Plate Decoration Gone Healthy!
© By Lena Sanchez

It hasn't gone healthy it's always been healthy just
ignored by the modern world!

One of the oldest herbs in the world and is now grown all
over the world is also one of the greatest toxin removal
systems around as well as illness and disease preventor.
PARSLEY

And you thought it was just to decorate your plate. Not so,
next time the restaurant puts a sprig of parsley on your
dinner plate, eat it! Parsley is a much maligned herb!

Parsley originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region but
is now grown throughout the world. For more than 2,000
years, it has been known as a medicinal herb. The ancient
Greeks valued the seeds and roots of the plant for their
soothing, diuretic effect on those with kidney and bladder
ailments.

Today parsley is still used primarily as a diuretic.
In addition, it strengthens the digestive system and
helps alleviate stomach and liver problems.

In folk medicine, parsley was recommended for women who
have irregular menstrual periods. As a diuretic it may
also ease the bloating that some women experience
before their periods. In addition, parsley leaves are a
good source of many vitamins and minerals - including
iron, which is important for the proper formation of
red blood cells, potassium and vitamin C.

The Medieval German herbalist St Hildegard of Bingen
prescribed parsley wine to improve blood circulation. It was
believed to help heart conditions. To make his parsley wine,
combine 10 - 12 large sprigs of parsley with 1 quart of red or
white wine and 2 teaspoons of white-wine vinegar. Boil for
10 minutes then add 9 ounces of honey. Strain the mixture
and pour into bottles. I have not tried this, but it is said to
work well, according to many. Take 1 Tbsp. Three times
a day, is said to keep the blood circulating.

This herb supplies important vitamins and minerals, for
instance, just ¼ cup of fresh parsley provides a third of
your daily vitamin C requirement. It's high vitamin C and
A content also help fight cancer. Parsley ranks higher than
most vegetable in bistidine an amino acid that inhibits
tumors. In addition, parsley is an excellent source of
potassium, which is important in lowering blood pressure.
Also supplies folic acid, which helps prevent cardiovascular
disease. It also contains calcium, manganese and iron.

Parsley for Osteoporosis; Sometimes high doses of calcium
are taken in supplemental form, however this impairs the
body's absorption of manganese which help build bone. But
parsley enhances manganese absorption, particularly when
it is eaten with foods containing copper and zinc, such as
shellfish and whole grains.

Is it any wonder that a Mediterranean diet is one of the known
healthy diets? The average Mediterranean inhabitant eats
lots of parsley in a lot of different dishes!

Tips:
•* Parsley contains essential oils; the most important one,
apiole, is a kidney stimulant. Because these essential
oils can stimulate uterine contractions, pregnant women
should avoid eating large quantities of it. BUT, after the
baby is born, parsley can help tone the uterus and promote
lactation.
•* Don't cook parsley, because heat destroys its valuable
vitamins and minerals. To retain parsley's flavor, chop
the herb just before using and add it to hot foods at the
last minute.
•* Avoid dried parsley, it is far less tasty and healthful
than the fresh herb.
•* Try the flat leaf variety, also called Italian parsley, It has
more nutrients and a better flavor than curly parsley.
•* Add parsley to compliment a dish, such as potatoes,
smoked salmon, trout, poultry, pasta and vegetables.
•* Freeze fresh parsley to save preparation time in the
kitchen. Wash, zip seal plastic bag. You can then remove
the amount you need with each recipe.
•* To keep parsley fresh, sprinkle it with water, wrapping
it in paper towels and refrigerating it in a plastic bag.
Or place parsley stems in a glass of water, like a bunch
or flowers, and refrigerate.

This Healthy Parsley spread is great on crackers, for dip or on
wheat bread as a sandwich spread.

2 bunches of parsley
2 shallots or green onions
½ cup Vanilla Soy Milk or Heavy Unpasteurized Cream
1 cup Tofu cream cheese
2 Tbsp. Lemon juice
Salt to taste
White pepper as desired
2 scallions
2 or 4 large tomatoes
Cayenne pepper to taste.

1) Wash the parsley in cold water and strip the leaves
from the stalks. Coarsely chop leaves. Peel and dice
the shallots.
2) Mix together the Soy Milk or heavy cream, tofu cream
cheese, lemon juice, parsley and diced shallots.
3) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4) Peel the scallions; cut into thin rings. Dice 2 tomatoes,
season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste; mix with
the scallions.

When using four tomatoes cut the remaining 2 tomatoes
into ½ inch slices cover them with the parsley spread and
top with the scallion mixture or use as cracker spread or
sandwich filling. Will store covered for several days in
fridge!

*** Lena Sanchez Author of "Handbook Of Herbs
To Health & Other Secrets," "Antibiotic Alternatives To
Preventing Mega Bacteria," & "Dangers & Secrets Doctors
Refuse To Tell You." Online at
http://www.antibiotic-alternatives.com and
Editor of "Natural Environmental Health Facts & Your
Home Business Coach" ezine subscribe at
http://www.envirodocs.com/newsletter.htm
----------------------------------------


About the Author
Author of "Handbook Of Herbs
To Health & Other Secrets," "Antibiotic Alternatives To
Preventing Mega Bacteria," & "Dangers & Secrets Doctors
Refuse To Tell You." Online at
http://www.antibiotic-alternatives.com and
Editor of "Natural Environmental Health Facts & Your
Home Business Coach" ezine subscribe at
http://www.envirodocs.com/newsletter.htm