While parsley is a common herb, many people are unaware of its broad health benefits. They are well worth knowing as this humble herb is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, and has a number of medicinal uses.

Vitamins and minerals

   Parsley contains useful amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, and it is an excellent source of vitamins A, K and C. According to Healthline, just two tablespoons of parsley provide:

Vitamin A: 12% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI)

Vitamin C: 16% of the RDI

Vitamin K: 154% of the RDI

   So, how do these vitamins help you? The vitamin A plays an important role in immunity, eye health and in improving skin conditions. Vitamin C is a well-known immune booster, improves heart health and acts as a powerful antioxidant. While vitamin K supports bone and heart health. It is also an essential nutrient in the blood clotting process, thereby preventing excessive bleeding.

Other benefits

 Studies show that other benefits you can gain from eating parsley regularly include:

• Improved blood sugar levels
• Reduced blood pressure
• Reduced heart disease risk factors such as chronic inflammation and elevated LDL cholesterol
• Improved bone health due to the vitamin K, potassium, magnesium and calcium
• Enhanced liver function

Herbalists also use parsley to ease indigestion, colic and menstrual pain. This is because it contains an essential oil named apiole which relaxes the nervous system, and is particularly useful in digestive complaints that arise due to stress or anxiety. The herb also promotes menstruation.

Warnings

   Although parsley is a safe herb to consume on a daily basis, according to Herbal Reality, women should avoid it during the early stages of pregnancy. It is also recommended that people with hyperoxaluria (excessive oxalate excretion in the urine) avoid foods, such as parsley, that are high in oxalates.

Consuming parsley

   Parsley is such an easy herb to add to your diet. It can be added to almost any savoury dish and is a significant ingredient in salads such as tabouli. It can also be added to smoothies and juices.

   You can make parsley tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of parsley and letting it steep 5-10 minutes. A medicinal dose is considered to be three cups a day.

   Finally, if you want to ward off a cold or flu, try eating chopped, raw garlic wrapped in parsley leaves. The parsley will not only add its own useful dose of vitamin C but will help mask the strong odour of the garlic. It’s a win-win!