Parsley is a food that gets very little respect. The sprig that’s set on your plate for decoration is often tossed aside. That’s too bad, because parsley is surprisingly nutritious. Parsley contains a large amount of beta carotene, enough to rank it with carrots as a cancer-fighting Super Food. It also contains plenty of calcium, potassium and vitamin C. You need calcium, of course, for strong bones and for many other biochemical functions. Potassium is important for a healthy heart and for energy. When patients tell me they’re tired and “don’t feel well,” I check their potassium level. I’m not surprised to find low levels of blood potassium in many of these patients. As for vitamin C, well, a healthy “doctor within” depends on plenty of this vitamin.
Nutrient
Parsley
(per 3 1\2 oz)
(raw)
Beta Carotene
8,500.0 IU
Vitamin C
172.0 mg
Calcium
203.0 mg
Phosphorus
63.0 mg
Iron
6.2 mg
Sodium
45.0 mg
Potassium
727.0 mg
Vitamin Bl
.12 mg
Vitamin B2
.26 mg
Vitamin B3
1.2 mg
So eat lots of parsley, the overlooked and undervalued Super Food. The little bit you occasionally find as a garnish isn’t nearly enough. My wife buys it by the bunch, washes it and refrigerates it. I munch on it whole or chop it up and toss it in my salad. I urge you to do the same.
*39\80\8*
