Health benefits of parsley
Parsley is used to add flavour and garnish to dishes including pasta, risotto, soups and salads. Read on to find out why this popular herb is so good for your health
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What is parsley?
Parsley is a member of the carrot family and native to the Mediterranean. It has long been used as a flavouring and garnish in both a fresh and dried form. Its aromatic flavour works extremely well with meat and fish and it's often used as the principal herb in a bouquet garni.
Parsley contains an essential oil called apiol, which is what gives it a fragrant smell. Parsley may be used therapeutically to improve water balance, to act as a tonic for the liver or for the alleviation of cramps and the regulation of menstruation.
Health benefits of parsley may include:
- Nutrient rich
- May relieve muscle cramps
- May regulate menstruation
- May support blood sugar balance
- May support a healthy heart and blood pressure
Discover our full range of health benefit guides, or check out some of our favourite parsley recipes, like our green bean parsley pesto gnocchi or our salsa verde.
Nutritional profile of parsley (fresh)
Per 1 tsp (3g):
- 1 kcal / 4KJ
- 0.1g protein
- 0.0g fat
- 0.1g carbohydrates
- 0.1g sugar
- 0.2g fibre
- 23mg potassium
- 6mg vitamin C
Parsley health benefits
1. Nutrient rich
Studies show that parsley is rich in nutrients and compounds, including flavonoids and tannins, that have a protective, antioxidant effect.
2. May relieve muscle cramps
One study suggests consuming parsley juice may reduce muscle cramps. This may be useful for sports professionals hoping to support their recovery after training, as well as for females who may experience cramps associated with menstruation.
These effects may be due to mineral content and a phytochemical called apigenin. This appears to induce muscle relaxation and may even ease muscle loss in the elderly.
3. May regulate menstruation
Parsley tea has been used as a natural remedy to help regulate menstruation and balance hormone levels. This is because it contains plant compounds like apiole and myristicin which may stimulate menstrual flow and support hormonal balance.
4. May regulate blood sugar levels
Studies have looked at myricetin, a flavonoid found in parsley, for treatment and prevention of diabetes. Results support that myricetin extract may lower blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance.
5. May support a healthy blood pressure
One of the traditional uses of parsley in herbal medicine is to support a healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular system. One study confirmed that parsley extract has a lowering effect on blood pressure, while its high phytochemical content is said to support a healthy heart.
Is parsley safe for everyone?
Parsley appears to be well tolerated, with few major adverse effects recorded. Nevertheless, contact dermatitis and anaphylaxis may occur, and in some cases may relate to cross reactivity with other members of the carrot family, such as celery and fennel.
Parsley and its juice may be problematic for those on prescribed diuretics, blood-thinning medication and anti-diabetes medication. Using parsley at therapeutic doses is likely to be unsafe during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Overall, is parsley good for you?
A flavourful addition to your cooking, parsley is highly nutritious and may contribute towards a number of surprising health benefits, from regulating menstruation and hormonal balance to supporting a healthy heart and blood pressure. As a herb, parsley makes a valuable addition to a balanced diet, unless you’re one of the few people who has an allergy.
Further reading:
Health benefits of rosemary
Top 10 health benefits of garlic
Top 10 health benefits of onions
How to keep herbs fresh
Top 20 healthiest foods
Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a BANT Registered Nutritionist® with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including Good Food.
All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.
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