Drinking parsley tea has many health care benefits. We take the
beautiful green garnish on our plates for granted. It is a packed full
of nutrients and powerful antioxidants.
Parsley, is also known as
Petroselinum crispus, is one of the most easily identifiable of the
herbs. Its name comes from the Greek word meaning "rock celery" (it is a
relative in the celery family). It is considered a very potent disease
fighting herb.
This bright green plant is rich in vitamin C,
vitamin A, beta carotene, folic acid, iron and potassium. Parsley is
natures most concentrated multi vitamin and mineral, immune enhancing
herb.
Parsley contains two types of unusual nutritional compounds
that provide some very unique health benefits. The first compound found
is a volatile oil that includes: myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and
alpha-thujene. The second compounds found are the flavonoids: apiin,
apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin
The component, myristicin has
been shown to be effective at preventing tumor formation, especially in
the lungs. These studies were done on animals and more extensive
research will need to be done, but, the results look promising. In fact,
the oils in parsley have been shown to be very effective in
neutralizing particular carcinogens, such as benzopyrenes found in
cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke.
Parsley is also abundant
in chlorophyll. This purifies and inhibits the spread of bacteria,
fungi and other organisms. Chlorophyll in parsley has anti-bacterial and
anti-fungal properties that act to enhance the immune system. The
chlorophyll component in parsley is high in oxygen and assists the body
in fighting viruses as well. Drinking parsley tea helps the lungs to
eliminate residues from environmental pollution, enhances the immune
response to relieve mucus congestion, sinusitis and asthma.
Research
studies done in Morocco on herbs used in folk medicine to treat high
blood pressure found that parsley was very effective as an herbal tea
remedies. It is very effective diuretic.
Hungarian researchers
have recently released a study that investigated the potential
antioxidant effects of parsley. The study showed that flavonoids found
in parsley are very effective at scavenging free radicals. Free radicals
in the body are responsible for the development of many medical
conditions: atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon and cervical cancer and
asthma.
More of the 7 top health benefits of drinking parsley tea. One of the most potent herbal tea remedies.
There
is an incredibly large amount of iron in this powerful little plant. In
fact, it is great for treating anemia as one quarter cup of fresh
parsley in a cup of tea is equivalent to 10 percent of the daily
requirements according to the FDA. Parsley also contains the vitamin C
that is necessary for the absorption if iron.
Vitamin K is
necessary for the body to promote bone health by promoting the
absorption of the minerals to make strong bones. When heated, the
vitamin K in parsley nearly doubles.
Parsley contains apiol which
is a component of the female sex hormone estrogen. As a tea, women drink
it to regulate their menstrual cycle and after childbirth it is given
to promote uterine contractions. Pregnant women should avoid drinking
parsley tea.
The heart healthy component to parsley tea comes from
several different actions on the body. It was used in World War II to
successfully treat soldiers with kidney and bladder ailments. It helps
the body to increase the elimination of waste by preventing salt from
being reabsorbed into the body. It is effective to decrease swelling and
general water retention.
The powerful antioxidants in parsley tea
make homocysteine, a potentially dangerous molecule to the body
ineffective. Homocystine causes damage to blood vessels that
significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
The next
time you see this bright green garnish in your garden or served on your
plate, think of how this tiny herb is a nutritional powerhouse. To enjoy
the health benefits of drinking parsley tea take a handful of fresh
parsley, about one quarter cup and cover with 1 cup of boiling water.
Let steep for 5 minutes then strain. Add your favorite sweetener, honey
or stevia, add a touch a lemon and enjoy. Here's to your good health.
