Parsley - All The Health Benefits

Video: Parsley - All The Health Benefits

Video: Parsley - All The Health Benefits
Video: 15 Powerful Health Benefits Of Parsley You Never Knew About 2024, December
Parsley - All The Health Benefits
Parsley - All The Health Benefits
Anonim

A sprig of parsley can be much more than a decoration on your plate. Parsley contains two types of unusual components that provide unique health benefits.

Its volatile oils, especially myristicin, have been shown in animal experiments to inhibit the formation of lung tumors. Myristicin also activates the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which helps attach glutathione molecules to oxygen molecules, which otherwise harms the body.

The activity of volatile parsley oils defines it as a "chemoprotective" food. One that helps neutralize certain types of carcinogens (such as those that are part of cigarette smoke and charcoal smoke).

Composition of parsley
Composition of parsley

The flavonoids in parsley act as antioxidants that combine with highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules to prevent cell damage. Parsley extract has been used in animal experiments to increase antioxidant capacity in the blood.

Parsley essential oils are an excellent source of two nutrients that are important in preventing many diseases: vitamin C and vitamin A (especially through its concentration of provitamin A carotenoids and beta-carotene).

Vitamin C has many different functions. It is a water-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes dangerous free radicals in all water-soluble parts of the body. High levels of free radicals contribute to the development and progression of a wide range of diseases, including atherosclerosis, colon cancer, diabetes and asthma.

Benefits of parsley
Benefits of parsley

In addition, the vitamin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which explains its usefulness in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. And because vitamin C is needed for the immune system to function properly, it can be helpful in preventing recurrent ear infections or colds.

Beta-carotene is another important antioxidant that works in fat-soluble parts of the body. Diets high in beta-carotene also reduce the risk of developing and progressing conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and colon cancer.

Beta-carotene is converted in the body into vitamin A, which is nutritious and so important to the immune system that its nickname is "anti-infective vitamin."

Parsley is a good source of folic acid, which plays a very important role in cardiovascular disease. It can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Folic acid is an important nutrient for proper cell division and is therefore vital for the prevention of cancer in two areas of the body that contain rapidly dividing cells, namely the colon and the cervix.

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