If you're looking for a healthy drink to enjoy, parsley tea may be a good choice. This herbal tea is made from the leaves of the parsley plant and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health issues.
While not all of the benefits of parsley tea are supported by scientific evidence, some are backed by strong research. Here are nine evidence-based health benefits of drinking this refreshing tea!
Table of Contents
- What is Parsley and its History
- Nutritional Value of Parsley
- Benefits of Parsley Tea
- 1. Great Source of Vitamin C
- 2. Parsley Tea for Skin Benefits
- 3. Benefits of Parsley Tea Weight Loss
- 4. Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
- 5. Parsley Tea Helps Fight Inflammation
- 6.Parsley Tea May Prevent Kidney Stones
- 7. Can Help with Regulate Menstruation
- 8. Parsley Tea May Boost Digestion
- 9. Parsley has Cancer Fighting Properties
- Parsley Tea Side Effects
- How to Make Parsley Tea at Home
- Conclusion
What is Parsley and its History
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a herb that has been used for centuries in cooking and as a natural remedy for various health issues. The leaves of the parsley plant are what's used to make this tea.
Parsley is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown all over the world. The two main types of parsley are curly-leaf and Italian, also called flat-leaf. This tea is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The use goes back to the Greek and Roman civilizations. It was used as a diuretic, digestive aid, and breath freshener, in the Middle Ages, it was thought to ward off evil spirits.
The Egyptians used parsley for embalming purposes, while the ancient Greeks associated this herb with sex and fertility. Parsley even found its way into mythology and was said to have sprung from the blood of the slain hero, Archemorus.
Nutritional Value of Parsley
Parsley is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. It's also a good source of folate, iron, and calcium
Vitamin A is important for vision and immunity, while vitamin C is essential for collagen production, wound healing, and immune function. Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone health
Parsley also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Benefits of Parsley Tea
Parsley tea has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health issues. While not all of the benefits of this herbal tea are supported by scientific evidence, some are backed by strong research.
Here are 9 evidence-based health benefits of drinking parsley tea:
1. Great Source of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that's found in many fruits and vegetables. It's an important nutrient for immune function, collagen production, and wound healing.
Parsley is especially high in vitamin C, providing 133% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) in just 1 tablespoon (7 grams).
What's more, research shows that consuming foods rich in vitamin C may help decrease your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and even some cancers.
2. Parsley Tea for Skin Benefits
Parsley tea is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that may offer some skin benefits. For example, the vitamin C in parsley may help protect your skin from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.
In addition, the antioxidants in parsley tea may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fight signs of ageing.
Although more research is needed, these potential benefits make parsley tea a great choice for anyone looking to improve their skin health.
3. Benefits of Parsley Tea Weight Loss
Parsley tea is often promoted as a weight loss aid, but there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. However, one animal study showed that rats given parsley extract had reduced body fat and improved insulin levels.
Another study in rats found that those given a parsley leaf extract had reduced appetite and ate less than rats not given the extract.
While these studies are promising, more research is needed to determine if parsley tea has the same effects in humans. Until then, it's best to view parsley tea as a healthy addition to your diet rather than a weight-loss miracle cure.
4. Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. While parsley tea hasn't been directly studied for its effects on blood pressure, some of its key nutrients may offer benefits.
For example, parsley is a good source of potassium, a nutrient that's known to help lower blood pressure.
Additionally, the antioxidants in parsley tea may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can contribute to high blood pressure.
More research is needed to determine if drinking parsley tea can help lower blood pressure in humans. However, given its nutrient content and potential effects, it may be worth adding to your diet if you have high blood pressure.
5. Parsley Tea Helps Fight Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural process that helps your body fight infection and heal from injury. However, chronic inflammation can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.
Parsley tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
For example, one test-tube study showed that a compound found in parsley called eugenol was able to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines.
Additionally, another study found that apigenin — another antioxidant in parsley — was able to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
While more research is needed, these studies suggest that drinking parsley tea may help fight chronic inflammation.
6.Parsley Tea May Prevent Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in your kidneys. They're often quite painful and can lead to serious health problems if not treated.
Parsley tea is sometimes recommended as a natural remedy for kidney stones. This is because parsley is a good source of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium — all of which are thought to play a role in preventing kidney stones.
Many studies show the benefits of parsley for boosting your health. One such study found it could help increase urine volume, decrease calcium excretion and raise the acidity in rats!
Additionally, the diuretic effect of parsley tea may help increase urine output and flush out small kidney stones before they cause any pain or other problems.
However, more research is needed to determine if parsley tea is effective in preventing or treating kidney stones.
7. Can Help with Regulate Menstruation
Parsley tea is sometimes consumed to help regulate menstruation. This is because parsley is a good source of vitamin C, which is necessary for the production of progesterone — a hormone that plays an important role in the menstrual cycle.
Additionally, parsley tea contains compounds like apigenin and myristicin, which may help balance estrogen levels and reduce symptoms of PMS.
A small study in rats found that those given a parsley extract had reduced uterine weight and inflammation.
While more research is needed to determine if parsley tea can help regulate menstruation in humans, it's thought to be safe and may offer some benefits.
8. Parsley Tea May Boost Digestion
Parsley tea is often consumed as a natural remedy for digestive problems like gas, bloating, and indigestion. This is because parsley is a good source of fibre and nutrients like chlorophyll and apigenin, all of which are thought to help improve digestion.
Additionally, the diuretic effect of parsley tea may help relieve water retention and bloating.
While parsley tea hasn't been directly studied for its effects on digestion, some of its key nutrients offer benefits. For example, fibre helps keep things moving through your digestive system and chlorophyll has been shown to reduce gas and bloating.
More research is needed to determine if parsley tea can help boost digestion in humans. However, it's generally considered safe and may offer some benefits.
9. Parsley has Cancer Fighting Properties
Some preliminary research suggests that parsley tea may help protect against cancer. This is because parsley is a good source of antioxidants like vitamins C and A, as well as compounds like apigenin
These nutrients are thought to help neutralize harmful toxins that can damage DNA and lead to the development of cancer
Additionally, one test-tube study found that a water extract of parsley was able to kill off leukaemia cells.
While more research is needed, these studies suggest that parsley tea may help protect against cancer.
Parsley Tea Side Effects
Parsley tea is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, drinking too much parsley tea can cause side effects like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
It's also important to note that parsley is a potent herb and should be used in moderation. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should avoid drinking parsley tea as it can stimulate contractions and lead to miscarriage.
Additionally, people with kidney stones or other kidney problems should speak to their doctor before drinking parsley tea, as it may increase the risk of complications.
To avoid any adverse effects, it's best to drink parsley tea in moderation and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
How to Make Parsley Tea at Home
Parsley tea is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. All you need is:
1–2 tablespoons (15-30 grams) of dried parsley or 1 bunch of fresh parsley
1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water
Honey or lemon (optional)
Simply add the dried parsley to a cup using a tea infuser or teapot and pour in boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, then strain it into a cup. If desired, add honey or lemon for sweetness and flavour. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Parsley tea is a healthy and delicious herbal tea that offers a variety of potential health benefits. Parsley is a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients that are thought to offer various health benefits.
Additionally, parsley tea has a diuretic effect that may help relieve water retention and bloating. While more research is needed, parsley tea may offer some protection against cancer.
Parsley tea is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it's important to drink it in moderation to avoid any adverse effects.
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