Parsley is primarily used as a spice to add classiness in the final stages of cooking. Since it is used with a minimal amount, the flavor doesn’t participate. However, parsley is packed with nutrients, making it an excellent ingredient for dieting and skincare. Let’s explore the various benefits and ways to consume parsley that we might not have known well when just using it as a garnish.
One of the herbs originated from the Mediterranean
Parsley is one of the herbs that originated from the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for a long time. In ancient Greece, it was used in various ceremonies and was known for being used as a wreath similar to a laurel. Romans also used it as a fragrance and mood enhancer and even to treat diseases in horses.
Divided by the type of parsley
Parsley comes in two types: “curly-leaf” and “flat-leaf.” The “curly-leaf parsley” we commonly know has a strong bitter taste and is often used as a garnish to enhance the color of dishes. On the other hand, “flat-leaf parsley,” also known as Italian parsley, is characterized by its savory and unique aroma. With its pleasant scent, this type of parsley is used as a garnish and an ingredient in cooking.
Excellent for maintaining immunity and preventing aging
Parsley is rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which boosts immunity and has anti-aging effects. It also contains a lot of vitamins A, B1, and B2, as well as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Beta-carotene and vitamins not only prevent aging but also prevent various adult diseases, such as stroke. It also contains a lot of dietary fiber, which can help prevent constipation.
Listed as a natural diuretic
Parsley is a vegetable with excellent medical properties, along with celery, cucumber, and lemon, and is considered a superb natural diuretic. As a result, even a small amount of parsley can make you want to urinate, making it a recommended food for people with gout or weak kidneys. It is particularly beneficial to consume parsley when you have symptoms of bacterial infection in the urethra.
Excellent at removing bad breath
Did you know that parsley is excellent at removing bad breath? From ancient times, food scientists have listed parsley as the only food that can beat the smell of garlic. This is because the ingredients in parsley are excellent at removing bacteria that cause bad breath in the mouth and also play a role in removing toxins accumulated in the body. Chewing parsley after smoking or drinking can eliminate the smell.
Noted for its anti-cancer effects
The anti-cancer effects of parsley were once a hot topic. “Apigenin,” found in parsley, onions, chamomile, and others, is a flavonoid. According to a study, it was found to reduce the levels of insulin-like growth hormone, a known factor that increases the risk of developing breast cancer and lung cancer.
Difficult to absorb nutrients when used as a garnish
Although parsley is rich in nutrients, it is difficult to absorb when sprinkled on food as a garnish. Eating fresh parsley as a garnish is much more beneficial for nutrient intake. Overeating can burden the body since it’s an herb, so eating about 30g per day is recommended. If you find it challenging to eat it raw, blending it with fruits can also be beneficial.
People who should not eat parsley
If you have a herb allergy, you should be careful when consuming parsley. It also induces uterine contractions and hormone secretion, posing a risk of miscarriage, so it is not recommended for pregnant women as it can affect a fetus. You should also be careful if you are taking diabetes medication because it lowers the glucose level.
It needs to be washed more thoroughly than other vegetables
Parsley is a vegetable vulnerable to pests and diseases, so it is often treated with many pesticides. Therefore, it needs to be thoroughly washed to remove contaminants and pesticides. To do this, put parsley and water in a large container so that the parsley is fully submerged, and shake it with your hands to wash it. It should be cleaned with cold water, as rinsing with lukewarm water can increase parsley’s bitter and fishy taste. If the water becomes contaminated, repeat this 2-3 times, then remove it from the water and gently pat it dry with a kitchen towel.
How to choose and use parsley
When choosing parsley, avoid those that are wilted or have brown spots and go for ones that are bright green. It’s best to choose ones with short gaps between the leaf stem and the leaf vein and having a glossy surface. It’s also easy to find because it’s cultivated domestically and available in grocery stores. Parsley can be juiced and mixed into fruit smoothies or grain salads for a unique flavor. It’s also effective at reducing the smell of garlic in dishes with many cloves of garlic and can decrease the fishy smell when grilling fish.
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