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July 27, 2016 While dining out at your favorite restaurant, you may notice sprigs of delicate, light green leaves garnishing your plate. Although it does add visual appeal to your dinner order, parsley is not just a pretty garnish. It also has several potential health benefits.
Provides a Rich Source of Vitamin K
One ounce of parsley contains 574 percent of vitamin K, which is five times the recommended daily allowance for an adult. Your body needs this essential vitamin to clot your blood after cutting yourself.
Vitamin K also strengthens your bones to keep them from breaking, especially if you have a previous fracture or have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. It works by aiding your body in the absorption of calcium, a mineral vital for keeping your bones strong and healthy.
Although parsley is generally considered safe to eat, a word of caution is in order, especially if you take blood-thinners. Since vitamin K is a key factor in the body’s ability to clot blood, consuming high levels could interfere with your medication. Ask your doctor if parsley is safe for you to eat.
Flushes Kidneys to Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Eating parsley could be helpful in keeping your urinary tract clean, especially if you have problems with recurring infections. Since parsley is purported to have strong detoxification and anti-microbial properties, it is sometimes used as a remedy to flush the kidneys and bladder, helping prevent urinary tract infections.
While parsley could help prevent such problems, you should not use it in place of any medications or advice your doctor has given you. You could, however, speak with your physician about using parsley as an adjunct to your treatment regimen.
Helps Fight Off Cancer
Some studies have shown that the flavonoids and antioxidants found in parsley’s chlorophyll may help fight off some cancers, such as those that affect the breast and prostate. These substances strengthen the immune system, as well as decrease the amount of oxidation that could damage your body’s cells, which increase the risk of cancerous growth.
Sweetens Your Breath
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, parsley can help sweeten your breath. The herb contains high levels of chlorophyll that kills the germs in your mouth and upper gastrointestinal system which give off noxious byproducts. These byproducts result in bad breath, especially after you eat strong smelling foods, such as garlic or onions.
Conclusion
The next time your dinner comes with a parsley garnish, finish off your meal by eating this powerful herb. If you do not go out to eat much, experiment by adding fresh or dried parsley to your favorite recipes.
