BY MICHELLE SMITH
During the fall and winter months chronic illness sufferers have a harder time with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s a fact that individuals sometimes become less active when it is gloomy and cool outside, which can lead to increased arthritis flare ups or difficulties keeping diabetes under control.
As your health care advocate I went on another search. Parsley is one of those herbs that I would say holds the same merit as thyme in a West Indian household minus the health benefits. Most of my Italian clients swear by parsley and its benefits so let me share with you what I found. The health benefits of parsley include controlling cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, along with helping prevent osteoporosis. Furthermore, it acts as a pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. Parsley also provides relief from gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, stomach cramps, bloating and nausea, while helping to strengthen the immune system. Parsley is the same as cilantro, used for garnishing and seasoning soups, stew and sauces. Nutritional Value of Parsley: Fresh Parsley is a nutritional powerhouse with vitamins A, B, C and K and the minerals iron and potassium.
Beyond water weight, parsley aids in balancing blood sugar, helping with long-term weight balance. It also plays a key role in preventing the degenerative effects of diabetes on the liver.
Here are five more reasons to include parsley in every meal:
Reduce your cancer risk: Eating parsley can reduce the risk of cancers such as breast, digestive tract, skin and prostate. Parsley contains high levels of a flavonoid called apigenin. Not only does apigenin possesses remarkable anti-cancer properties, it’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. apigenin is emerging as the toughest cancer fighter in the produce aisle. In addition to parsley, celery and artichokes, you’ll find it in apples, cherries, grapes, chamomile tea and wine, and in herbs such as tarragon, cilantro, licorice, spearmint, basil and oregano.
Improve your immune function: Parsley may help to modulate the immune system. Parsley’s essential oil has been shown to suppress an over-stimulated immune response making it a key player in the fight against allergies, autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders.
Beat inflammation: Parsley helps to reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Parsley contains a volatile oil called eugenol that has been shown in studies to have strong anti-inflammatory as well as anti-arthritic properties and can significantly suppress swelling in the joints. Parsley is gluten free, therefore, the best herb to reduce the symptoms of allergies. Parsley has antibacterial and antifungal properties working as a cleaning agent and cure for skin infections, acne, dark circles and blemishes. Yeah!
Fight disease: Parsley offers protection from a wide variety of diseases – from atherosclerosis, diabetes and colon cancer to asthma! Parsley is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a key nutrient in the processes that neutralizes the free radicals that play a key role in the development of these diseases. Parsley oil is also used as a face pack but always use it diluted otherwise it can burn your skin. Antioxidants in parsley prevents free radical damage reducing the signs of early aging
Protect your blood vessels: Parsley is a good source of one of the most important B vitamins: folic acid. Folic acid helps to reduce homocysteine. Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid in the body, but high levels in the blood can damage blood vessels increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. This emerald green herb is popular among starlets who want to drop extra water weight before big events because it helps to reduce water retention and bloating (edema). It’s a natural diuretic, which helps to eliminate excess fluid without depleting the body of potassium, sodium including dietary fiber.
Always remember not everything that glitters is gold use everything in moderation. Consumption of parsley especially in large quantities, may have side effects and disadvantages. Some of them include the following:
Risky for Pregnant Women: The consumption of large quantities of parsley may induce uterine contractions during pregnancy. At any stage of pregnancy, this can be very risky. Large amounts of parsley are not safe for women who are breastfeeding. Avoiding excessive consumption of parsley during pregnancy and breastfeeding is strongly advised.
Parsley has a high quantity of oxalates. This high concentration can be particularly problematic for people who suffer from kidney stones.
Remember you are the most important part of your health care team and every choice should be made with knowledge Health advocacy increases your knowledge.
