Parsley is famous for its charming taste in many dishes such as salad, soup, tart, pizza, or grilled. On the other hand, this herb comprises various benefits for health that you have not probably known. Discovering its facts throughout this article and taking a surprise with Long Produce
Contents
1. Origins and Development of Parsley
Parsley is thought to be originated in Sardinia and the first cultivation was recorded in the 3rd century BC. The development was derived from the central and eastern Mediterranean areas (Algeria, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, southern Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Sardinia, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey). After that, it has been domesticated in Europe and become more popular on this continent. The first time it has appeared in England was in the year 1548.
Botanically, this kind is in the Apiaceae family. It has been grown as a herb and a vegetable. This herb is commonly cultivated and used in Europe, the Middle Eastern, and America. In central Europe, especially southern Europe, and even in western Asia, fresh chopped parsley is sprinkled on top of various dishes or used to season. Additionally, this kind is usually used as a garnish. While the root is widely used in central, eastern, and southern European food in soups, stews, or casseroles.
2. Characteristics and Taste of Parsley
Parsley is developed as a biennial. In the first year, it creates a rosette of tripinnate leaves 4-6 inches in length with plentiful ⅓-1 inches, and a taproot is applied to be a kind of food over the winter. Through the second year, it develops a stem up to 30 inches in height with sparser leaves and round umbels 3-4 inches with tiny yellow to yellow-green flowers. The seed is commonly small and oval.
As mentioned before, the flavor of this herb is the main reason for being loved. The first feeling when eating parsley is cool and fresh, combined with a slight sourness. It also contains natural fragrant oil, this is the most remarkable feature of this herb. The balanced flavor of this herb stimulates all taste receptors on your tongue even sweet or salty. That is the reason why it is commonly added to many different all over the world.
3. Nutrition Values of Parsley
Inside 100 grams fresh parley contains numerous nutrients that are necessary for your body. Here are the detailed stats:
- Calories: 36
- Carbohydrates: 6.33 grams
- Sugar: 0.85 grams
- Fiber: 3.3 grams
- Fat: 0.79 grams
- Protein: 2.97 grams
Percent of vitamins (based on the US recommendation for adults)
- Vitamin A: 53%
- Vitamin B1: 7%
- Vitamin B2: 8%
- Vitamin B3: 9%
- Vitamin B5: 8%
- Vitamin B6: 7%
- Vitamin B9: 38%
- Vitamin C: 160%
- Vitamin E: 5%
- Vitamin K: 1562%
Percent of minerals (based on the US recommendation for adults)
- Calcium: 14%
- Iron: 48%
- Magnesium: 14%
- Manganese: 8%
- Phosphorous: 8%
- Potassium: 12%
- Sodium: 4%
- Zinc: 11%
As you can see, parsley contains a high amount of nutrients for your body’s work.
4. Several Remarkable Benefits
Including plentiful trophic values, there is no doubt about the benefits parsley brings to your health. Below are some considerable advantages that you should know about this herb.
Decrease The Cardiovascular Issues
Every day, heart issues such as heart attacks, strokes are causing death for millions of people all over the world. In fact, heart problem comes from numerous reason such as polluted air and food, cigarette smoke, unhealthy habits and meal, lack of exercise, or consuming a high amount of alcohol.
However, you can prevent these diseases by eating rich antioxidant and compound food and such as parsley. Through some studies, it has been proved that include antioxidants good for heart health. For example, carotenoids present in parsley are associated with reducing the “bad” cholesterol levels parallel with lowering the cardiovascular risk such as chronic inflammation.
Improve the Kidneys’ Health
Kidneys are in charge of filtering blood along with clearing away waste and excess water, which is excreted with your urine. Sometimes, as the urine becomes concentrated, mineral deposits can be created and they cause the pain called kidney stones. High blood pressure is also linked to this severe issue.
Some studies have pointed out that kidney stones patients had decreased urinary calcium and protein excretion, besides improved urinary pH and urination when they were treated with parsley. On top of that, this herb also consists of antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids that can keep the inflammation in control. Plus, this herb can curb high blood pressure conditions.
Enhance Blood Sugar
High blood sugar is caused by numerous reasons such as lacking exercise or bad diets. High blood sugar can lead to some serious issues such as insulin resistance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular problems.
On some animal tests, parsley is proved that including antioxidants has significant impacts on lowering blood sugar levels. Accurate diets combined with consuming parsley can bring balanced blood sugar levels. However, there is needed more research on people to prove that it is really effective for lowering high blood sugar.
More information: Actually, parsley is of benefits for bones, immune system, and liver, however, because the amount you use every day is low, these benefits are less considerable and need more evidence to claim. Coming to allergic, not too many situations have been recorded, therefore, you can ask the doctor if getting itchy or have unpleasant feelings.
FAQs
What are the differences between curly and flat parsley?
The differences between these two kinds are the balance of the compounds menthatriene, phellandrene, myristicin, and myrcene. Probably separating two kinds as below.
Flat-leaf variety:
- Large and flat leaves
- Strong taste, and fragrant smell.
- Dark to light green
Curly-leaf variety:
- Thicker and curly in texture
- Mild and a little bit bitter in taste
- Bright green in color
Can I replace fresh parsley with dried one?
Fresh parsley is highly recommended since it can be used for seasoning and decorating. However, the dried is convenient as well as simple to preserve. Plus, you can easily buy the dried at a reasonable price than the fresh one. Hence, up to your requirement and condition, you can pick fresh or dried form since the flavor is not extremely different.
Some information above can help you know clearly about a common herb, parsley. This flexible vegetable appears in almost all dishes in Europe and America. Adding this herb to your daily meal not only creates more flavor for your meal but also gives beneficial value to your health.