HEALTH BENEFITS OF PARSLEY TEA

Though fresh parsley used mainly as a garnish adds a unique flavour to deliciously steamy stews, soups or casseroles, it does have numerous curative benefits for health. Not only is it an excellent source of vitamins A and K, parsley also supplies small amounts of potassium, iron and fiber. Besides using it as a flavorful herb in your meals, you may use it to make a steaming hot cup of tea that tastes delicious and is good for you. The parsley will infuse the tea with the same nutrients you'd get if you ate it raw. Ask your doctor before drinking it to make sure it won't interfere with any treatment or aggravate a medical condition.

How to Make Parsley Tea

Place approximately 1/4 cup of fresh parsley in an infusion basket. Put the basket into a cup or tea pot and pour 1 cup of filtered boiling water over it. Allow to steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the basket to remove the parsley. You may want to sweeten with honey and a fresh bit of lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Enjoy!

Nutritional Facts of Parsley

Parsley belongs to the same family as celery, coriander and cilantro. Botanically known as the Petroselinum crispus, parsley receives its name from the Greek “rock celery”.  There are two main types of Parsley namely curly and flat Italian variety.  Nevertheless, the flat Parsley is more aromatic, tasting less bitter when compared to the curly type.

Parsley tea contains essential nutritive elements apart from an array of antioxidants that boosts optimal health. Comprising of Beta-carotene, B12 vitamins, Vitamin C, several fatty acids, antioxidants, flavonoids, phytonutrients Parsley contains volatile oils in the form of alpha-thujene, eugenol, myristicin and limonene.

Parsley is also rich in the source of two vital nutrients: vitamin C and vitamin A. These are both powerful antioxidants that destroy free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for the development of many medical conditions, including atherosclerosis, diabetes and colon and cervical cancer and asthma.

Health Benefits of Parsley Tea

Immune health

Due to the existence of Vitamin C in abundance, a cup of parsley tea gives relief from common cold and prevents the attack of flu.

Boosts Immune System

The powerful antioxidant elements in Parsley boost immune health by destroying the harmful disease-causing free radicals, preventing the attack of serious ailments.

Anti-Inflammatory

Owing to high vitamin c content, Parsley tea helps reduce inflammation in the body.  Hence, the tea is effective in treating anti-inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, Gout and Rheumatoid arthritis.  Consuming two cups of parsley tea every day, with a dash of honey or lemon, to avoid bitterness, reduces the levels of uric acid in the body, thus alleviating pain In addition to this the tea also acts as a protective agent safeguarding the occurrences of anti-inflammatory diseases.

Strengthen Bones 

Since Parsley is a rich source of vitamin K, consuming a cup of parsley tea not only promotes bone formation but also helps keep them strong.

Combat Cancer

Myristicin, the volatile oil in Parsley, stimulates an enzyme that stabilises benzopyrenes, the carcinogens, present in Cigarette smoke.  According to the University of Maryland, the flavonoids like limonene prevent reproduction of cancer cells by blocking the proteins.

Absorption of Iron

Since the tea is high in iron, it performs the role of a blood purifier and enables effective absorption of iron, curing anaemic conditions. This is mainly because of the Vitamin C compounds present in Parsley.

Reduces Cholesterol

Due to the potent antioxidant substances that exist in Parsley a cup of refreshing herb tea eliminates the risk of developing cardiac related problems by maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels.

Effective Body Cleanser

Rich in Antioxidant compounds, including Vitamins C and A, drinking a cup of Parsley tea rids the body of unwanted toxins from the body boosting health inside out.

Women’s Health

One of the components of estrogen, Apiol, found in Parsley prevents irregularities in the menstrual cycle since the herb has the ability for uterine contractions.  Hence, it is ideal for women post delivery.  Apart from this, the herbal infusion also helps alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as puffiness and uneasiness.

Diuretic Effects

Owing to the presence of high amounts of potassium in Parsley, Regular consumption of Tea infused with the herb helps flush out excess fluids from the body. This leads to excellent weight loss results.

Caution

If you want to use parsley tea, always tell your doctor about medications and other herbal remedies you use to be sure it won't interact with them.

Don't drink more than a cup of parsley tea each day because it can cause health complications. Pregnant and nursing women must avoid consuming the herbal tea since it contains substances such as apiol and myristicin pose a threat to uterine contractions resulting in miscarriage or premature labour.