An Herb Most Often Used As A Garnish May Help Banish Bloating

Often dismissed as just a garnish, parsley actually packs a surprising punch when it comes to nutrition and health. According to WebMD, parsley is loaded with a number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, just one tablespoon of parsley can provide more than 70% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin K. It's also a great source of apigenin, a flavone that has been lauded for its anti-cancer properties. 

In addition, parsley is an excellent way to aid digestion and prevent bloating (via The Healthy). Many of the compounds in parsley can help in expelling gas from the body, making you feel less bloated after a meal. As Real Simple explains, parsley helps protect your stomach by reducing inflammation and preventing damage from stress. Its antioxidants fight harmful molecules that can irritate the digestive system. It's also rich in fiber, which supports healthy digestion. Just half a cup provides more than a gram of fiber, which can help with bloating and constipation. 

Parsley can do a lot more than keep you from feeling bloated. It may also act as a natural diuretic, as evidenced by a 2002 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. The study showed that parsley seed extract increases urine output, likely affecting how the kidneys handle sodium and potassium. Essentially, parsley helps the body retain potassium in the kidney tubules, which draws more water into the urine and promotes fluid elimination. 

Additionally, parsley's powerful antioxidant properties could be helpful in fighting cancer, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. That study showed that extracts from parsley leaves and stems can help protect normal cells from DNA damage, and can slow the migration of certain breast cancer cells, suggesting potential in cancer prevention and reducing metastasis. Overall, parsley may help combat oxidative stress and could be a great food for improving health. 

While parsley does have some positive benefits for your health, there can be some side effects when consumed in excessive amounts (via Cymbiotika). For example, parsley can lower blood sugar levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia in certain individuals. It can also cause liver toxicity, particularly when consumed in large amounts as concentrated extracts or oils. 

For pregnant women, parsley can be particularly risky. According to Healthline, two compounds found in parsley, myristicin and apiole, could cause uterine contractions when consumed in high amounts. In some serious cases, it could even lead to a miscarriage. According to FirstCry Parenting, the myristicin in parsley can also reach the placenta and potentially affect the baby's heart rate. Additionally, in certain cases, parsley oil can cause seizures and kidney damage. Consuming parsley oil in large amounts could also lead to hemoglobin issues with the baby. Cooked parsley is a safer option, as cooking can reduce some of the more dangerous oils. However, pregnant women should still be cautious when deciding to make parsley a part of their diet.