12 Health Benefits and Uses for Parsley Leaves

Used in cooking all around the world, both Italian parsley and curly parsley have a range of health benefits for the human body. In today's article we will explore these benefits and offer some tips on how you can use these wonderful herbs.

1. Parsley is a herb that is commonly used to add delicious flavor to foods and as a garnish. It has been used for over 2000 years all across the world.

2. There are two varieties of parsley, one being flat leaf parsley which is Italian, and the other being regular curly leaf parsley.

3. Both varieties of Parsley leaves are rich in vitamins A, B12, C and K. These vitamins promote a healthy immune system in order to prevent and fight off colds and infections.

4. Contained within this herb, is an essential oil. Parsley oil can be extracted from the leaves and can be applied to the skin to treat acne, and other skin infections.

5. This oil may also be massaged into the scalp in order to reduce hair loss.

6. If you eat parsley regularly, along with other healthy green foods, you will notice less aches and pains in the body due to anti-inflammatory properties of the herb.

7. Parsley is a very strong anti-oxidant and is therefore great for weight loss. It has the potential to boost overall bodily function, including digestion, however parsley should not be over eaten, if you have kidney or gall bladder problems. The high contents of oxalates inside the leaves would only aggravate these conditions.

8. Regular consumption, either by eating parsley directly or drinking parsley tea, helps to control blood pressure due to the folic acid in the plant.    This helps you to maintain a healthy heart.

9. There has been research into the use of parsley oil, in preventing growth of cancerous tumours, however more research is required.

10. If you would like to make a health tonic, such as parsley tea you may simply add 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley to a cup of boiling water. Let the leaves infuse for around 2 minutes and then drink. You can use a sieve to remove the leaf particles if you would prefer.

11. Parsley oil concentrates these health benefits. In order to make parsley oil you can chop your parsley leaves finely, then add a small amount of boiling water. Then add the desired amount of vegetable or olive oil and allow the mixture to settle. Refrigerate for 24 hours and then simply squeeze through a cheesecloth to extract the bright green parsley oil.

12. I personally love eating parsley sauce, especially with baby potatoes.

Recipe: Add 25g butter, 25g flour, 600ml milk, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, pinch of salt and pepper to a pan

Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer to 2 minutes. Goes perfect with boiled baby potatoes and fish.

I wish you great health, wealth and happiness.