Parsley, garden parsley, or Petroselinum crispum is a plant in the family of Apiaceae, native to the central Mediterranean region, and Europe. The plant is widely cultivated as a herb, spice, and vegetable and is also used in many Middle Eastern, European, and American cuisines. However, curly leaf parsley is often used as a garnish. In central and east Europe and western Asia, many dishes are served with fresh green chopped parsley is sprinkled on top to give contrast to dishes. Luckily, this green plant is not only used for decoration.

Here are 7 health benefits of parsley.

1.     Parsley could prevent ulcers.

Research from The American Journal of Chinese Medicine concluded that parsley leaves contain tannins, flavonoids, sterols and triterpenes. Also, parsley contains a significant antiulcerogenic activity in rat models.

2.     Parsley may contain antibacterial properties.

Researchers from the Center for Infectious Diseases and International Health investigated the bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties of 25 plants against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). They found that parsley had some bactericidal effects and could inhibit the H. pylori strains from attaching to the stomach sections.

3.     Parsley may possess anti-inflammatory properties.

A research study found that when parsley is mixed with asparagus root, the combination has anti-inflammatory activity and increases the metabolism of kidney cells.

4.     Parsley may slow down platelet formation.

Some individuals may have hyperactive platelets, especially in diseases like high blood pressure. Parsley could prolong bleeding time and prevent platelet aggregation.

5.     Parsley may protect your liver.

Individuals who have diabetes have shown signs of a degenerated liver. The degenerative changes may be significantly reduced or absent in the liver cells if treated with parsley.

6.     Parsley may help people with type 2 diabetes with sugar levels.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes may find benefits by consuming parsley. It is potential that parsley may demonstrate significantly lower levels of blood glucose as well as other enzymes like alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase.

7.     Parsley may help individuals use the restroom.

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that parsley could increase the ability of individuals for using the restroom.