Parsley is widely known and used as an additive in enhancing the flavor of any dish. It is also a useful garnishing that can make a recipe more appetizing. This powerful herb works in wonders and improves a dish, but it also provides nutrients and health benefits that may not be known to many.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), there are 4 calories, .6 grams of carbohydrate, 0.3 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of fat, 00.3 grams of fiber and 0.1 grams of sugar in 10 sprigs of parsley. It can readily deliver 22 percent of vitamin C, 17 percent of vitamin A and 205 percent daily requirement of vitamin K.
Parsley is known to alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), constipation, jaundice, intestinal gas (flatulence), gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, "tired blood" (anemia), indigestion, colic, high blood pressure, diabetes, cough, asthma, fluid retention (edema), prostate conditions, osteoarthritis, and spleen conditions.
Parsley is also used to initiate menstrual flow, to cause abortion, as a breath freshener and used as an aphrodisiac. This herb is also added and used as oils for perfumes, cosmetics and soaps. But its most and widely use is garnishing, food flavoring, and condiment.
Parsley must be consumed carefully with cautious as taking it in large amount may also cause adverse effects. It is safe to be used as a medicine if taken by adult. It is also safe when consumed as additives in foods.
However, parsley when taken in huge quantities is likely unsafe. It can cause anemia, kidney and liver complications. It is also unsafe when parsley seed oil is applied to the skin. The parsley seed oil can trigger itching and makes the skin sensitive to the sun.
Caution must be noted when you are taking Coumadin (warfarin) blood-thinners medicine and you are consuming parsley. Warfarin is used as blood thinners but if you are going to eat larger amount of parsley, blood clotting will be enhanced.
Another contradicting medicine while taking parsley is water pills or diuretic drugs. Parsley as an herb acts as diuretic. And if you are taking water pills, water excretion will be increased further. When this happens, the person's blood pressure will go down or the person may feel dizziness.
For safety, it is also advised not to be given to pregnant women. When parsley is consumed in large amount or if taken as a supplement, it may trigger uterine stimulation that may lead to pre-term labor and miscarriage.
