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Plate Decoration Gone Healthy

Contributed by: Lena Sanchez of Antibiotic Alternatives

It hasn't gone healthy it's always been healthy just ignored!

One of the oldest herbs in the world and is now grown all over the world is also one of the greatest toxin removal systems around as well as illness and disease preventor... PARSLEY

And you thought it was just to decorate your plate. Not so, next time the restaurant puts a sprig of parsley on your dinner plate, eat it! Parsley is a much maligned herb!

Parsley originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region but is now grown throughout the world. For more than 2,000 years, it has been known as a medicinal herb. The ancient Greeks valued the seeds and roots of the plant for their soothing, diuretic effect on those with kidney and bladder ailments.

Today parsley is still used primarily as a diuretic. In addition, it strengthens the digestive system and helps alleviate stomach and liver problems.

In folk medicine, parsley was recommended for women who have irregular menstrual periods. As a diuretic it may also ease the bloating that some women experience before their periods. In addition, parsley leaves are a good source of many vitamins and minerals - including iron, which is important for the proper formation of red blood cells, potassium and vitamin C.

The Medieval German herbalist St Hildegard of Bingen prescribed parsley wine to improve blood circulation. It was believed to help heart conditions. To make his parsley wine, combine 10 - 12 large sprigs of parsley with 1 quart of red or white wine and 2 teaspoons of white-wine vinegar. Boil for 10 minutes then add 9 ounces of honey. Strain the mixture and pour into bottles. I have not tried this, but it is said to work well, according to many... Take 1 Tbsp. Three times a day, is said to keep the blood circulating.

This herb supplies important vitamins and minerals, for instance, just ¼ cup of fresh parsley provides a third of your daily vitamin C requirement. It's high vitamin C and A content also help fight cancer. Parsley ranks higher than most vegetable in bistidine an amino acid that inhibits tumors. In addition, parsley is an excellent source of potassium, which is important in lowering blood pressure. Also supplies folic acid, which helps prevent cardiovascular disease. It also contains calcium, manganese and iron.

Parsley for Osteoporosis; Sometimes high doses of calcium are taken in supplemental form, however this impairs the body's absorption of manganese which help build bone. But parsley enhances manganese absorption, particularly when it is eaten with foods containing copper and zinc, such as shellfish and whole grains.

Is it any wonder that a Mediterranean diet is one of the known healthy diets? The average Mediterranean inhabitant eats lots of parsley in a lot of different dishes!

Tips:

• Parsley contains essential oils; the most important one, apiole, is a kidney stimulant. Because these essential oils can stimulate uterine contractions, pregnant women should avoid eating large quantities of it. BUT, after the baby is born, parsley can help tone the uterus and promote lactation.
• Don't cook parsley, because heat destroys its valuable vitamins and minerals. To retain parsley's flavor, chop the herb just before using and add it to hot foods at the last minute.
• Avoid dried parsley, it is far less tasty and healthful than the fresh herb.
• Try the flat leaf variety, also called Italian parsley, It has more nutrients and a better flavor than curly parsley.
• Add parsley to compliment a dish, such as potatoes, smoked salmon, trout, poultry, pasta and vegetables.
• Freeze fresh parsley to save preparation time in the kitchen. Wash, zip seal plastic bag. You can then remove the amount you need with each recipe.
• To keep parsley fresh, sprinkle it with water, wrapping it in paper towels and refrigerating it in a plastic bag. Or place parsley stems in a glass of water, like a bunch or flowers, and refrigerate.

*** Lena Sanchez Author of "Handbook Of Herbs To Health & Other Secrets," "Antibiotic Alternatives To Preventing Mega Bacteria," & "Dangers & Secrets Doctors Refuse To Tell You." Online at http://www.antibiotic-alternatives.com and Editor of "Natural Environmental Health Facts & Your Home Business Coach" ezine subscribe at http://www.envirodocs.com/newsletter.htm