What is parsley and cilantro tea good for?

Introduction

Parsley and cilantro tea is an herbal infusion made by steeping fresh or dried parsley and cilantro leaves in hot water. It has a fresh, herbaceous flavor and can provide a variety of potential health benefits.

Parsley and cilantro contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support overall wellness. Drinking parsley and cilantro tea may help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, detoxify the body, and more.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key benefits of parsley and cilantro tea, its nutritional profile, and how to prepare it at home. Read on to learn why you may want to consider adding this flavorful herbal tea to your wellness regimen.

Nutritional Profile of Parsley and Cilantro

Both parsley and cilantro are highly nutritious herbs that provide an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here’s an overview of the key nutrients found in these herbs:

Parsley

Nutrient Per 1/4 Cup Chopped Percent Daily Value
Vitamin K 152 mcg 190%
Vitamin C 13.8 mg 23%
Vitamin A 2,070 IU 41%
Folate 46 mcg 12%
Iron 1.4 mg 8%

Parsley is an excellent source of vitamin K, providing over 190% of the daily value (DV) in just 1/4 cup. It’s also high in vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and iron. The vitamin K in parsley supports bone and heart health, while vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant.

Cilantro

Nutrient Per 1/4 Cup Chopped Percent Daily Value
Vitamin K 62 mcg 78%
Vitamin C 4.5 mg 8%
Vitamin A 1,020 IU 20%
Folate 20 mcg 5%
Potassium 152 mg 4%

Cilantro also contains high levels of vitamin K, accounting for 78% of the DV per serving. It provides vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and potassium as well. The nutrients in cilantro support blood clotting, immune function, and electrolyte balance in the body.

Together, parsley and cilantro make a nutrient-dense herbal infusion. Drinking the tea can increase your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Benefits of Parsley and Cilantro Tea

Research suggests that consuming parsley and cilantro may offer the following evidence-based health benefits:

1. Reduces Inflammation

Parsley and cilantro contain several anti-inflammatory compounds, including apigenin, luteolin, vitamin C, and beta-carotene (1). These compounds can help reduce inflammation at the cellular level and throughout the body.

Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders (2). Sipping parsley and cilantro tea may help suppress inflammation and lower disease risk.

2. Acts as a Diuretic

A diuretic is a substance that increases urine output. Both parsley and cilantro have mild diuretic effects that can help flush extra fluid and salt from the body (3).

This diuretic action may benefit people with edema (fluid buildup), high blood pressure, kidney stones, or urinary tract infections. Drinking parsley and cilantro tea helps promote healthy fluid balance.

3. Supports Detoxification

Parsley contains a compound called apigenin, which appears to have potent antioxidant and detoxification properties (4).

Test-tube studies show apigenin binds to certain drug transport proteins, increasing their activity and capacity to flush toxins from the body (5). Cilantro also contains antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals.

Together, these herbs may aid the body’s natural detoxification processes when consumed as a tea.

4. Aids Digestion

Herbal teas made from parsley and cilantro can relax the digestive tract and relieve gut issues like gas, bloating, and indigestion.

Compounds in the herbs help reduce muscle spasms and discomfort in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This antispasmodic effect may benefit people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (6).

Additionally, the antioxidants in these herbs can help decrease inflammation in the gut lining and promote healthy digestion (7).

5. Supports Heart Health

The nutrients in parsley and cilantro tea may support better cardiovascular health. Vitamin K from the herbs inhibits calcium deposits in the arteries while promoting strong bones (8).

Parsley and cilantro also contain antioxidants that protect against LDL cholesterol oxidation, a key risk factor for atherosclerosis (9). What’s more, they provide iron that aids in healthy red blood cell and hemoglobin formation.

Together, these effects can help reduce heart disease risk factors.

6. May Lower Blood Sugar

Some research indicates parsley and cilantro may help manage blood sugar levels, largely attributed to their antioxidant content (10).

In one study, rats fed cilantro for 30 days had significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels compared to a control group (11). More studies are needed, but the results are promising.

7. Contains Antibacterial Compounds

Parsley and cilantro have natural antibacterial properties. Test-tube research demonstrates their ability to combat bacterial infections from organisms like Listeria and Salmonella (12).

The antibacterial effects come from compounds like eugenol and carvacrol. While more human research is needed, parsley and cilantro tea could help fight bacterial infections.

8. May Provide Neuroprotective Effects

Animal and test-tube studies reveal that parsley and cilantro contain compounds that reduce oxidative stress in the brain and protect neuron function (13).

The herbs’ antioxidants can help suppress neuroinflammation while their flavonoids promote neuron activity and communication. These neuroprotective effects may benefit age-related cognitive decline.

9. Contains Cancer-Fighting Properties

Certain compounds in parsley and cilantro exhibit anti-cancer properties that may help block tumor growth (14).

A test-tube study noted apigenin from parsley induced cell death in human breast cancer cells (15). Other lab research found the flavonoids in cilantro leaves destroyed mouth, ovarian, cervical, and colon cancer cells (16).

While more research is still needed, the anti-cancer capabilities of parsley and cilantro appear promising.

How to Make Parsley and Cilantro Tea

Making parsley and cilantro tea at home is simple. Here is an easy recipe to try:

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, gently packed
– 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, gently packed
– 2 cups water
– Lemon, honey, or other herbs, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the parsley and cilantro under running water. Pat dry with a paper towel.

2. Place the parsley and cilantro leaves into a teapot or saucepan. Pour in the water and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

3. Once boiling, immediately remove from heat. Allow the herbs to steep for 5–10 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.

4. Strain the tea through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into mugs. Add lemon, honey, or other herbs for more flavor.

5. Drink the tea warm. You can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Experiment with different steeping times and herb ratios to find your favorite parsley-cilantro blend. The tea can be enjoyed up to 2–3 times daily.

Side Effects and Precautions

Parsley and cilantro tea is generally safe for most people when consumed in normal food amounts. However, a few precautions are worth noting:

– Parsley may trigger allergic reactions in those with parsley sensitivity or allergy. Discontinue use if any hypersensitivity occurs.

– Cilantro may cause photosensitivity, increasing skin sensitivity to sunlight. Wear sunscreen when drinking cilantro tea regularly.

– Parsley has mild estrogenic activity and should be avoided in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or hormone-sensitive cancers.

– Cilantro may lower blood sugar levels. Those on diabetes medication should monitor levels closely.

– Limit intake of parsley tea if you have kidney inflammation issues. The oxalates in parsley may exacerbate kidney problems in susceptible individuals.

– As with any new herb, introduce parsley and cilantro tea in small amounts to assess tolerance. Discontinue use if any negative reactions occur.

Always consult your healthcare provider before adding parsley and cilantro tea to your regimen, especially if taking any medications or if you have underlying health conditions.

The Bottom Line

Parsley and cilantro tea is an antioxidant-rich, flavorful infusion associated with many evidence-based health benefits. It may help reduce inflammation, aid detoxification, support digestion, boost heart health, lower blood sugar, provide antibacterial effects, and more.

Parsley and cilantro’s vitamins, minerals, and protective plant compounds offer a simple, natural way to enhance your wellness routine. Drink 1–2 cups per day of homemade parsley-cilantro tea to take advantage of these dynamic herbs.

As with any herbal remedy, introduce the tea slowly and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. But for most people, steeping up a hot cup of parsley and cilantro tea is a safe, wholesome way to nourish your body and mind.

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