Research indicates that nitrate-rich foods like parsley can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels ( 23, 24). Parsley is high in nitrates that help dilate blood vessels, which improves blood flow and lowers high blood pressure. Parsley has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties due to its antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C.Īdditionally, parsley may help keep your kidneys healthy by reducing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for kidney disease. Sometimes, when urine becomes concentrated, mineral deposits can form and lead to a painful condition called kidney stones ( 21).Ī study in rats with kidney stones found that those treated with parsley had decreased urinary calcium and protein excretion, as well as increased urinary pH and urination compared to a control group ( 22). Your kidneys are important organs that constantly filter your blood, removing waste and extra water, which is then excreted with your urine. Parsley contains carotenoid antioxidants and vitamin C - both of which have been shown to benefit heart health. Parsley also contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that may benefit your heart health.Ī study in 13,421 people demonstrated that those with the highest intake of vitamin C had a significantly reduced risk of heart disease compared to those with the lowest intake ( 20). What’s more, population studies indicate that diets high in carotenoid can decrease your risk of heart conditions like coronary artery disease.Ī 12-year study in 73,286 nurses found an inverse association between dietary carotenoids and the incidence of coronary artery disease ( 18).Īnother large study in 13,293 people, who were followed for up to 18 years, observed that those with higher blood levels of carotenoids had lower rates of heart disease mortality than those with lower carotenoid levels ( 19). Parsley contains many plant compounds, including carotenoid antioxidants, which have been found to benefit heart health by reducing heart disease risk factors.įor instance, carotenoid-rich diets have been shown to improve heart disease risk factors like chronic inflammation, as well as elevated blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels ( 17). An unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and high alcohol intake can all contribute to heart disease ( 16). Heart conditions like heart attacks and strokes are the leading cause of death worldwide. Some rat studies found parsley to effectively reduce blood sugar levels. SummaryĮlevated blood sugar levels can increase your risk of conditions like diabetes or metabolic syndrome. That said, human studies are needed to better understand the effects of parsley on blood sugar levels. It’s also a good source of the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.Īside from diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels can occur due to an unhealthy diet or a lack of exercise ( 11, 12).Įlevated blood sugar levels can increase your risk of health complications, such as insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome - a cluster of symptoms including high cholesterol and high blood sugar ( 13).Īnimal studies suggest that antioxidants in parsley may effectively reduce high blood sugar levels ( 14).įor example, a study in rats with type 1 diabetes found that those given parsley extract experienced greater reductions in blood sugar levels and improvements in pancreatic function compared to a control group ( 15).Īlong with eating a balanced diet, adding parsley to your cooking may help support healthy blood sugar levels. Parsley contains several important nutrients, such as vitamins A, K, and C. What’s more, parsley is a good source of the nutrients magnesium, potassium, folate, iron, and calcium. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals ( 9, 10). In fact, just two tablespoons (8 grams) of parsley deliver more vitamin K than you need in a day.Īside from its role in bone and heart health, vitamin K is essential for proper blood clotting, which can help prevent excessive bleeding ( 6, 7, 8).Īdditionally, parsley is packed with vitamin C, a nutrient that improves heart health and is vital to your immune system. Parsley is also a great source of vitamin K, a nutrient that supports bone and heart health. Plus, it’s important for your skin and may improve skin conditions, such as acne ( 4, 5). Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in your immunity and eye health. Parsley is low in calories yet rich in important nutrients, such as vitamins A, K, and C.
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