowering bad cholesterol levels.
5. Reduces melasma
Although it needs further research, a study shows that parsley steeped water applied to the face can help reduce dark spots on the face due to melasma. However, you have to be careful in using it, because some people can experience skin allergic reactions.
Not only beautify and enhance the taste of food, parsley is also very nutritious and beneficial for health. In addition, parsley can also neutralize odors caused by foods with a pungent taste. So, from now on it never hurts to add parsley more often to your diet.
However, keep in mind that parsley should not be consumed in excess, especially if you have kidney disease. Parsley contains chemicals that are feared to make the disease worse. While in pregnant women, parsley consumption should be limited because it is feared can trigger a miscarriage.
The health benefits of parsley vary, but don't ignore the side effects, especially if you suffer from certain medical conditions. So, before using parsley as a treatment, it's good to consult a doctor first.
