Little Known Health Benefits of Eating Parsley

Parsley is often thought of as a rather uninspiring garnish that rests on your dinner plate at a value priced restaurant; but parsley is so much more than just an afterthought. This herb has a long history of medicinal use dating as far back as the middle ages. Although parsley is no longer a first line treatment for most medical conditions, it can be a good addition to a well balanced, well rounded diet. What are the health benefits of eating parsley?

Health benefits of eating parsley: It combats halitosis

Not only does chewing on a sprig of parsley after a dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread taste refreshing, it can also neutralize breath odor. The secret seems to lie with parsleys high concentration of chlorophyll which helps to offset a variety of not so pleasant odors. You always knew that green garnish was good for something, didnt you?

Health benefits of eating parsley: It may neutralize cancer causing substances

Each of us is exposed to cancer causing chemicals on a daily basis. This is particularly true if you cook meat to high temperatures by grilling which produces HCAs and hydrocarbons, thought to increase the risk of certain types of cancer. One way to neutralize these carcinogens is to add some parsley to your plate. Parsley is a source of several volatile oils that help to detoxify cancer inducing chemicals.

Health benefits of eating parsley: Its a good source of vitamins

Parsley is a particularly good source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for healthy blood clotting and, recently, a study showed that one form of vitamin K may help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Parsley is also a good source of vitamins A and C which have strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Health benefits of eating parsley: Its low in calories

You dont have to feel guilty when you chew on a sprig of parsley. Two tablespoons of this refreshing herb has a paltry two calories. You cant do much better than this if youre watching your calorie intake.

Although most people can enjoy the health benefits of eating parsley, large quantities of this herb should be avoided if youre pregnant since its been associated with uterine contractions and pre-term birth. Its also high in oxalate which could increase the risk of kidney stones if you have a history of them. Otherwise, enjoy all that parsley has to offer!