Not just decoration: 4 amazing effects of parsley on your body
Who would have thought that a bunch of parsley in the fridge could do more than just make dishes look pretty?
For a long time, this spicy herb was underestimated as a mere garnish. However, it is full of fascinating plant compounds whose effects are increasingly being scientifically studied.
Thanks to its antioxidant and nutrient-rich ingredients, parsley is also a particularly interesting superfood for cold-pressed green juices and detox smoothies.
In this article, we'll show you the amazing effects parsley can have on the body – with a look at current studies and their significance for your health.
Medicinal plant with history and proven effects
Parsley has a long tradition in herbal medicine, and numerous studies now confirm many of its uses. A comprehensive pharmacological study (1) shows that the active ingredients in parsley, including apigenin, apiol, and myristicin, have effects, among others:
– antispasmodic – analgesic – diuretic – antibacterial and antifungal – liver-protective – estrogen-like
These effects explain why parsley has traditionally been used for cystitis, menstrual problems, digestive problems or liver weakness.
➡️ This means: Parsley is not only a kitchen classic, but also a highly interesting medicinal plant – with effects that are partly comparable to pharmaceutical substances, but usually much gentler.
Fewer muscle cramps, healthier skin
A recent clinical observational study with 937 participants investigated how well parsley is tolerated – and whether it can have specific effects on the body (2).
The result: 96.26% of the participants showed no intolerance to parsley.
Particularly interesting: Among the 902 people without hypersensitivity, 37% reported muscle cramps. In the subgroup that consumed parsley juice, a significant reduction in muscle cramps of 15.02% was observed.
Parsley also had an interesting effect on the skin: In 32 people with psoriasiform dermatitis who applied a parsley ointment, redness, scaling, and skin thickness improved. The effect was most noticeable in dandruff formation.
➡️ This means: Parsley may potentially help relieve muscle pain and skin problems. Not as a miracle cure, but as a well-tolerated herbal support.
Parsley tested against anxiety and depression
Another study (3) investigated the effect of parsley polyphenols on depression and anxiety, not in humans but in preclinical models. The results were remarkable: Parsley extract (especially at 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced depressive and anxious behaviors, in some cases more than well-known medications such as paroxetine or bromazepam.
At the same time, the extracts showed a strong antioxidant effect, suggesting that protection against oxidative stress plays a role.
➡️ This means that parsley contains plant compounds that have shown anti-anxiety and mood-enhancing effects in preclinical studies. Whether and how this can be transferred to humans remains to be seen in clinical studies, but the results so far are promising.
Micronutrient bomb in everyday life
A comprehensive literature review (4) highlights how nutrient-rich parsley really is. It contains, among other things:
– large amounts of vitamin C, – beta-carotene (provitamin A), – folic acid, – vitamin K and – iron, magnesium and potassium.
In addition, there are bioactive plant substances such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, myricetin and apiol, which were not considered in this study for their individual effects in the laboratory, but in the context of long-term health.
This results in the following preventive potentials: – Support of cell health – Protection against oxidative stress – Contribution to cardiovascular health – Anti-inflammatory effect on the immune system – Possible preventive effect against certain cancers
➡️ This means: Parsley not only scores with individual substances, but as a holistic nutrient package that can support your body on several levels in the long term, simply by regularly integrating it into your diet.
How you can use parsley in everyday life
You don't need a new routine, just a little more attention to your cooking. Here are a few everyday ideas:
– Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over any warm dish (e.g., lentils, pasta, potatoes) – Mix it into dips, pesto, or hummus – Add it as an ingredient to green smoothies or vegetable juices – Make your own herb butter or herb oil with parsley – Add a few sprigs to water or tea (especially for indigestion or PMS)
Extra tip: Store parsley like a bouquet of flowers in a glass of water in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh longer and keep it handy.
For those who like it simple:
Our Green Harvest green juice contains parsley and other green ingredients such as cucumber, fennel, spinach and basil – ideal for anyone who wants to easily incorporate more plant-based power into their daily routine.
And if you want to try a juice cleanse, our Simply Green juice cleanse (3 or 5 days) with Green Harvest and other green juices is a great way to give your body a little break and feel more vital.
👉 Discover our cold-pressed green juice Green Harvest here – ideal for a conscious diet in everyday life.
✅ Conclusion: Parsley is more than just a kitchen herb – it's a valuable superfood for your body. Whether as a fresh topping or in a cold-pressed green juice, parsley is good for your body every day.
literature
(1) Farzaei MH, Abbasabadi Z, Ardekani MR, Rahimi R, Farzaei F. Parsley: a review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and biological activities. J Tradit Chin Med. 2013 Dec;33(6):815-26. doi: 10.1016/s0254-6272(14)60018-2. PMID: 24660617.
(2) Ganea M, Vicaș LG, Gligor O, Sarac I, Onisan E, Nagy C, Moisa C, Ghitea TC. Exploring the Therapeutic Efficacy of Parsley ( Petroselinum crispum Mill.) as a Functional Food: Implications in Immunological Tolerability, Reduction of Muscle Cramps, and Treatment of Dermatitis. Molecules. 2024 Jan 27;29(3):608. doi: 10.3390/molecules29030608. PMID: 38338356; PMCID: PMC10856782.
(3) Es-Safi I, Mechchate H, Amaghnouje A, Kamaly OMA, Jawhari FZ, Imtara H, Grafov A, Bousta D. The Potential of Parsley Polyphenols and Their Antioxidant Capacity to Help in the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: An In Vivo Subacute Study. Molecules. 2021 Apr 1;26(7):2009. doi: 10.3390/molecules26072009. PMID: 33916097; PMCID: PMC8037343.
(4) E. Ahmed, W., A. Almutairi, A., Almujaydil, MS, Algonaiman, R., Mirghani Mousa, H., & Alhomaid, RM (2025). Nutraceutical potential of parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.): Comprehensive overview. Italian Journal of Food Science , 37 (1), 194-209. https://doi.org/10.15586/ijfs.v37i1.2806
