Alfalfa|Asparagus|Beet|Broccoli|Cabbage|Carrot|Cauliflower|Celery
Collards|Greens|Kale|Onion|Parsley|Pepper|Spinach|Tomato

Special points of interest:

- Excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and folate.

• Very good source of iron.
• Good source of copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin E, manganese, tryptophan, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and Vitamin B3 (niacin).
• A one ounce serving of parley contains only 10 calories.
• Contains a large amount of chlorophyll, acting as a natural breath sweetener.
• Contains the nutrients iron, calcium and sodium.
• Cleanses the blood and reduces coagulants in the veins.
• Clears kidney stones.

More on: Parsley

The History of Parsley

While parsley is a wonderfully nutritious and healing food, throughout history, it has often been under-appreciated. Until recently, parsley was mainly used as a decorative garnish which accompanies meals. While, it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, although not consumed as a food, some civilizations did recognize the medicinal uses of this plant.

Throughout history, Parsley teas have been used effectively to treat kidney stones, bladder infections, jaundice and digestive disorders. Oil from the leaves and roots was used to repel head lice. As far back as Hippocrates, parsley was used in medicinal recipes for cure-alls, general tonics, poison antidotes and anti-rheumatics.

The Greeks held parsley in high esteem, crowning the victors at Isthmian and Nemena Games with chaplets of parsley. Wreaths were made out of parsley and placed on the tombs of the dead. The herb was never brought to the table of old, being held sacred to oblivion and to the dead. The civilization of the ancient Romans can be credited with being the first to bring this herb to the table as a garnish.

Parsley is used in the Hebrew celebration of Passover as a symbol of Spring and Rebirth.
It is uncertain when parsley began to be consumed as a seasoning, but it is believed to be sometime during the Middle Ages in Europe. It is said to have been brought to North America by the ancient Vikings. (Medieval Scandinavians)

Today, parsley is associated with lust, good luck, protection, purification, fertility, health, stamina, passion, meditation, rituals for the dead, and happiness.

The Benefits of Parsley

Parsley contains two types of components which provide unique health benefits. The first is it's volatile oils which contain myristicin, eugenol, alpha-thujene and limonene. Myristicin has been shown to inhibit tumor formation, particularly in the lungs. The oils found in parsley can help neutralize certain types of carcinogens.

The other component of parsley which provides health benefits is flavonoids. Luteolin has been shown to function as an anti-oxidant which combines with highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules to help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. In addition to it's oils and flavonoids, parsley is also rich in Vitamin C, folic acid and beta-carotene.

Vitamin C acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Consumption of high levels of Vitamin C and beta-carotene have shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer, diabetes and asthma. Folic acid is a critical nutrient from proper cell division and is important for cancer prevention in the colon and the cervix, two areas of the body which contain rapidly dividing cells.

Classification

Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae

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