Parsley is an aromatic herb with incredible nutritional benefits and many medicinal and healing properties. But also with some contraindications, in which case its consumption would not be recommended.
The parsley is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, which is scientifically known under the name Petroselinum crispum. We find it easily in many orchards and gardens, and even on the margins of walls and roads, and as you surely know, it stands out for being the main ingredient in many parts of the world, for its aromatic qualities, hence it is widely used as seasoning. Did you know that its cultivation has been known for more than 300 years? As many historians have stated, the medicinal use of parsley dates back – unless there is evidence – to the time of Charlemagne, when in the Capitulare order of villis vel curtis imperii claimed the cultivation of a series of herbs including the one known as “petrosilinum”.
Since then, parsley has been cultivated for its medicinal use (for its different scientifically recognized curative, preventive and therapeutic qualities), as well as for its gastronomic use in the kitchen of many houses around the world, thanks to its incredible aromatic power, so delicate as wonderful.
Nutritional benefits of parsley
Parsley is a natural food that stands out for its great nutritional wealth. In fact, when consumed raw, it provides interesting amounts of both vitamins and minerals. Among its vitamins, we find vitamin A, vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9 or folic acid and K), and vitamins C and D. It also provides minerals, among which we find with potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, iron and magnesium.
Regarding its content of essential nutrients, the presence of vitamin C and vitamin A stands out especially. Not in vain, 100 grams of parsley provide 133 mg. of vitamin C and 421 ug. Of vitamin A. It also stands out for its low content both in calories and therefore in fat, since 100 grams of parsley provide 1 gram of fat and only 36 calories.
We can summarize its nutritional content in the following section (for every 100 grams of parsley):
- Calories: 36
- Carbohydrates: 6.4 gr.
- Proteins: 3.0 gr.
- Fats: 1 gr.
- Fiber: 3 gr.
- Vitamins: A (421 ug), B1 (0.1 mg), B2 (0.2 mg), B3 (1.3 mg), B5 (0.4 mg), B6 (0.2 mg), B9 (153 ug), C (133 mg) and K (1640 ug).
- Minerals: potassium (555 mg), calcium (138 mg), phosphorus (58 mg), magnesium (50 mg), iron (6.3 mg) and zinc (1.1 mg).
Most important properties of parsley
Good for digestion and intestinal transit
Parsley is considered a digestive plant, which helps to improve digestion, preventing or relieving intestinal spasms and the annoying symptoms caused by slow digestion.
In addition to these digestive qualities, due to its fiber content it becomes an interesting natural option when it comes to regularizing intestinal transit.
To enjoy these benefits, it is recommended to drink a cup of parsley infusion before the 3 main meals.
Helps to strengthen the immune system
If you are looking to strengthen the immune system and increase defenses in a completely natural way, there is no doubt that you will find parsley to be a great ally. And is that parsley is very rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient with recognized action on our immune system.
On the other hand, due to its content in this vitamin, it is also ideal to increase its consumption in times such as autumn or winter, for example with the preparation of broths and soups, thanks to its qualities against flu and colds (which although it is true that it does not help us to avoid them, it is useful to alleviate their symptoms and shorten their duration).
Good for the kidneys
Parsley is ideal for cleaning the kidneys, so that we are facing an excellent food to purify the kidneys in a completely natural way. The reason is that its diuretic properties favor parsley to stimulate kidney function, so that we help our kidneys to better perform their purification and detoxification functions of the body.
It also helps with high blood pressure, by helping to regulate high blood pressure levels.
Although parsley is good for the kidneys, its consumption is not recommended in case of kidney stones or in people with a tendency to kidney stones, since it contains a large amount of oxalic acid (a component involved in its formation). Neither in case of kidney failure.
Suitable in case of anemia, fatigue and tiredness
Although this quality is not fully known, did you know that parsley is ideal for people with anemia, fatigue and physical fatigue? The answer to this benefit is found in its richness in minerals, by providing interesting amounts of iron, phosphorus and calcium.
Contraindications of parsley, who cannot consume it?
The consumption of parsley is not recommended in case of:
- Kidney stones or tendency to form kidney stones.
- Renal insufficiency.
- Pregnancy: can stimulate the uterus.
The consumption of parsley oil is not recommended in case of:
- Kids.
- People with a delicate stomach, duodenal ulcers or gastritis.
