Pretty Parsley's Health Benefits
Parsley Growing in Our Herb Garden
Overcoming a Dark Reputation
An Introduction to Parsley
Parsley's past was pretty shady. The Greeks and the English cultivated the herb 2,000 years ago, but associated the herb with death and loss because the bodies of the dead were wrapped in parsley to alleviate the odor and to add a fresh aroma. They also believed that transplanting parsley was bad luck because it displeased the local plant spirits, who punished the misdeed with suffering that often held fatal consequences. Because of the plant's reputation, it was rarely mixed with food. People stayed away from it because they also believed it caused headaches and siezures. Those were pretty dark ages indeed, especially for poor parsley.
Tropical Origins
Parsley originated in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea: Greece, Italy, Algeria and Tunisia. Its Latin names are Petroselinum hortense (flat leaves) and Petroselinum crispen (curly leaves). The plant needs lots of moisture and light to grow.
Parsley Leaves for Cooking and Garnishing
Parsley's Promising Presence
Fast forward to the twenty-first century. Modern humans know better than to suspect parsley of malevolence. The green herb has leaves with a pleasing shape. Its flavor is fresh and sweet. Though it does like to keep its own space in the herb garden and prefers to be cultivated from seeds. There is more to love about parsley than was expected.
Health Benefits of Eating Parsley
Curious minds and souls across the years have observed more than just the outward appearance of parsleys' leaves and stems. They found that parsley rewards her believers with a bunch of health benefits:
Immunity Boost
Parsley boosts our immunity and helps prevent cancer.
Balances Blood Sugar
Parsley naturally aids our blood cells in balancing their glucose level.
Strengthens Bone Health
Parsley has been successful in alleviating Osteoporosis for those prone to the disease.
Supports Brain Health
This leafy green herb supports neuron growth and health, and helps prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Detox for Kidneys
Parsley helps rid our kidneys of toxins, but might cause some suffering for people prone to developing kidney stones.
Metabolic Metabolism
Balances the levels of all elements in our bloodstream
Rejuvenates Skin
We know by now that Parsley is more than just a pretty leaf. She also shares her beauty with her admirers by giving those who appreciate her more youthful skin.
Freshens Breath
She shares her sweetness as well, by freshening our breath when we chew on her.
Parsley's Generous Health Benefits
Nutrients in Parsley
| Health Skin Deep
| Physical Health Benefits
|
|---|---|---|
Vitamin A
| Rejuvenates Skin
| Bone Health (alleviates Osteoporosis)
|
Vitamin C
| Brain Health (boosts neurons) & prevents Alzheimer's + Parkinson's
| |
Vitamin K
| Prevents Blood Clots & supports bone health
| |
Folates & Fiber
| Good for Pregnant Moms for preventing Spina Bifida in infants
| |
Flavonoids & Carotenoids
| Anti-Oxidants
| |
Potassium
| Reduces blood pressure and helps prevent stroke
| |
Magnesium
| General metabolic balance
|
Refreshing Summer Tuna Salad
Rate Seafarer Mama's "Refreshing Summer Tuna Salad"
Cook Time
Ingredients
- 1 pouch chunk light tuna in water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled, then sliced or chopped
- 2 carrots, scrubbed & sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 avocado, peeled and chopped
- 1 sheet nori, torn into small pcs
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Toss pumpkin seeds with a few spritzes of olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper. Spray skillet with olive oil and add pumpkin seeds. Toast until lightly browned.
- While pumpkin seeds are toasting, prepare all of the dry ingredients and add them to a large salad bowl.
- Add toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Serve in bowls or on plates.
Seafarer Mama's "Refreshing Summer Tuna Salad" is Packed with Nutrients
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 1 cup | |
| Calories | 488 |
| Calories from Fat | 216 |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Fat 24 g | 37% |
| Saturated fat 15 g | 75% |
| Unsaturated fat 0 g | |
| Carbohydrates 22 g | 7% |
| Sugar 8 g | |
| Fiber 13 g | 52% |
| Protein 27 g | 54% |
| Cholesterol 8 mg | 3% |
| Sodium 181 mg | 8% |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
Addendum of Nutrition Notes on Parsley
Nutritious Parsley
The nutrition information for the tuna salad recipe,cited in the chart above, was compiled from data found on the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) food nutrition information site.
There are so many delicious ways to add parsley to your meals every day, so try a few and pick your favorites. Some of mine include:
- Garnish for salads and soups
- Ingredient in salads, soups, casseroles, etc.
- Juice or smoothie ingredient
Bon appetite!
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2020 Karen A Szklany
