We have all seen it sitting there on the side of the plate, but who knew parsley had multiple health benefits. Long used by various ethnicities as a pungent seasoning in foods, Americans use this health food as a garnish more often than they do as an ingredient. Research has shown that parsley works to lower blood pressure, strengthen bones, decrease prostate cancer, kill bacteria, and even help with stomach ulcers.
There are two main varieties of parsley available in most grocery stores. Curley parsley which is usually found as a garnish and it resembles its namesake. Flat leaf parsley, also known as Italian parsley, is the more common variety used in cooking. The research I found did not specify which type of parsley was used; my educated guess is that either would have similar effects.
Our blood pressure is largely regulated by our kidneys. A large majority of blood pressure pills are referred to as “diuretics.” This means that they help us urinate more, therefore decreasing the amount of fluids in our body and also decreasing our blood pressure. Research has shown that parsley inhibits the action of our sodium-potassium pumps located in our kidneys, and therefore is allows our kidneys to excrete more water into our bladder. Some doctors today are recommending 2 cups of parsley tea a day to help decrease blood pressure naturally. Parsley tea is readily available in most vitamin and natural food stores.
Bone density is a more complicated matter. Our body is constantly breaking down old bone and building up new bone material. As we age, our body continues to break down older bone at a steady rate, but it slows down the speed at which we build up new bone. This is particularly evident in post-menopausal women, when they start to see a decrease in their bone density. Parsley, along with onions and garlic, has been shown to inhibit the breakdown of older bone, which in turn allows our body to maintain a higher density of bone, and help ward-off osteoporosis. This research was done with food supplements and herbal teas. It seems like a little diet modification can go a long way towards good bone density.
Antioxidants have shown good results at decreasing the risk of prostate cancer. It turns out that parsley is rich in apigenin, a flavenoid that packs a powerful antioxidant punch. Fruits and vegetables have the highest concentrations of antioxidants, and should be consumed daily to help prevent various types of cancer, flues, colds, and even help decrease inflammation.
Finally, an article in the World Journal of Gastroenterology did a study on 25 different edible plants to see if they help inhibit and kill a certain bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. You may not have heard of these bacteria, but it is believed to be a major contributor in stomach ulcers and chronic bacterial infections. Parsley, turmeric, cumin, ginger, chili, black caraway, oregano, and liquorice all proved effective at killing bacteria in the stomach. Three of these extracts, including parsley, also inhibited the adhesion of the bacteria to the wall of the stomach. This is important because it helps us pass the bacteria, so it can not replicate and cause further damage.
In short, it seems like we should all be eating the garnish before the rest of the meal. With all of the benefits to be had from consuming parsley, try adding it to your favorite sauces, soups, stews, and even sprinkling it on a salad, to get the most out of your meal. Who new eating the garnish could taste so good, and be so good for you?