Disease-Fighting Parsley

Disease-Fighting Parsley Health Benefits for the Heart and Body

March 13, 2012 By Administrator Leave a Comment

The parsley health benefits are both impressive and undeniable. Parsley has been proven to slow tumor growth, strengthen the heart and relieve a wide variety of health problems. The benefits of parsley are so great that this ancient herb is still used in medicine today.

The Use of Parsley Health Benefits in Modern Medicine

Parsley health benefits have been used in Greek and Roman medicine long before parsley became a popular spice. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, used parsley to treat people who were exposed to poison, suffered from kidney problems or were simply feeling unwell. Parsley is such an effective treatment that the herb is still used for many of the same purposes today. Fortunately, modern scientists have found several additional parsley health benefits that ancient healers were unaware of.
Many of the benefits of parsley are due to the herb’s vitamin and mineral content. Parsley is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, E and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese and potassium. Parsley also contains antioxidants, works as a diuretic, increases energy and possesses antiseptic properties. Parsley benefits the body so greatly that it is not surprising that this herb has made the transition from ancient to modern medicine.

Tumor-Fighting Parsley Health Benefits

In addition to its many vitamins and minerals, the benefits of parsley are also due to its myristicin and apigenin content. Myristicin is a compound that has been found to prevent tumor formation, act as an antioxidant and neutralize certain carcinogens, specifically benzopyrene. Research has found that myristicin is effective in preventing the spread of cancer in the lungs and other areas of the body, which is one of the most important parsley health benefits.
Apigenin is another cancer-fighting compound partially responsible for the benefits of parsley. A recent study conducted at the University of Missouri found that apigenin slowed the growth of breast cancer cells in rats. Rats that were exposed to apigenin also developed fewer tumors than those who were not exposed to the substance. Researchers concluded that parsley might be effective in helping women fight and prevent breast cancer.

Pain Relief and Other Benefits of Parsley

Parsley does not just fight tumors, it also relieves pain, inflammation and infection. Parsley can be used to treat toothaches, arthritis pain, bruises, insect bites and chapped skin. This herb can even be used to kill parasites, including lice, while reducing discomfort.
When consumed as a tea, parsley helps to restore the body’s natural acid/alkaline balance and reduce inflammation. Certain types of pain, like arthritis pain, are caused by acid building up around the joints. This causes the joints to become swollen, painful and stiff. Parsley benefits the joints by breaking up acid and reducing inflammation, which alleviates joint pain. People who make parsley a part of their daily diet are less likely to experience rheumatic disease, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
People who are suffering from painful bruising, piles and broken veins can also benefit from using parsley. When applied to the skin, parsley benefits the body by shrinking small blood vessels. This helps the skin heal, stops bleeding and reduces pain. Applying parsley to the skin is also believed to stimulate hair growth, increase collagen production, diminish the appearance of wrinkles and firm the skin.

The Benefits of Parsley on the Heart, Blood and Immune System

When eaten or consumed as a tea, parsley benefits the heart, improves the quality of the blood and strengthens the immune system. Parsley strengthens the heart by supplying the body with folate, or vitamin B9. Folate neutralizes an amino acid known as homocysteine, which can damage the blood vessels in large amounts. Regularly consuming parsley will protect against cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack and atherosclerosis.
In addition to protecting the heart, parsley benefits the body by regulating blood sugar, lowering blood pressure and stimulating the production of red blood cells. This herb also supports immune system function and provides the body with several powerful antioxidants. Since parsley increases immunity, it is often used to combat the common cold, bronchitis and the flu. Parsley is also effective at drying mucous, which reduces congestion and helps to control allergies.

How Parsley Helps the Body Fight Infection and Disease

Parsley can also be used to treat people who suffer from certain digestive disorders, kidney problems and frequent urinary infections. Parsley treats digestive disorders by increasing circulation in the digestive tract. People who regularly eat parsley or drink parsley tea are less likely to suffer from upset stomach, flatulence and other digestive problems. Parsley benefits the body by preventing kidney stones and helps to tone the urinary tract, which reduces the risk of infection.
Drinking parsley tea will not only prevent kidney stones, it will also treat gallstones. People who suffer from gallstones can eliminate their stones by drinking approximately one pint of parsley tea each day. Additionally, parsley benefits the body by improving adrenal gland function, nerve function and supporting the entire nervous system.

How Parsley Benefits Women Before, After and During Pregnancy

For women, parsley can be especially beneficial. Not only can parsley possibly prevent breast cancer, but it can also relieve menstrual pain. When consumed internally, parsley relieves pain, reduces bloating and causes uterine contractions. This tones the uterus, stimulates menstruation and can even induce labor in pregnant women. Some doctors believe that parsley is also beneficial in toning the male prostate. This makes the prostate stronger and less prone to infection.
Parsley is an herb that benefits the body so many different ways. This herb can be used externally to fight infection, improve the appearance of the skin and naturally relieve pain. Internally, parsley benefits almost every bodily system. Not only does this herb protect the heart and boost immunity, but it might even be an effective natural anticancer treatment.
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