Lori Zanteson

Mention of parsley traces back to the first century A.D., by such notables as the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder, who praised it as a staple in soups and salad, and the father of medicine, Hippocrates, who noted its medicinal qualities. Despite such praise, parsley has long been associated with death, probably because it looks a lot like fool's parsley, a poisonous relative of hemlock. Ancient Greeks, in fact, never served parsley at the table, but only wore wreaths of it, to honor the dead. Romans also wore parsley wreaths, to stave off effects of wine. For centuries, parsley has enjoyed a variety of uses as a cleansing herb, including as a breath freshener, baldness remedy, and purported treatment for kidney and bladder ailments.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a member of the Apiaceae family along with celery, carrots and parsnips. Parsley is a small plant with either dark, flat green leaves that resemble coriander, or bright green, curly leaves. The pungent flat leaf or Italian parsley is preferred for cooking, while the curly leaf variety often is used as a garnish, but both are widely used in Mediterranean, Eastern European, and American cooking. Just two tablespoons of parsley, high in vitamin K and the antioxidant vitamins A and C, pack 144 percent DV (DV, based on 2,000 calories per day) of vitamin K for bone and heart health.

Along with its antioxidant vitamins, parsley contains several other unique compounds that also pack antioxidant punch. Myristicin, one of parsley's essential oils, was shown in animal studies to have anti-inflammatory properties to inhibit tumor formation and growth, according to a 2011 study reported in Molecules. Apigenin, one of many flavonoids in parsley, has been prevalent in recent breast cancer research, and has been shown to stop breast cancer cells from multiplying and growing, according to a study published in 2011 in Cancer Prevention Research.

A sprig or even an entire bunch of parsley adds fresh color and flavor. Used as an herb, spice and vegetable, parsley is available fresh or dried year-round. Choose firm stems and vibrant green leaves with no discoloration. Refrigerate upright in a container of water, covered by a plastic bag. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a beautiful finish on most any dish, or be bold and try it in a Mediterranean green salsa served over vegetables or poultry, a classic tabouleh, or pesto tossed with whole wheat pasta.

Notable Nutrients

Parsley, 2 tablespoons, raw

Calories: 2

Vitamin A: 632 IU (12 percent DV)

Vitamin C: 10 mg (16 percent DV)

Vitamin K: 123 mcg (144 percent DV)

Lutein+zeaxanthin: 418 mg

Note: DV=Daily value; IU=International Units; mg=milligrams, mcg=micrograms

 

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Health - Parsley Packs An Antioxidant Punch