Green for Parsley

One of my favourite and sometimes under-used herbs is parsley. Coming from Portugal this is used in many dishes from appetizers to main dishes; it is so popular that many people will grow parsley in their gardens due to its distinct taste.

Parsley is a Mediterranean herb that has been used for over 2000 years. This herbs boasts an array of health benefits to the body, from flushing out extra fluid to lowering blood pressure. The following is the 2 most crucial benefits of parsley for our health.

1. Anti-cancer

Parsley contains mystericin which is in the essential oil of parsley. This compound activates the enzyme, glutathione-S-transferase which helps the molecule glutathione attach to and fight against oxidized molecules.
Parsley is also dense in antioxidants in particular, luteolin which helps to remove free radicals.

2. Anti-inflammatory

Parsley us high in vitamin C. Just 1 tablespoon of parsley contains about 8% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Vitamin C is needed for collagen which is the main structural protein found in connective tissue. Vitamin C helps body repair wounds, promotes healthy bones and teeth.
It is also rich in Vitamin A. Vitamin A strengthens the lining if mucus membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts.

How to incorporate parsley into your daily diet?

•try parsley tea: sipping on this may help with arthritic pain
•add 1-2 tbsp of fresh parsley into fruit/vegetable smoothies
•add to tomato sauce, use to season breadcrumbs

Remember the healthier you are the younger you’ll look.