Parsley juice: health benefits and harms

The fertile lands of the Mediterranean at one time presented a wonderful gift to all the inhabitants of the Earth. It was here, in the eastern regions, that parsley grew in abundance, though in the wild. But people appreciated the plant as a great spice and began to use it to improve the taste of various dishes. Then the pharmacists learned how to prepare decoctions and medicinal teas from parsley. Now it is impossible to imagine any vegetable garden or garden plot without this fragrant green grass growing on it.

Composition and calorie content

Garden parsley (or its other variety - curly) is rich in its useful substances, therefore it has powerful healing properties, although it contains up to 85 percent of water. The following components were found in the fleshy white root and emerald leaves:

1. Essential oils. Their main components are apiol and myristicin, and they are ranked as effective disinfectants, expectorants and diuretics. Researchers claim that it is the presence of essential oils that strengthens capillaries and helps to create concentrations in human urine that are sufficient to provide antibiotic effects in infections of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland.
2. Apiin glycoside. This substance is mainly found in parsley and celery. Thanks to him, complex chemical reactions take place in the body, and intracellular respiratory processes are carried out.
3. Volatile Scientists discovered these unique substances in plants, studied them and were surprised how much they have the ability to destroy microbes, even pathogens. That is why plants have the ability to resist infections. Parsley has a large amount of these substances, because this plant is so appreciated. Phytoncide activity increases the defenses of a person, helps in the treatment of tonsillitis and complex diseases of the lungs and bronchi. With chronic colitis, the spread of abscesses throughout the body, and intestinal disorders, volatile products will help to cope with these other substances contained in parsley juice.
4. Potassium. This is the main intracellular element. It is important for the human body, as it promotes the elimination of fluid, helps to produce muscle contractions, and it is also a direct participant in those processes that ensure the conduct of nerve impulses. It helps to turn glucose into glycogen, regulates heart rhythms, corrects the alkaline balance of blood and tissue fluid.
5. Calcium. This mineral substance normalizes the pH of the digestive tract due to the fact that it enhances the activity of enzymes located in the stomach and pancreas.
6. Iron. It is part of many enzymes that act as catalysts for oxidation and reduction processes, is the main part of hemoglobin and myoglobin. Due to the presence of a sufficient amount of iron, the body is better supplied with oxygen, the cell membranes are stabilized, the capillaries are less permeable, and collagen is restored.
7. Phosphorus. Without this element, energy metabolism in the human body is impossible, as well as most metabolic reactions. In addition, phosphorus is one of the main components of bone tissue and has a positive effect on libido. Scientists have found that phosphorus helps better absorption of vitamins.
8. Carotene. Although its effectiveness is lower than vitamin A, it contributes to the normal functioning of the cells of many organs. First of all, it is the integumentary epithelium of the skin, mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract.Provitamin A prevents conjunctivitis and dry skin, stops the development of night blindness and increases the body's resistance to various infections, reduces the risk of diseases, including cancer, associated with the negative impact of the environmental situation.
9. Folic acid. She is involved in the formation of red blood cells, in the production of nucleic acids. It is considered brain food, and its presence in the body is especially necessary during periods of anxiety or depression.
10. Chlorophyll. This plant pigment is not for nothing called a natural disinfectant, as it is able to reduce the unpleasant odor emanating from the body, to reduce the carcinogenic effects of oxidation.
11. Vitamin C. Scientists have proven that this particular vitamin is the strongest antioxidant. Ascorbic acid is able to bind free radicals and stops the destructive effect on tissues. In addition, vitamin C can increase the activity of antioxidants such as selenium and vitamin E, while tocopherol (another name for vitamin E) is much faster restored if vitamin C is present. Ascorbic acid regulates blood coagulation and carbohydrate metabolism, monitors lipid balance in blood, forms bone and connective tissue. This vitamin produces a stimulating effect on the immune system, helps to produce interferon, which prevents the development of viruses in the human body.
12. Vitamins of group B. Thiamine produces hydrochloric acid, participates in the formation of cells and carbohydrate metabolism, gives energy to a person, increases the ability to learn. Cyanocobalamin improves digestion, synthesizes proteins. Its most important role is noted in the formation and resistance of cells to negative environmental influences.
13. Vitamin PP The need for vitamin is that it helps to absorb protein from plant foods. This is especially important for those people who have completely excluded meat from their diet or stick to fasts. Niacin also normalizes gastric secretion and enhances gastric motility, accelerating the withdrawal of food masses from it. It participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates, promotes blood formation. The lack of this vitamin is felt immediately: dermatitis develops, the functions of the gastrointestinal tract are disrupted, the person experiences a decrease in appetite, discomfort in the stomach, nausea, and diarrhea appear.

The calorie content of this plant is quite low: 47 kcal per 100 ml. It has almost no fat, but there are approximately 8 percent carbohydrates and up to 4 percent protein.

What is useful parsley juice

General benefit

The juice obtained from parsley has many advantages:

1. It brings tangible benefits to the digestive system, promoting the active functioning of the digestive elements and improving intestinal motility. Therefore, in the absence of appetite and upset stomach, gastritis with low acidity, doctors advise using parsley juice.
2. The diuretic effect of this juice is especially important for those who have persistent edema or have found protein in the urine during the examination, as well as deviations in the urinary tract. A drink from parsley removes excess fluid, simultaneously removing inflammatory processes and killing pathogenic microbes. Moreover, the action of parsley in this case is invaluable: it does not allow valuable trace elements to be removed from the body with the liquid, because their concentration remains the same, their balance is not upset. Even such treatment methods are used, but only under the supervision of a doctor. A certain dosage of juice, according to the developed scheme, is able to dissolve stones or sand in the kidneys, urinary or gall bladder.
3. If weakness and irritability occur, insomnia and bad mood torment, aching pain in the heart appears, then these unpleasant symptoms may be due to the fact that the body lacks magnesium and iron. Then parsley juice will become a real medicine. To prepare it, you will need a tablespoon of fresh juice, an apple and celery, crushed in a blender.
4. For patients with diabetes, parsley juice is useful in that it has a sugar-lowering effect.
5. Juice also helps those who suffer from poor eyesight or have to strain their eyes for a long time. In this case, it is better to add carrot and celery juice to the parsley and take it several times a day before meals.
6. Parsley juice helps prevent premature baldness due to the presence of vitamins C, B1, B2 and folic acid.
7. Since ancient times, parsley has been recognized as a plant that increases sex drive in both men and women.
8. Juice is used for bites of various insects and swelling. It quickly relieves itching and redness, relieves pain.
9. The juice obtained from parsley strengthens the immune system and restores strength after surgery.

Also noted the beneficial effects of parsley juice for all people.

For women

You can normalize with its help a disturbed menstrual cycle. But the greatest effect will be created by beetroot added to this juice. However, it should be remembered that a drunk dose of more than 50 ml per day can be harmful, since such a cocktail is potent and has great biological activity. Parsley also helps to relieve pain during menstruation. You can start treatment a few days before the onset of menstruation and finish the course on the day it ends. Juice improves the condition of women during a difficult menopause.

For men

A disease such as prostatitis causes a lot of trouble and brings constant discomfort. But parsley juice has a positive effect on the diseased prostate, alleviating the symptoms. Often parsley prevents the onset of the disease. For a more effective effect, beet juice - 70 ml is added to parsley juice (30 ml).

Parsley juice helps with impotence. This is due to the fact that the plant contains apigenin. Once in the male body, it begins to inhibit the production of estrogen, classified as female hormones, but at the same time increasing the production of testosterone.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, this juice is strictly prohibited, because after taking even a small dose, stimulation of smooth uterine muscles begins, which can entail premature birth.

When breastfeeding

Doctors see no danger in taking parsley juice during lactation, the plant itself is not an allergenic product, in addition, it is low-calorie. Already at the beginning of the first month after the birth of the baby, the juice can be carefully entered into the diet. If the crumbs have itching, swelling or redness of the skin, his body is most likely not yet ready to accept this plant. But the child’s body sometimes reacts differently: colic, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea can begin. Bloating happens, the reason for this is the presence of plant fibers in the plant. Therefore, you can repeat the attempt to use juice in the diet after a month.

There is another caveat to doctors. Before starting to take juice from parsley, a nursing mother should ask her relatives and her husband if an allergic reaction to this green was manifested. There is a danger that the intolerance of the product is inherited by the child.

For kids

For children, such juice will be beneficial, but there are significant limitations in doses and age.Parsley juice is useful for children from the age of one, but no more than two teaspoons per day, always diluted with water. You can also add it to vegetable puree. After taking the juice for the first time, you should follow the behavior of the body: suddenly an allergic reaction begins.

When losing weight

When losing weight, the use of juice helps to normalize fat metabolism, the drink begins to rid the body of accumulated toxins and other harmful substances, accelerates the digestive process.

Parsley juice in cosmetology

Having received juice from parsley at home, it is not necessary to drink it. Beauticians suggest using it to give skin firmness and elasticity, improve metabolic processes of the upper layers of the dermis, whitening, and normalize the structure of hair.

For face

1. Mix one part of parsley juice and ten parts of boiled water, pour into ice molds and freeze. The resulting cube is useful to wipe the skin once a day. After a month, it is advisable to take a short break.
2. Add olive oil to a teaspoon of parsley juice, but peach or pink is better - half a teaspoon, as well as two tablespoons of low-fat, well-ground cottage cheese. Stir all components thoroughly to make a slurry, and apply on a clean face. Hold the mixture for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
3. To get rid of freckles and pigmentation, a few drops of lemon juice should be added to the diluted parsley juice. Wipe the skin twice a day.
4. To get rid of inflammations and pimples, it is necessary to clean the problem areas several times a day with pure juice obtained from parsley root.

For hair

1. A positive effect of parsley juice on the hair has been noticed, especially if they are dry, brittle and lose their shine. To prepare the product, you need to use not only the leaves, but also a little root, make juice from them. Dilute with five parts of water and rinse hair after each wash for a month.
2. With the help of parsley juice, you can adjust the oily hair, simplify their styling and help them grow better. To do this, rub only the juice or mix it with honey and oil - sunflower or olive. Take one tablespoon of each ingredient. Mix all components, place in a container and leave to simmer in a water bath for 5-10 minutes. The fire should be very small. When the product cools down, rub it into the head. The duration of the procedure is 30 minutes. For the best effect, cover your head with a film and a towel on top. Carry out the procedure twice a week for a month.
3. In order for the hair to grow thicker, shiny and healthy, it is useful to use such a mask. On a tablespoon of parsley juice, take two tablespoons of honey and burdock oil. Another mask also has the same effect, the components of which are parsley juice mixed with brown bread previously soaked in water. Mix bread and juice. It will turn out to be a useful slurry, which you need to massage gently rub into the scalp, then cover with a film and wrap with a towel. The duration of the procedure is 30 minutes.

Harm and contraindications

Nutritionists warn that you can not constantly - every day - include parsley juice in the diet. And if it is necessary to use the juice inside as a therapeutic agent, at this time from the diet should be excluded foods that contain large quantities of starch and sugar, and reduce the consumption of meat dishes.

It may turn out that the body responds to the juice with a violent allergic reaction, so make sure that this plant does not provoke a rash, swelling, or other negative effect.

Note! Large consumption of parsley juice significantly increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

Juice is not recommended if a person has kidney inflammation, as it provokes strong urination.

During an exacerbation of peptic ulcer or gastritis, the drink will harm the inflamed organs.

Parsley is contraindicated in patients with epilepsy.

How to make parsley juice at home

It is advisable to make juice from that parsley, which went the second year, which means that the root is fully formed. Juice will be beneficial if made from leaves, but you can add a little root base to them. For cooking, it is better to use a recently picked plant.

The juice is prepared as follows:

1. Sort the leaves of parsley, leaving green and healthy, and remove yellowed or dried. It is advisable to leave the leaves in cool water for 20-30 minutes to make sure that eggs of various parasites are not left on them.
2. Wash the root thoroughly, removing the ground and cleaning off damaged areas. Grind it in advance, preferably on a fine grater. Then you can add it to the leaves or squeeze the juice separately through cheesecloth, and then add it to the juice obtained from foliage.
3. Dry the ingredients on a fabric made from natural fibers.
4. Grind the plant with a meat grinder or blender.
5. Place the resulting mixture in a linen bag or gauze and squeeze the juice.

It will produce juice with a high concentration. In this form, doctors do not recommend drinking it, it is necessary to dilute it with boiled water.

There are several rules for keeping juice useful:

1. It must not be boiled.
2. You can store for no more than five days, since all the nutrients in the juice are destroyed quite quickly.
3. Keep the drink only in the refrigerator, in a warm place it becomes unusable after a few hours.
4. For longer storage, there is a good way: pour the juice into special ice tins and send it to the freezer, and then use a separate cube.
5. If the juice from the freezer has thawed, it will lose its effect upon repeated freezing, therefore it should be used immediately.

How to drink

1. It is advisable to drink the juice immediately after preparation, without seasoning with anything - neither sugar nor salt.
2. Drink the drink slowly, in small sips. It is better to hold the liquid for a short time in the mouth, until it mixes with saliva, so parsley will have a much better effect.
3. The drink goes well with juice obtained from beets, celery, apple or carrots. To improve digestion, apple cider vinegar is added to the juice.

Interesting facts about parsley

1. Even ancient people knew that parsley is a medicinal and spicy plant. And in Greece it is still considered a sacred plant, therefore, it is practically not used for food. But the French use dried herbs along with the stem, quickly frying everything in vegetable oil, and then immediately served with fish or meat dishes.
2. The ancient Greeks regarded parsley as an ornamental plant and decorated it with leaves of temples when any important holidays were held. The very word "parsley" is of Greek origin. It sounded like "petroselinion," which means "mountain celery."
3. The ancient Egyptians believed that parsley began to grow in the place where the evil envious Seth deprived the eyes of his brother Horus, and there remained drops of blood. Therefore, in memory of this event, magnificent mysteries were arranged, and on the heads of the participants there must have been wreaths woven from parsley branches.
4. There were black times for parsley, when it was believed that this was a witchcraft plant, and therefore it was forbidden to grow it. And if she was suddenly found in someone in the garden, for the owner it threatened with a terrible punishment: accusation of witchcraft. She could grow only on the site of sinners and criminals.It was believed that this spicy harmless grass scoops up and gains unknown force, feeding on the energies of the underground devils, and its roots should penetrate the kingdom of the dead 9 times until its sprouts appear on the surface of the soil.
5. But at the end of the 16th century, the reputation of parsley was restored. It was recognized as a plant that is very healthy and brings health and rejuvenation. And the original taste was taken by the cook.
6. Parsley has its heavenly patrons. This is the planet Pluto, which helps the plant maintain an invisible connection with the other world. And with the help of Mercury, all the beneficial properties of greenery are manifested, which allow you to heal people and give them vitality.