31 Days of Raw: Day #22 - Parsley

31 Days of Raw: Day #22 Parsley

 
Even I need this article.  I know parsley is wonderful, but tend to use it very rarely. I’ve made a few green smoothies out of it because it was ridiculously inexpensive, but wasn’t too impressed with it.  I suppose I’m just so used to seeing it as a garnish that even I forget to eat it.  I do use it for two medicinal purposes though.  I like it to freshen my breath.  If you haven’t noticed…I enjoy garlic. So, on the days when garlic is at every meal…a spring of parsley goes a long way and usually eliminates any taste in my mouth.  The second use is when I eat too much and have an upset tummy.  It doesn’t happen very much anymore…but it used to.  I’m not sure where the thought came from, but I’ve always known to eat parsley after overeating. So while I haven’t included parsley in my diet as a staple…after doing tonight’s research..it will so become one.

Did you know that parsley…

Fights cancer.
Parsley contains the volatile oil, myristicin, that have been found to inhibit tumor formation in animal studies, particularly those in the lungs. The oils are not only cancer-fighting, they're also known to neutralize carcinogens including those found in cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke. Parsley also contains folic acid, which has been found to help prevent colon and cervical cancers.

Antioxidant-rich.
Parsley contains beneficial antioxidant compounds called flavonoids. These compounds combine with oxygen-containing molecules and help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. Parsley extracts have also been found to increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood in animal studies.

Good for the heart.
The folic acid in parsley is a critical nutrient in cardiovascular health. Specifically, folic acid helps convert potentially dangerous homocysteine into harmless molecules, a process that protects blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Protects against rheumatoid arthritis.
A study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people who ate the least amount of vitamin-C-rich foods (like parsley) had a three times greater chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis than those who ate the most.

Heart Health:
Parsley is a good source of the vitamin folic acid, which is very important for the promotion and maintenance of a healthy heart. Its main function is to prevent the excessive accumulation of homocysteine (a harmful metabolite of protein metabolism) in the human body. This metabolite increases the risk of atherosclerosis, by reducing the integrity of the blood vessel walls and interfering with the formation of collagen.

Nutritionally Abundant
A major function of the vitamin A present in the herb is to maintain smooth and radiant skin, by fighting against acne. It also enhances the eye-sight. Parsley is also rich in many B-group vitamins (B6, thiamin, niacin and riboflavin), which are very essential for the production of energy from food.  A good source of dietary fiber, parsley adds roughage to the intestinal contents, promotes satiety, aids in maintaining a healthy colon and also helps relieve certain conditions, like hemorrhoids, constipation and diverticular disorders.   Apart from being a good source of vitamins, parsley is also rich in certain minerals, like iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese, which are involved in different metabolic processes in the human body.

Fresh Breath
Not only does chewing on a sprig of parsley after a dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread taste refreshing, it can also neutralize breath odor. The secret seems to lie with parsley's high concentration of chlorophyll which helps to offset a variety of not so pleasant odors. You always knew that green garnish was good for something, didn't you?

Low in Calories
You don't have to feel guilty when you chew on a sprig of parsley. Two tablespoons of this refreshing herb has a measly two calories. You can't do much better than this if you're watching your calorie intake.

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Pargrapesley Juice

• ½ bunch parsley, chopped
• 3 pears, chopped
• 1 cup grapes
• 1-3 cups water

Blend all ingredients till smooth, adding more and more water until it has a juice consistency not a smoothie consistency.  What a refreshing drink!  It’s a great breakfast replacement.

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