(NaturalHealth365)  Many people regard parsley just as a fragrant cooking herb or garnish; however, this unassuming plant has many healing properties, including the ability to fight cancer.

Parsley is loaded with antioxidants, which assist the body in various areas.  Parsley components have been found to improve liver functioning, vision, and eye health.  However, a large amount of data substantiates parsley’s anticancer properties.

Hundreds of studies highlight benefits of apigenin, parsley’s cancer-fighting compound

Parsley is loaded with apigenin, a well-known compound for its anticancer abilities.  Hundreds of journal articles are indexed in PubMed relating to the power of parsley and apigenin in fighting and preventing cancer.

Research published in Oncotarget detailed for the first time how apigenin slows and halts the production of the enzyme IKKa, which is behind the growth and progression of cancer.  The scientists concluded that apigenin can profoundly slow cancer progression or stop it altogether.

In addition to these results, a clinical trial combined apigenin with green tea to successfully treat colon cancer.  A University of Missouri study found apigenin was effective against breast cancer.  Another study showed that apigenin killed as much as 86 percent of lung cancer cells.

But that’s not all! Parsley is packed with MANY MORE protective, health-sustaining compounds and vitamins

This precious herb contains “volatile oils” that neutralize certain carcinogens.  It is an excellent source of carotenoids, which protect against cancer-causing cell damage.  Additionally, it’s considered a “chemoprotective” food due to its ability to protect healthy tissues in the body from the toxic effects of many cancer treatments or drugs.

Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties – and its rich source of vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fiber, lutein, zeaxanthin, folate, and cryptoxanthin – this beautiful herb sure deserves a spot on your plate.

By the way, it’s also packed with a higher concentration of vitamin K than kale.

Just a little parsley each day can boost health, fight cancer

Dried parsley is one of the most potent sources of apigenin, containing about 13,000 mg per 100 grams.  Fresh parsley contains from 225 to 300 mg of apigenin per 100 grams.  However, just 10 mg of parsley per day is needed to reap its anticancer effects.  This is the equivalent of about a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or just a pinch of dried.

Other food sources of apigenin include grapefruit, celery, peppermint, thyme, rutabagas, and chamomile flower tea.  If you use parsley in cooking, add it at the very end, as heat can reduce its cancer-fighting and health-sustaining qualities.

Most cancer doctors will warn you about potential drug interactions of apigenin with other cancer drugs.  And, of course, anyone currently undergoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatments will probably be advised to talk to their physician before taking parsley as an anticancer compound.

But, remember, you are in charge of your own healthcare decisions.  Educate yourself and always make the best decision for you, even if others disagree.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Researchgate.com
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Missouri.edu