Fresh herbs are a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants for the body. Parsley occupies a special place in the list of spices on our table. What properties does it have? Here are 7 reasons to include parsley in your menu. This spice gives the dishes an appetizing appearance and saturates the body with valuable substances. Why is it important to consume parsley every day?
1. It is easier to get rid of excess salt Excess salt in the diet is harmful to health: it causes bloating and kidney disease, serves as a factor in high blood pressure and reduces the cognitive abilities of the brain. But we do not want to put less salt in our dishes: unsalted food looks completely tasteless. Finely chopped parsley will add flavor to vegetables and meats without the discomfort of insufficiently salted
2. Vitamins. Only 30 grams of fresh chopped parsley contains: · 100% of the daily value of vitamin A;
· Up to 10% of the daily value of vitamin B;
· 50% of the daily value of vitamin C;
· Up to 50% of the daily value of vitamin K.
3. Reducing the risk of several types of cancer Parsley contains antioxidants – substances that protect us from the harmful effects of free radicals. Lovers of well-roasted meat are advised to add parsley to the dish: it reduces the effect of carcinogens formed during the roasting process. Antioxidants in parsley:
· Flavonoids;
· Carotenoids;
· Vitamin C.
The flavonoid myricetin has the ability to prevent / significantly delay the development of skin and breast cancer.
The flavonoid apigenin reduces the parameters of the neoplasm in breast cancer.
4. Reducing the risk of diabetes The already mentioned myricetin reduces blood glucose and insulin resistance in cells.
5. Prevention of heart problems Parsley contains folic acid: more than 10% of the daily value is contained in 30 g of fresh spice. Folic acid reduces the likelihood and mortality from cardiovascular disease.
6. Reducing the risk of inflammation The antioxidants in parsley fight chronic inflammation – the immune overreaction. Inflammation in the body is associated with problems of the heart and blood vessels, the development of diabetes, oncology, arthritis, depressive disorders.
7. Bone strength Vitamin K in parsley is essential for bones: it promotes the absorption of the trace element calcium (Ca) and reduces its excretion in the urine. Vitamin K activates proteins that increase bone mineral density. Therefore, the more vitamin K there is in the diet, the less likely it is to have fractures.
