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18Parsley Juice - 6 scientifically proven benefits for the body
Shelestun Anna, nutritionist
Eliseeva Tatyana, editor-in-chief of the project EdaPlus.info E-mail: shelestun.a@edaplus.info, eliseeva.t@edaplus.info
Abstract. Parsley juice will help to fully saturate the body with useful vitamins and microelements, as well as effectively protect it from many dangerous diseases. The fragrant-spicy plant, used in modern cooking as a popular seasoning that improves and complements the taste of dishes, began to be actively cultivated only in the 9th century. Although the first information about parsley has come down to us from ancient times - wreaths of fragrant greens served as signs of grief among the ancient Egyptians, and the Romans used it for medicinal purposes. The plant, rich in essential oils and unique trace elements, is widely used in modern folk medicine. Healing decoctions are prepared from it and fresh juice is squeezed out.
Keywords: parsley, parsley juice , useful properties, contraindications, composition, caloric content
The fragrant-spicy plant, used in modern cooking as a popular seasoning that improves and complements the taste of dishes, began to be actively cultivated only in the 9th century. Although the first information about parsley has come down to us from ancient times - wreaths of fragrant greens served as signs of grief among the ancient Egyptians, and the Romans used it for medicinal purposes. The plant, rich in essential oils and unique trace elements, is widely used in modern folk medicine. Healing decoctions are prepared from it and fresh juice is squeezed out. Finding parsley juice on the shelves of modern supermarkets is quite a challenge, but it can be easily prepared on your own.
Composition and calories
Parsley contains only 36 kcal, a minimum of fat (0.79%), a small amount of protein (2.97 g per 100 grams of product) and carbohydrates (6.33%) [1] , which is complemented by an impressive concentration of various vitamins, amino acids, micro and macro elements - the perfect drink for diet
and fasting days! Here is just a small list of useful active ingredients contained in freshly squeezed parsley juice:
• Potassium (554 mg). Regulates the work of the heart [2] and supports the health of blood vessels - stabilizes blood pressure [3] , helps improve metabolism [4] and get rid of seizures.
• Calcium (138 mg). Strengthens bone tissue - prevents the development of osteoporosis [5] , helps to reduce "bad" cholesterol [6] , has an anti-inflammatory effect, normalizes acid-base balance - helps to avoid acidosis.
• Phosphorus (58 mg). Affects the work of muscles (contributes to their strengthening [7] ) and the brain - prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease and improves cognitive functions
[8] , strengthens teeth and bones.
• Vitamin C (133 mg). Parsley contains almost 3 times more ascorbic acid than lemon (38.7 mg)
[9] ! This water-soluble antioxidant increases the body's resistance to infections and viruses, prolongs youth - protects cells from aging and destruction, promotes the production of collagen by tissues, improves wound healing, and prevents the development of scurvy. [10]
• Folic acid, or vitamin B9 (152 mcg). Supports the work of the heart and blood vessels, strengthens the immune system, prolongs the youthfulness of the skin, prevents the development of early menopause and alleviates the symptoms of approaching menopause, is used in the treatment of epilepsy [11] .
Parsley also contains unique essential oils and bioflavonoids that have a stimulating and anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Top 6 Health Benefits of Parsley Juice
1. Has a diuretic effect
Studies show that drinking parsley juice can significantly increase the amount of urine produced by the body. [12] Thus, edema and the load on the cardiovascular system are reduced, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure without the use of special drugs. It is also believed that with regular and dosed use of a diuretic drink, sand and stones in the kidneys and bladder gradually dissolve.
2. Treats diabetes
Observations show that when parsley juice is used during pregnancy as a harmless natural antidiabetic agent, it is possible to significantly improve the well-being of patients, as well as minimize the damage
from hyperglycemia. [13]
3. Is a natural antidepressant
The plant contains a powerful flavonoid apigenin - a plant compound that improves mood, helps fight anxiety and depression. [14] Replace pharmacy antidepressants with healthy and absolutely harmless parsley juice!
4. Effective in cancer prevention
The plant contains a unique flavone apigenin, a natural antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. The substance contributes to the death of cancer cells. Shows particular effectiveness in the treatment of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. [15]
5. Prevents the development of neurodegenerative disorders
The natural flavonoid quercetin, found in many plants, including parsley, helps to cope with many diseases, from thrombosis and allergic reactions to cardiovascular problems and arrhythmias. It also has a beneficial effect on brain function. Studies show that the systematic use of foods rich in quercetin improves cognitive function, prevents the development of Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's diseases. [16]
6. Has an anti-inflammatory effect
Parsley juice is also used for cosmetic purposes. It is used to prepare a variety of masks, creams and lotions. Such natural cosmetics help smooth wrinkles and eliminate age spots, have an anti-inflammatory effect and accelerate tissue healing. By lubricating the insect bite with parsley juice, itching and swelling can be reduced.
Contraindications and possible harm to parsley juice
Despite the enormous benefits contained in the plant, it can also cause harm. For example, in people with an individual allergy to the product, the use of parsley or juice from it can cause individual intolerance up to anaphylactic shock. [17] Therefore, for the first time trying fragrant greens and derivatives from it, including juice, should be done with caution. Also, do not include this drink in the diet for those who suffer from inflammation of the kidneys.
Also note that due to the fact that parsley juice contains high concentrations of components, it has a fairly high biological activity. Therefore, it is recommended to use it in small dosages - no more than a quarter cup (50 ml) per day. It is better to break the portion into several doses and further dilute the concentrated drink with water or other liquids. For example, a rich bright green vitamin fresh juice goes well with various vegetable juices: celery, tomato, carrot, etc.
How to prepare and store parsley juice
It is easy to prepare a healthy fresh juice (you can use both the greens themselves and parsley roots). The plant must be cleaned of sluggish and damaged leaves, thoroughly rinsed in running water, and then additionally left in a cool liquid for half an hour to cleanse it of microorganisms.
You can squeeze the juice using a juicer (preferably a screw one) or a blender. In the latter case, the resulting puree can be squeezed through a sieve and gauze, or simply diluted with water.
Parsley juice is recommended to be consumed immediately after pressing, before it has had time to oxidize from contact with oxygen. It is not preserved, because during the heat treatment it loses most of the nutrients. For long-term storage of the product, it is recommended to freeze it by pouring it into zip bags.
Literature
1. Parsley, fresh https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170416/nutrients
2. Kuehn, BM (2022). Potassium Intake Linked With Heart Benefits. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.062595
3. Houston M.C., H. (2008). Potassium, magnesium, andcalcium: their role in both the cause and treatment of hypertension. J Clin Hypertens, 10, 3-11. DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-7176. 2008.08575.x
4. Elmadfa, I., Meyer, A.L., Hasenegger, V., Moeslinger, T., & Ekmekcioglu, C. (2020). The Association of Potassium Status with Parameters of Glucose Metabolism is influenced by Age in Adults. Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug
Targets-Immune, Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders), 20(5), 788-796. DOI: 10.2174/1871530319666191028100109
5. Aspray, TJ, & Hill, TR (2019). Biochemisty and Cell Biology of Aging: Part II Clinical Science. DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3681-2_16
6. Vinarova, L., Vinarov, Z., Tcholakova, S., Denkov, N.D., Stoyanov, S., & Lips, A. (2016). The mechanism of lowering cholesterol absorption by calcium studied by using an in vitro digestion model. Food & function, 7(1), 151-163. DOI: 10.1039/c5fo00856e
7. Fuller, T. J., Carter, N. W., Barcenas, C., & Knochel, J. P. (1976). Reversible experimental myopathy associated with phosphorus depletion. J Clin Invest, 57, 1019. DOI: 10.1172/JCI108343
8. Otobe, Y., Hiraki, K., Izawa, KP, Sakurada, T., & Shibagaki, Y. (2020). Relationship between serum inorganic phosphorus levels and cognitive decline over 2 years in older adults with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease. Clinical and Experimental Nephrology, 24, 286-287. DOI: 10.1007/s10157-019-01819-1
9. Lemon juice, raw https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167747/nutrients
10. Valdes, F. (2006). Vitamina C. Actas dermo-sifiliograficas, 97(9), 557-568. DOI: 10.1016/s0001 -7310(06)73466-4
11. Ueda, S., Shirakawa, T., Nakazawa, Y., & Inanaga, K. (1977). epilepsy and folic acid. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 31(3), 327-337. DOI: 10.1111/ j.1440-1819.1977.tb 02619.x
12. Kreydiyyeh, S.I., & Usta, J. (2002). Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 79(3), 353-357. DOI: 10.1016/s0378-8741(01)00408-1
13. Ahmed Abd Rabou, M. (2017). Possible Protective Role of Parsley Extract on the Diabetic Pregnant Rats and Their Fetuses. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences: PJBS, 20(11), 552562. DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2017.552.562
14. Es-Safi, I., Mechchate, H., Amaghnouje, A., Kamaly, OMA, Jawhari, FZ, Imtara, H., ... & Bousta, D. (2021). The potential of parsley polyphenols and their antioxidant capacity to help in the treatment of depression and anxiety: an in vivo subacute study. Molecules, 26(7), 2009. DOI: 10.3390/molecules26072009
15. Tang, D., Chen, K., Huang, L., & Li, J. (2017). Pharmacokinetic properties and drug interactions of apigenin, a natural flavone. Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, 13(3), 323-330. DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2017.1251903
16. Elumalai, P., & Lakshmi, S. (2016). Role of quercetin benefits in neurodegeneration. The benefits of natural products for neurodegenerative diseases, 229-245. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-28383-8_12
17. Arslan, S., Ucar, R., & Caliskaner, AZ (2014). A Cases of Near-fatal Anaphylaxis: Parsley "Over-use" as an Herbal Remedy. Medical Archives, 68(6), 426. DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2014.68.426-427
Received 02.06.2023
Parsley juice - 6 scientifically proven benefits for the body
Shelestun Anna, nutritionist
Eliseeva Tatyana, editor-in-chief of the project EdaPlus.info E-mail: shelestun.a@edaplus.info, eliseeva.t@edaplus.info
Abstract. Parsley juice can help to fully healthy saturate the body with vitamins and micronutrients, as well as effectively protect it against many dangerous diseases. The fragrant, spicy herb, which is used in modern cooking as a popular, flavor-enhancing spice, did not begin to be actively cultivated until the 9th century. Although parsley has been around for a long time, ancient Egyptians used it as a sign
of mourning and Romans used it for medicinal purposes. The herb, which is rich in essential oils and unique trace elements, is also widely used in modern folk medicine. It is used to prepare medicinal decoctions and to press a fragrance.
