Parsley: benefits, properties and contraindications

Parsley: benefits, properties and contraindications

The parsley It is an herbaceous plant belonging to the family Apiaceae, which is scientifically known by the name of Petroselinum crispum. We find it easily in many orchards and gardens, and even in 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 your crop has been known for more than 300 years? As many historians say, the medicinal use of parsley dates back to the time of Charlemagne, when in the order Capitulare de villis vel curtis imperii he claimed the cultivation of a series of herbs including the one known as "petrosilinum".

Since then, parsley has been cultivated for medicinal use (due to its different curative, preventive and therapeutic qualities scientifically recognized), as well as for its gastronomic use in the kitchen of many houses in 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 raw is consumed, 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 are with potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, iron and magnesium.

In terms of its content of essential nutrients, the presence of vitamin C and vitamin A stands out, not surprisingly, 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 (per 100 grams of parsley):

• Calories: 36
• Carbohydrates: 6.4 gr.
• Proteins: 3.0 gr.
• Fat: 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

1. Good for digestion and for intestinal transit

Parsley is considered a digestive plant, which helps in making better digestion, preventing or relieving intestinal spasms and the so annoying symptoms caused by slow digestions.

In addition to these digestive qualities, for its fiber content it becomes an interesting natural option when it comes to regularize intestinal transit.

To enjoy these benefits it is recommended to take a cup of parsley infusion before the 3 main meals.

2. Helps strengthen the immune system

If you seek to strengthen the immune system and increase the defenses in a completely natural way, there is no doubt that you will find parsley 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, because of 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 the flu and colds (which although it is true that it does not help us to avoid them, it is useful to alleviate its symptoms and shorten its duration).

3. Good for the kidneys

Parsley is ideal for cleaning the kidneys, so that we have an excellent food to purify the kidneys completely naturally. The reason is that their diuretic properties they favor that parsley stimulates renal function, so that we help our kidneys perform their functions of purification and detoxification of the organism better.

It also helps in case of 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 renal failure.

4. Adequate in case of anemia, fatigue and fatigue

Although this quality is not completely known, did you know that the 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 can not consume it?

The consumption of parsley is not recommended in case of:

• Stones in the kidney or tendency to form kidney stones.
• Renal insufficiency.
• Pregnancy: can stimulate the uterus.

The consumption of parsley oil is not recommended in case of:

• Children.
• People with delicate stomach, duodenal ulcers or gastritis.

Images | Kelley Boone / Kim Ahlström / Alice Henneman This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesFoods Aromatic herbs