Parsley: Not Just a Garnish

Fresh herbs are some of my favorite ingredients to cook with because they add so much flavor and nutrients to so many dishes.  If you grow your own they can also be the cheapest organic food you can get your hands on.

I love coming up with new ways to add different herbs to some of my go to meals so I can benefit from their powerful nutrients.  Parsley is one of the most common fresh herbs and is very easy to find.  You may be surprised at all the nutrients found in this garnish and their benefits.

Blood Cell Function

Parsley contains iron and vitamin K- two nutrients important for blood health.  Iron supports your red blood cells, helping them to transport oxygen to your tissues.  Vitamin K is important for blood platelets which helps your blood clot when you are bleeding.

Protect Your Heart

Parsley also contains a significant amount of folic acid (a B vitamin) which protects against blood vessel damage.  Healthy blood vessels can lower your risk for stroke and heart attacks.

Fights Cancer

Essential oils found in parsley may prevent tumor formation, fight free radicals that can damage cells, and neutralize carcinogens that can lead to cancer.  Parsley also has antioxidants that can fight those damaging free radicals.

Liver Health

Compounds found in parsley can boost the production of a liver enzyme which can detox our bodies.  It acts as a blood cleanser and purifier.

Enhance Your Immune System

Parsley has more vitamin C than oranges making it great for your immune system.  You need a healthy immune system to fight disease.

Improve Digestion

The enzymes in parsley can aid in the breakdown of food during digestion.  Digestion is so important for not only eating, but for disease prevention, weight loss, and nutrient absorption.

The benefits of adding herbs, like parsley, to a healthy diet is really tremendous.

I love making this parsley gremolata and adding it to salads, sprinkle over fish, incorporate olive oil for a pasta sauce or mix it in with roasted vegetables.  It adds color, flavor, and most importantly; NUTRITION.  So don’t just use parsley as a garnish…use it as medicine.

What is your favorite way to add fresh herbs to your diet?

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4

Author Sara

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes washed and cut into 1/2 inch sticks
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup parsley leaves loosely packed
• 1 large garlic clove peeled
• 1 large lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. On a lined sheet pan or on a cast iron pan, add potatoes, oil, and salt.
3. Toss the potatoes to cover with oil and salt.
4. Spread the potatoes out into one layer.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes until tender and browned.
6. While the potatoes are cooking place parsley on a cutting board.
7. With a micro plane zest the lemon, getting only the yellow parts and not the bitter white parts. Zee sting the lemon onto the parsley.
8. With the same micro plane grate the garlic onto the parsley.
9. With a large knife, chop the parsley, lemon, and garlic until the parsley is finely chopped and the lemon garlic is mixed in.
10. As soon as the potatoes are done,take them out of the oven and into a bowl tossing the parsley mixture with the hot potatoes.
11. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

*choose organic ingredients when possible.