The Wonderful Health Benefits of Parsley
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Did you know that parsley is the world's most popular herb? It is usually used as a garnish for main courses because of its decorative appearance.
In fact, this highly nutritious plant can be found all year round in your local supermarkets. Parsley is very easy to grow, too. You can easily plant it in your garden, in a container, or in hanging baskets.
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Not only does parsley have a delicious vibrant taste, but unknown to many, it also contains excellent healing properties.
The two main components that provide parsley its unique health benefits are its "essential oil" and "flavonoids".
## How Parsley's Essential Oil Fight Cancer
Parsley contains an organic compound called "myristicin". Studies show that this compound can:
- inhibit tumor formation particularly in the lungs.
- help the molecule glutathione to fight against free radicals that would otherwise damage the body.
- neutralize carcinogens like benzopyrene, which is present in tobacco or cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke.
## Parsley is a Powerful Antioxidant, Too
Parsley contains a flavonoid compound called "luteolin". Studies show that this compound can:
- function as an antioxidant, thereby eliminating free radicals from the body that can damage cells.
- help increase antioxidant levels in the blood
- help prevent several types of cancer such as breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia.
## Parsley is an Excellent Source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A
Vitamin C is the body's primary water-soluble antioxidant, which can remove free radicals in all water-soluble areas of the body. Therefore, it can help prevent various diseases such as asthma, atherosclerosis, colon cancer, and diabetes.
As a matter of fact, people consuming foods with good amounts of vitamin C have a lower risk of acquiring these diseases.
Meanwhile, beta-Carotene (a precursor of vitamin A) is the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant, which can get rid of free radicals in all fat-soluble areas of the body. Like vitamin C, it can also help lower the risk of atherosclerosis, colon cancer, and diabetes.
## Vitamin C is a Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Vitamin C combined with beta-Carotene found in parsley can prove beneficial in inflammatory diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
In fact, studies show that people who consumed the lowest amounts of vitamin C-rich foods were at risk of developing arthritis by as much as three times more than those who consumed the highest amounts of vitamin C.
## Vitamin C and Vitamin A Can Boost Your Body's Immune System
Since vitamin C is vital for strengthening the immune system, it can help prevent many common infections like colds.
beta-Carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A. Vitamin A is an immune system regulator, which can make the white blood cells destroy bacteria and viruses.
## Parsley Can Help Protect Your Heart
Parsley is a good source of "folic acid", one of the most essential B vitamins.
Studies show that folic acid can:
- keep the heart healthy and maintain its function.
- lower the risk of stroke and heart disease.
- remove homocysteine in the body.
Note: Homocysteine is an amino acid used by the body to manufacture proteins and in cellular metabolism. However, a high concentration of homocysteine in the blood can damage the lining of the blood vessels and enhance blood clotting, which can significantly increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.
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## So...Start Eating Parsley Today
The next time parsley appears on your plate, don't think of it as just another decorative ingredient. Recognize it as a powerful herbal plant that can help maintain a high level of your overall well-being.
But Wait, There's More!
Parsley is rich in chlorophyll, which can act as a natural deodorizer. So by eating parsley, you'll be sure that you'll be able to maintain a fresh breath after the end of your meal.
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About the Author:
Junji Takano is a Japanese health researcher involved in investigating the cause of many dreadful diseases. In 1968, he invented PYRO-ENERGEN, the first electrostatic therapy device for electromedicine that effectively eradicates viral diseases, cancer, and diseases of unknown cause.
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