15 Interesting Facts About Parsley

Parsley is much more than just a garnish – it is an aromatic and versatile herb that has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for over 2,000 years. From its high nutrient content to its many health benefits, parsley has a fascinating history and a multitude of uses.

This article will explore 15 interesting facts about parsley, from its origins in Ancient Greece to its popularity in Italian cuisine today. We will uncover parsley’s rich background, its therapeutic properties, and even its role in attracting butterflies. Read on to learn 15 fascinating details about this remarkable herb.

1. Parsley is one of the oldest herbs known to man

Parsley has been cultivated and used for over 2,000 years. The ancient Greeks used it to make crowns for the winners of the Isthmian Games. The Romans used it in wreaths during festivals and as a flavoring for food.

2. The two main types are curly leaf and Italian flat leaf

Curly leaf parsley has ruffled, curled leaves while Italian parsley features flat, pointed leaves. Curly leaf parsley is often used as a garnish while Italian flat leaf is favored for cooking.

3. It’s high in vitamins A, C and K

Parsley is packed with nutrition. It’s an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A. The vitamin K in parsley helps strengthen bones.

4. Parsley acts as a breath freshener

Chewing on fresh parsley sprigs is a great way to freshen your breath. It’s a common practice in the Middle East after consuming garlic or onion-heavy meals.

5. Parsley has high levels of antioxidants

Parsley contains the flavonoid antioxidants luteolin, apigenin, lycopene, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene. Antioxidants help fight free radicals that can damage cells.

6. It’s said to be helpful for urinary tract infections

Parsley has historically been used to help treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones. It’s a diuretic that can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

7. The herb helps stimulate digestion

Eating parsley can aid digestion because it helps stimulate the production of bile and gastric juices. Parsley also contains an enzyme that helps relax muscles in the intestinal tract.

8. Parsley can help reduce bad breath

Chewing on fresh parsley leaves can help temporarily reduce bad breath. Parsley’s high chlorophyll content helps purify the breath and alleviate the smell of garlic, onion or fish.

9. It has anti-inflammatory properties

Parsley contains a volatile oil called eugenol that has anti-inflammatory properties. The vitamin C and beta-carotene in parsley also help reduce inflammation.

10. Parsley has been used traditionally for menstrual issues

Parsley has been used traditionally as an emmenagogue to help stimulate menstruation. It’s also been used to help alleviate menstrual cramps.

11. The herb attracts black swallowtail butterflies

Black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars feed on parsley. Gardeners often plant parsley to attract this beautiful butterfly to their outdoor spaces.

12. Italy produces the most parsley

Italy tops the list of parsley producing countries followed by Egypt and Russia. Much of Italy’s parsley comes from Emilia-Romagna and Sicily.

13. Parsley can help reduce anxiety

Some studies have found that extracts from parsley may have anti-anxiety properties. Parsley extract has exhibited anti-anxiety effects in animal models.

14. It’s thought to help strengthen bones

Parsley’s high vitamin K content gives it bone-boosting benefits. Vitamin K improves calcium absorption and reduces urinary excretion of calcium to help bolster bone strength.

15. The Ancient Greeks associated parsley with death

The Greeks used parsley in funeral rites and decorated tombs with the herb. They believed parsley had sprung from the blood of Archemorus, whose name meant “Beginner of Doom.”

Conclusion

With its abundant nutrients, medicinal properties, and long history, parsley has proven itself to be an amazing herb with versatility in the kitchen and value for health. From the Greeks and Romans incorporating it into their rituals to it being a staple in Italian cuisine today, parsley has been prized through the centuries. Its high levels of vitamins K, C, and A make it excellent for bone strength, immune health, and more.

Parsley’s anti-inflammatory effects and diuretic properties also enable its traditional uses for UTIs and menstrual issues. Beyond just being a pretty garnish, parsley can provide antioxidants, freshen breath, and attract black swallowtail butterflies. With over a dozen unique facts presented, it’s clear parsley is more than meets the eye.

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