7 Surprising Health Benefits of Parsley Root

The seven health benefits of parsley roots include:

1. Rich in nutritional contents:
   • Parsley is high in essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, which are strongly tied to heart health and healthy bones. 
   • It has minerals galore, including a good supply of iron, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are essential for healthy blood and bones.
   • In addition, a single cup of parsley root provides 22 calories, making this fiber-rich veggie a good, nutrient-dense, dietary addition for people who aim to lose weight.
2. Rich in antioxidants:
   • Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize harmful free radicals, which are associated with many diseases and help defend the body against chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
   • Parsley root contains myristicin and apiol, two powerful antioxidants that help prevent diseases.
3. Fight inflammation:
   • Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stress, which may increase the risk of certain chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
   • Parsley root contains several compounds, such as myristicin, apiol, and furanocoumarins that are known to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Boost detoxification:
   • The liver is responsible for eliminating toxins that are produced due to exposure to several medications, food, or pollutants.
   • Glutathione, an antioxidant produced by the liver, plays a significant role in the detoxification process.
   • Animal studies have reported that the juice of parsley roots significantly increased the amount of glutathione and other detoxification enzymes in the liver tissues, thus promoting detoxification.
5. Strengthen the immune system:
   • Vitamins A and C in parsley roots help improve immunity and act as antioxidants to fight free radicals formed in the body.
   • The roots help increase leukocyte (white blood cells) production, which helps boost immunity.
   • Vitamin C helps build collagen in the body, which is the key component to strengthening bones, muscles, skin, hair, and tendons.
   • In addition, the antibacterial and antifungal activities of parsley roots help defend against bacterial and fungal infections and thus aid the immune system. 
6. Have anticancer properties:
   • Parsley roots have a range of flavonoids and other protective compounds that can neutralize carcinogens, thus preventing tissue damage and the death of healthy cells.
   • Moreover, this vegetable has plenty of fiber, which is associated with a reduced risk of colon, ovarian, head, and neck cancer.
7. An easy addition to the diet:
   • Parsley roots are nutritious and versatile, edible raw, or cooked, providing a concentrated source of fiber and other nutrients.
   • There are several ways to use this root in the daily diet, such as baking, frying, sautéing, steaming the root, or simply eating it raw.

Parsley root, also known as Dutch parsley or Hamburg parsley, is more delicate and sweeter and has a more herbal taste than a parsnip.

It was first used for cooking in 16th century Germany, where it was known as Hamburg parsley.

Both the root and leaves of parsley root are usually eaten cooked but can be served raw. The varieties of parsley roots with large fleshy tap roots are used for cooking in Central and Eastern Europe.

Currently, parsley root is used as a winter vegetable in Germany, Holland, and Poland.

Culinary purpose

Parsley roots can be prepared in various ways including:

• Parsley roots can be sliced or cubed and prepared as a cooked vegetable similar to carrots, celery roots, parsnips, and turnips.
• Raw parsley root can be used whole, grated, sliced, or diced to add flavor to winter salads.
• It can be chopped and used for garnishing.
• Use them in soups or stews, combined with carrots, potatoes, turnips, onions, or meat. 
• Roast or bake them with beef or poultry, sautéed or fried with tofu, and added to lentil dishes.
• You can boil parsley root and potatoes to create a flavorful variation on traditional mashed potatoes.
• Dried roots can be used for flavoring.

Medicinal purpose

• The leaf, seed, and root have been used in traditional Greek medicine to treat flatulence, indigestion, spasms, and menstrual disorders.
• Parsley root extract is used in traditional medicine for treating chronic liver and gallbladder diseases.
• Dried roots and essential oil are used in the Ayurvedic healing system.

Consuming an excess amount of parsley roots is not recommended for:

• Pregnant women (may harm their fetus and cause abortion)
• People with kidney stones (parsley root contains oxalates, which can crystalize in the body fluids)
• People taking lithium