2. Rich in antioxidants

Parsley contains many powerful antioxidants, which may help prevent cell damage and lower your risk of certain diseases.

Antioxidants are compounds that prevent cellular damage from molecules called free radicals. Your body requires a healthy balance of antioxidants and free radicals to maintain optimal health (6Trusted Source).

The main antioxidants in parsley are (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source, 9):

• flavonoids
• carotenoids
• vitamin C

Studies show that diets rich in flavonoids may lower your risk of conditions, including colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).

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Furthermore, beta carotene and lutein are two antioxidants known as carotenoids. Many studies associate higher intake of carotenoids with a reduced risk of certain diseases, including lung cancer (13Trusted Source).

Vitamin C also has strong antioxidant effects and plays an important role in supporting immune health and protecting against chronic disease (14Trusted Source).

Interestingly, dried parsley may be higher in antioxidants than fresh sprigs. In fact, one study found that the dried herb had 17 times more antioxidant content than its fresh counterpart (7Trusted Source).

3. Supports bone health

Parsley is rich in vitamin K, which is an essential nutrient for optimal bone health. Eating foods high in this nutrient has been linked to a reduced risk of fractures and improve bone mineral density.

Parsley is packed with vitamin K — an essential nutrient for bone health. 30 grams provides an impressive 547% of the RDI (3Trusted Source).

Vitamin K helps build stronger bones by supporting bone-building cells called osteoblasts. This vitamin also activates certain proteins that increase bone mineral density.

Bone density is important, as a lower bone mineral density is associated with an increased risk of fractures — especially in older adults (16Trusted Source).

4. Contains cancer-fighting substances

Parsley contains plant compounds that may have anticancer effects.

Oxidative stress — a condition characterized by an imbalance in levels of antioxidants and free radicals — is associated with the development of certain chronic diseases, including cancer (7Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).

Parsley is particularly rich in flavonoid antioxidants and vitamin C, which reduces oxidative stress in your body and may lower your risk of certain cancers.

For example, a high dietary intake of flavonoids may reduce colon cancer risk by up to 30% (21Trusted Source).

In addition, eating foods rich in vitamin C may reduce the risk of cancer as well. 

One study found that increasing vitamin C by 100 mg per day reduced the risk of overall cancer by 7%. Moreover, increasing dietary vitamin C by 150 mg per day may lower prostate cancer risk by up to 21% (24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source)

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