Discover the benefits of parsley for Health.

Parsley is one of the most popular herbs in the kitchen, as it brings a touch of color and flavor to meals. Of Mediterranean origin, parsley has managed to transcend borders until it is present in all corners of the world.

It is rich in calcium, folic acid, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K. If you want to know all the benefits that parsley has, you just have to keep reading.

Health Benefits of parsley

Parsley, in addition to being an excellent condiment for meals, is also an excellent complement to have a healthy life. This is because parsley provides great health benefits.

Provides a large number of flavonoids

It helps fight diseases and protect the body from the risk of suffering from many pathologies thanks to its antioxidant effects.

Among its main contributions to the body are beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, luteolin, lycopene, and apigenin.

In addition, they help slow the aging of cells by eliminating free radicals, reducing inflammation and the risk of diseases associated with old age.

Contains essential oils

It provides a large number of essential oils to the body that contains volatile components such as limonene, myristicin, eugenol, and alpha-thujene, which help fight cancer, strengthening the immune system, and helping it respond better.

It also delays the growth of tumors, fights carcinogens, and neutralizes oxidative stress, which is why it is considered a chemoprotective plant, as it also helps to keep DNA free from damage, stopping mutations at the cellular level and promoting the death of cells. damaged cells.

It is diuretic

Parsley acts as a quite effective natural diuretic that helps reduce bloating by stimulating kidney production, helping to eliminate excess fluid that may be swelling the abdomen, while helping to preserve digestive health.

Fluid retention at the abdominal level can cause problems in the digestive process, which is why parsley is quite useful to relieve stomach discomfort while reducing inflammation and helping to obtain a visibly flatter abdomen.

Improves urinary tract health

Parsley is highly effective in helping to reduce kidney stones and their subsequent excretion naturally. Relieves symptoms of urinary and gallbladder infections.

Even in cases of venereal diseases and jaundice, it has been scientifically proven that the root and leaves of parsley help the spleen and liver function.

Improves digestion

It is one of the most common uses of parsley when it is used as a medicinal plant, as it helps to relieve stomach symptoms quite effectively. It helps reduce gas, nausea, constipation, bloating, and even in cases of indigestion.

Parsley helps the production of bile and gastric juices, thanks to its essential oils, which help improve the absorption of nutrients that come from food. Its essential oil can be used applied directly on the abdomen or as part of baths.

It is antibacterial and antifungal

Parsley has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help fight infections and eliminate bacteria, which is why it is widely used to preserve oral and dental health, as well as that of the skin, being a perfect ally to help eliminate acne and the bacteria that cause it.

It eliminates fungi effectively, being applied directly on the affected area, however, the essential oil of parsley can be irritating, so its application is recommended, diluting it in another oil that serves as a base, such as oil of olive, coconut, or almonds.

Due to these characteristics, parsley is present in the formulation of many soaps, creams, perfumes, and detergents.

Fight bad breath

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, previously mentioned, parsley helps fight the bacteria that cause bad breath, helping to refresh it naturally.

Chewing a parsley leaf for a few minutes is more than enough to eliminate any trace of bad breath that you may have.

Protect bones

Parsley is highly rich in vitamin K, which helps to preserve bone density, together with calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus.

Stimulates the immune system

Thanks to its high content of vitamin C, which acts together with phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D. Its antioxidants, among which vitamin A stands out, help to increase the defenses naturally.

Taking all these vitamins and minerals helps maintain optimal intestinal health while reducing inflammation, which means a lower risk of diseases such as arthritis, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, asthma, and colon cancer.

Improves eye health

Parsley helps protect and improve eye health thanks to its vitamin A content, which also helps maintain healthy skin. The high content of carotenoids and beta-carotene help promote visual health while protecting the cornea and retina from the damage to which they are exposed with the passage of age.

That is why parsley helps prevent the appearance of various visual disorders caused by cell degeneration, such as cataracts. It also helps prevent skin cancer by protecting the skin from UV rays.

Helps protect the heart

Parsley provides folate, which is essential for maintaining heart health, as well as B vitamins that protect you from disease. Parsley provides large amounts of folic acid that converts homocysteine, a substance that, if left unchecked, can be detrimental to heart health.

This substance can damage blood vessels and cause a stroke or heart attack if left unchecked, which parsley does effectively.

Balances hormones

The consumption of parsley helps to balance hormones, helping to reduce the incidence of other pathologies and improving fertility.

In addition, it helps to alleviate premenstrual symptoms, reduce colic, and, by providing folic acid, it helps to cover the amount of folate necessary for the correct formation of the neural tube during pregnancy, avoiding later problems in the fetus.

Side effects of ginseng

From the Panax ginseng CA Meyer plant (Asian ginseng), the rhizome more precisely, used for its general tonic effect, to stimulate the immune system, or to fight physical fatigue and intellectual.

However, in some cases, and like all herbal medicine, ginseng can cause certain  side effects, which is why it is important to know what these side effects of ginseng are and when can they occur before consuming them.

What are the contraindications for ginseng?

Due to its action on the body, ginseng is contraindicated or must be consumed under medical supervision for:

•People with diabetes
•People with high blood pressure
•People who suffer from heart disease
Care should be taken with medical advice if you suffer from any of these conditions.

Although studies show that ginseng does not exert estrogenic action, there are still recommendations for caution in patients who have suffered from hormone-dependent cancer such as breast cancer.

What are the side effects of ginseng?

At recommended dosages, ginseng is a safe remedy that does not present any danger. The side effects associated with ginseng are caused by excessive consumption of the rhizome, which can then cause:

•Nervousness
•Insomnia
•Irritability
•Diarrhoea
•Increased blood pressure
•Palpitations

These side effects have been observed after overconsumption of more than 15g per day. They are harmless and stop after stopping the consumption of the plant, or returning to normal doses. However, due to its action on the body, ginseng should be consumed with caution in:

•People who suffer from insomnia
•People who suffer from nervous disorders
•People who suffer from obesity

Even if some consume it throughout the year, it is recommended not to exceed 3 months of treatment. Ginseng does not, however, cause addiction and dependence concerns.

Ginseng in children, pregnant and lactating women

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against, as a precautionary principle, the use of ginseng in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Likewise, it advises against the use of ginseng in children and adolescents under the age of 18.

Likely interactions between ginseng and medications

1. Anticoagulants

Because of its anticoagulant effect, people on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, aimed at thinning the blood, should consult a doctor before taking ginseng.

Indeed, the anticoagulant properties of ginseng can theoretically increase the thinning effects of drugs, which could have serious consequences (bleeding, haemorrhaging, bruising, etc.).

Among the most common anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs are aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), AVK (anti-vitamin K), ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin) ), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, etc.

Be careful, some plants or spices can also have anticoagulant properties, so they should be combined with ginseng with caution. Among the most common: garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Eleutherococcus, tonka beans, turmeric, etc.

2. Antidiabetics

With its anti-diabetic properties, people on treatment for diabetes should consult a doctor before taking ginseng.

Indeed, in theory, ginseng could increase the effects of anti-diabetic drugs, and this could lead to side effects such as hypoglycemia, excessive sweating, tremors, blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety, etc.

Among the most common antidiabetics are biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants. , etc.

Be careful, some plants or spices can also have actions on blood sugar, so they must be combined with ginseng with caution. Among the most common: cinnamon, fenugreek, psyllium, flax seeds, black garlic, ginger, etc.

3. Cardiac treatments

People undergoing medical treatments for the cardiovascular system, including high blood pressure, should consult a doctor before consuming the plant.

4. The exciting

With its tonic action on the body, it is advisable to be careful about the association of ginseng root with exciting substances to avoid certain undesirable effects such as insomnia, irritability or palpitations.

It is, therefore, preferable to limit your consumption of coffee, tea, chocolate, guarana, colas, etc.