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Parsley

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    Original price €29,90
    €35,51
    €35,51 - €35,51
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    Kidney Support Complex · 180 capsules

    GN Laboratories

    The comprehensive support complex for your kidney and urinary tract health that not only protects, but can also help with existing kidney and urina...

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    Original price €29,90 - Original price €29,90
    Original price €29,90
    €35,51
    €35,51 - €35,51
    Current price €35,51

Parsley is a plant whose leaves, seeds and roots are used to make medicine. Parsley should not be confused with dog parsley. Parsley is used for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, stomach and intestinal disorders, constipation, jaundice, flatulence, stomach upset, colic, diabetes, coughs, asthma, water retention, osteoarthritis, anemia, high blood pressure, prostate disorders and diseases of the spleen. It is also used to induce menstrual flow, induce abortion, as an aphrodisiac and as a breath freshener. Some people apply parsley directly to the skin for cracked or chapped skin, bruises, tumors, insect bites and lice infestations, as well as to stimulate hair growth. In food and drink, parsley is often used as a garnish or spice. In industrial production, parsley oil is used as a fragrance in soap, cosmetics and perfume.

Potential health benefits of parsley

Parsley contains many important nutrients

Parsley contains more nutrients than most people would think. 30 grams (half a cup) of chopped parsley provides (1):

  • Calories: 11 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Protein: 1 gram
  • Fat: less than 1 gram
  • Dietary fiber: 1 gram
  • Vitamin A: 108% of the daily requirement
  • Vitamin C: 53% of the daily requirement
  • Vitamin K: 547% of the daily requirement
  • Folate: 11% of the daily requirement
  • Potassium: 4% of the daily requirement

Parsley is rich in many vitamins and particularly rich in vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health (2). Parsley is also a good source of vitamins A and C - important nutrients with antioxidant properties (3). In addition to this, it is very low in calories and provides a lot of flavor, making it an excellent low-calorie ingredient for many recipes.

Parsley is rich in antioxidants

Parsley contains many powerful antioxidants that can promote health, antioxidants are compounds that prevent damage from so-called free radicals. The body needs a healthy balance of antioxidants and free radicals to maintain optimal health. The primary antioxidants in parsley are flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C (4), with parsley being particularly rich in flavonoids. The two primary flavonoids are myricetin and apigenin. Studies have shown that a diet rich in flavonoids can reduce the risk of numerous diseases including colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease (5, 6). In addition, carotene and lutein are two other antioxidants known as carotenoids.

Many studies link a higher intake of carotenoids to a reduced risk of certain diseases including lung cancer (7). Vitamin C also has strong antioxidant effects and plays an important role in supporting immune health and protecting against chronic diseases (8). Interestingly, dried parsley may be richer in antioxidants than fresh parsley. One study found that dried parsley contained 17 times more antioxidants than its fresh counterpart (4).

Parsley can support bone health

Bones need certain vitamins and minerals in varying amounts to stay strong and healthy. Parsley is rich in vitamin K - an essential nutrient for bone health. 30 grams of parsley provides an impressive 547% of the daily requirement of this vitamin. Vitamin K helps build stronger bones by supporting bone-building cells known as osteoblasts. This vitamin also activates certain proteins that increase bone mineral density - a measure of the amount of minerals present in the bones (9). Bone density is important because lower bone mineral density is associated with a higher risk of fractures, especially in older people (10).

Studies suggest that eating foods rich in vitamin K may reduce the risk of fractures. One study found that a higher intake of vitamin K can reduce the risk of fractures by 22% (11). The typical dietary intake of vitamin K in the Western diet is often below the level needed to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures, so eating foods such as parsley could promote bone health.

Parsley could have cancer-fighting effects

Oxidative stress - a condition characterized by an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals - has been linked to the development of certain chronic diseases, including cancer. Parsley is particularly rich in flavonoid antioxidants and vitamin C, which can reduce oxidative stress in the body and could reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. For example, a high dietary intake of flavonoids has been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 30% (12).

In addition, certain subgroups of flavonoids in parsley such as myricetin and apigenin have been shown to have an anti-cancer effect in in vitro and animal studies (13). Furthermore, eating foods rich in vitamin C could also reduce the risk of cancer - and 30 grams of parsley provides 53% of the daily requirement of this vitamin. One study found that increasing vitamin C intake by 100 mg per day can reduce the overall risk of cancer by 7%. An increase in vitamin C intake of 150 mg per day could even reduce the risk of prostate cancer by up to 21% (14, 15)

Parsley is rich in nutrients that protect the eyes

Lutein, beta carotenes and zeaxanthin are three carotenoids in parsley that can protect the eyes and promote healthy vision. Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that have powerful antioxidant activity (16). Lutein and zeaxanthin could prevent age-related macular degeneration - an incurable eye disease and the leading cause of blindness worldwide. According to studies, eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin could reduce the risk of this disease by up to 26% (16).

Beta carotene is another carotenoid that supports eye health and can be converted into vitamin A in the body. This conversion of beta carotene explains why parsley is very rich in vitamin A. 30 grams of fresh parsley provides 108% of the daily requirement of this vitamin. Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for eye health as it protects the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye (17).

Parsley could improve heart health

Parsley is a nutrient-dense plant that could improve heart health. For example, it is a good source of the B vitamin folate - 30 grams provides 11% of the daily requirement of this vitamin. A high dietary intake of folate may reduce the risk of heart disease in some populations. A large study of over 58,000 participants found that the highest intake of folate was associated with a 38% reduced risk of heart disease (18). Conversely, low folate intake could increase the risk of heart disease.

A study of 1,980 men observed a 55% increase in the risk of heart disease in participants with the lowest intake of this vitamin (19). Some experts hypothesize that folate has a positive effect on the heart by lowering levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Studies have linked high homocysteine levels to a higher risk of heart disease. Homoxysteine could have a negative effect on heart health by altering the function and structure of the arteries. However, the link between this amino acid and heart disease is still controversial (20, 21).

Parsley has antibacterial properties

Parsley could have antibacterial properties when used as an extract. An in vitro study showed that this extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against yeasts, molds and a common infection-causing bacterium called S. Aureus (22, 23). The extract could also prevent the growth of bacteria in food. Another in vitro study found that it prevented the growth of potentially harmful bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella, both of which are known to cause food poisoning (24, 25). However, these benefits have not yet been studied in humans.

Parsley could improve blood sugar levels

Apart from diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels can also be caused by an unhealthy diet or a lack of exercise. Elevated blood sugar levels can increase the risk of health conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome - a cluster of symptoms including high cholesterol levels and high blood sugar levels (26). Studies conducted with animals suggest that antioxidants contained in parsley can effectively reduce high blood sugar levels (27).

For example, a study of rats with type 1 diabetes found that the rats given a parsley extract showed reductions in blood glucose levels and improved pancreatic function compared to the control group (28). In combination with a balanced diet, the addition of parsley to meals could help support healthy blood glucose levels, although further human studies are needed to better understand the effects of parsley on blood glucose levels.

Parsley could support kidney function

The kidneys are important organs that continuously filter the blood and remove waste products and excess water, which is excreted in the urine. If the urine becomes too concentrated, mineral deposits can build up, which can lead to painful kidney stones. A study of rats with kidney stones found that the animals treated with parsley had reduced urinary excretion of calcium and protein, higher urine pH and increased urine output compared to the control group (29). It has also been shown that parsley has anti-inflammatory properties due to its antioxidant content including flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C. In addition to this, parsley may help to keep the kidneys healthy by lowering high blood pressure - one of the main risk factors for kidney disease.

Parsley is rich in nitrates, which help to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering high blood pressure. Scientific research suggests that nitrate-rich foods such as parsley can help maintain healthy blood pressure (30, 31). The anti-inflammatory properties of parsley, along with its ability to regulate urine pH and lower blood pressure, may keep kidneys healthy and reduce the risk of kidney stones (32). However, it should be borne in mind that parsley is relatively rich in oxalates - compounds that can increase the risk of kidney stones. Nevertheless, health experts recommend that only people suffering from hyperoxaluria - characterized by excessive excretion of oxalates in the urine - reduce their dietary intake of oxalates (33).

Other potential benefits

  • Parsley could improve immune function: Scientific research shows that the antioxidant apigenin found in parsley may regulate immune function by reducing inflammation and preventing cellular damage (34).
  • Parsley could improve liver function: Studies in rats with diabetes have found that parsley extract could prevent liver damage, improve liver function and increase antioxidant levels (35).

It's easy to add parsley to your daily diet

Parsley is an extremely versatile and inexpensive option for enhancing the flavor of a wide variety of dishes. You can use the dried version as an ingredient in a variety of recipes. It can enhance the flavor of soups, stews and tomato sauces. It is also often used with other spices in Italian recipes. Fresh parsley is also an excellent ingredient in homemade salad dressings, marinades and seafood recipes. Many people use the fresh leaves in recipes that do not require cooking or add them after cooking. Interestingly, parsley can also be used as a natural breath freshener by simply chewing the leaves. To keep parsley fresh for longer, you can wrap a bunch in a damp paper kitchen towel and store it in a closed container in the refrigerator.

Safety and side effects

Parsley appears to be safe and harmless for most adults when used briefly as a medicine. Parsley can cause allergic skin reactions in some people. Consuming very large amounts of parsley can cause side effects such as anemia and liver and kidney problems. Parsley seed oil applied to the skin can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and cause skin redness. Not enough is known about the safety of using parsley root or leaves on the skin.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: During pregnancy, parsley is safe and harmless in normal dietary amounts, while larger medicinal amounts are probably not safe and harmless. Parsley is used to induce menstrual flow, as well as to induce abortion. In addition to this, recent research suggests that taking An-Tai-Yin, a herbal combination product containing parsley and Dong Quai, during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of serious birth defects. For this reason, pregnant women should only consume food-grade amounts of parsley. Not enough is known about the safety of using parsley in medicinal amounts while breastfeeding, so it is best for breastfeeding women not to consume more than typical food-grade amounts of parsley.

Water retention: There are concerns that parsley may increase sodium retention by the body, which could exacerbate water retention. High blood pressure: There are concerns that parsley may increase sodium retention by the body and this could exacerbate high blood pressure.

Kidney disease: You should not use parsley if you suffer from kidney disease. Parsley contains chemicals that may aggravate kidney disease.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining parsley with the following medications:

Diuretics

Parsley appears to act as a diuretic by causing the body to excrete water. Taking parsley in combination with diuretics could cause the body to lose too much water. The loss of too much water can result in dizziness and low blood pressure.

Care should be taken when combining parsley with the following medications:

Aspirin

Some people are allergic to parsley. Aspirin may increase sensitivity to parsley in people who are allergic to parsley. This has only been reported by one person so far. However, to be on the safe side, parsley and aspirin should not be consumed in combination if you are allergic to parsley.

Conclusion

Parsley is a very versatile plant that is a concentrated source of several important nutrients. It is particularly rich in vitamins A, C and K. The vitamins and plant compounds contained in parsley may protect bone health from chronic disease and provide antioxidant benefits.

References

  1. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26468402
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23638931
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25340982
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30041489
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23591151
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24473231
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783921/
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30050932
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22178778
  11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29263734
  12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30041489
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24818105
  14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30475962
  15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4532989/
  16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23571649
  17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26840172
  18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20395608
  19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11390336
  20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20937919
  21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25577237
  22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441868/
  23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19919287/
  24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21637036
  25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28527368
  26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26654259
  27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12913280
  28. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27019854
  29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5698599/
  30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24785500
  31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24134873
  32. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877626/
  33. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4265710/
  34. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4813185/
  35. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4805149/