The Health Benefits of Parsley

Julys top ingredient, that I have been loving, is parsley! So, my aim for you guys this month is to eat as much of it as possible, as I have been doing.

The Benefits of Parsley

Parsley is the most popular and widely used herb in the world! This doesn't come as a surprise, once you realise how truly amazing it is. 

The vitamins packed in these small green leaves include: Vitamins K, C, A, B1 and B3, iron, copper, potassium, calcium, fibre, magnesium, zinc and many, many more. Not too mention it is also, low in saturated fat, very low in cholesterol and a good source of protein! Studies have also shown the herb to protect against and prevent: heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. As well as to help digestion, menstrual flow, as an aphrodisiac, and as a breath freshener.

To top that off, it is great if you are keeping an eye on your waistline, as it contains only 22 calories per 60g portion! 

3 Ways To Eat It

• In a lovely salad. I had this for lunch today and it was so yummy and filling. It is so quick and easy to make and low in calories but because you are not constricting the size of your meal it doesn't feel like a 'diet'. It is also so good and healthy, as combined with the other vegetables, you are feeding your body such a variety of nutrients. 

You don't have to follow my recipe, but it was so delicious I simply had to share it with you guys!

Ingredients: 

A cup of parsley

2 tomatoes

1/4 of a green pepper

1 avocado

1/2 a carrot

and vinegar, oil and salt for the dressing.

All you do is finely chop all your ingredients, toss them in a bowl and add your dressing how you like. And there you have it! I told you it's quick! In this one dish you are almost getting your five a day already, and the day has only just begun! 

• As a garnish. Just sprinkle a few leaves over your cooked meat, potatoes, pasta... literally anything to add a little bit of interest and flavour to your dish. I love it with grilled pork or steak.

• To make a sauce. You can use parsley to make a variety of sauces and chutneys for various dishes. I like to use it to make pesto by blending the parsley leaves with oil, garlic, pine nuts and even a tiny bit of basil. Once made you can serve it straight away. What's even greater about a pesto pasta is that you can eat it cold for lunch or a picnik which just makes it a really lovely and refreshing summer dish!

Enjoy reaping the benefits of parsley and share this with all your friends so that they can too!

Love O

x