Have you ever heard of the benefits of parsley tea for the kidneys ? Traditionally, the infusion prepared with the leaves of the herb is indicated to detoxify the kidneys and to treat urinary infections. But are these functions well founded?
In this article on Tea Benefits you will discover the answer to this question and what are the main benefits and contraindications for the use of parsley. Check out!
Index
Is it true that parsley tea is beneficial for the kidneys?
Yes, parsley tea is really good for kidney health. The herb is used for this purpose in traditional medicine, as it is considered a blood purifier and is able to dissolve kidney stones.
What happens is that parsley contains substances with diuretic effects . In other words, the phytochemicals present in it increase the volume of urine, as they increase the filtration rate of the salt existing in the blood.
As a result, the kidneys filtered more blood throughout the day. Causing the elimination of substances that are harmful to the urinary tract and that can cause infections, renal fibrosis and even stones and organ failure.
In addition, parsley is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C , capable of expelling impurities that can accumulate in the urinary tract, preventing a series of serious problems.
Another great benefit is the effective action of tea against some types of bacteria that reach the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infections. Making this drink an alternative with fewer side effects than conventional options. (1, 2, 3, 4)
Main benefits of the herb
You have seen that parsley tea is rich in substances that are good for kidney health. However, the consumption of this herb also brings several other benefits to the body.
Find out in the following topics what are the other beneficial effects of parsley, which is rich in vitamin K and medicinal properties.
Rich in antioxidant substances
Parsley leaves are extremely rich in antioxidant substances. For example, you can find flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and volatile compounds. All these enzymes work by reducing the action of free radicals in the body by up to 65%.
In the long term, consumption of antioxidant foods helps to reduce the risk of developing various diseases. In addition, it protects the body from premature aging and natural cell degradation, which can be caused by poor diet. (5, 6, 7)
Helps control glucose
Parsley tea is still a powerful anti-diabetic . That’s because the herb has an antioxidant action, decreasing the oxidation of cells responsible for releasing insulin, the hormone that promotes the digestion of sugar.
In this way, blood glucose levels naturally decrease. Making the damage caused by the high of this substance in the blood to be alleviated.
At the same time, tea is able to protect the heart and liver from damage caused by glucose. For this reason, parsley is considered an option for those who do not suffer from diabetes but have higher than normal blood sugar levels or insulin resistance. (5, 7)
Relieves the pain
Due to the presence of antioxidant compounds and the anti-spasmodic action of parsley, this herb tea becomes a natural pain reliever.
Antioxidants protect cells from damage, while anti-spasmodic substances slow down muscle contractions. Actions quite common in episodes of pain, because of increased blood flow in the region.
To top it off, some components phytochemicals found in salsa can i mpedir the release of substances Responsible for the perception of pain. Thus, there is a natural relief and without the side effects present in synthetic drugs. (5, 7)
Strengthens the immune system
Another reason to consume parsley tea is its ability to strengthen the immune system. It is necessary, first of all, to know that there are several substances that work by improving the action of defense cells in the body.
Some of these are antioxidants and vitamin C. Both are found in large amounts in parsley leaves. Thus, consuming the herb as an infusion or in natura stimulates the formation and action of antibodies.
As a result, the body is better prepared to act against infections and other problems. Making you less susceptible to getting sick. (5, 7)
regular menstruation
Some of the substances found in parsley leaves have the ability to regulate the menstrual cycle. This happens thanks to the stimulation of estrogen , the female hormone linked to ovulation control.
Thus, women can consume parsley tea either to treat problems related to menstrual period, reduce cramps during period or increase fertility . (5, 7)
Fights bacteria
Parsley is traditionally indicated to treat urinary infections , mainly because of its antibacterial effect.
In other words, the substances found in the aerial parts of the herb are able to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, especially those that attack the kidneys, liver and stomach . (5, 7, 8)
It works to fight infections
Thanks to the combination of antioxidant and antibacterial effects, parsley has a strong anti-inflammatory action . First, you need to know that inflammation is the body’s defense response against injury.
It occurs due to accumulation of defense cells in the affected area and increased blood flow in the region. What gives the red, hot and painful effect that inflammation leaves in the affected area.
Thanks to the action of antioxidants, which reduce the action of free radicals, this process is attenuated. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties contribute to the expulsion of the element that is causing the inflammatory process.
Finally, some components that prevent the antibodies from releasing substances that attack the affected tissue can also be found in parsley. These substances serve to eliminate threats, but result in the death of healthy cells in the region. (6)
Rich in vitamins and minerals
In just a herb tea cup can be found more than 10 times the daily levels of vitamin K and more than the recommended daily for vitamins A and C . Vitamins of the B complex are also found , such as B3, B5, B6 and B9 or folate.
Minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc can also be found in this infusion. In addition to copper, selenium and manganese in small amounts, but which are absorbed by the body.
All this with low calories , as the equivalent of 60 grams (or a cup of parsley) contains only 21 calories. (9)
protect the brain
A study in 2016 indicated that parsley tea may help reduce brain damage caused by cell oxidation. Part of this benefit is related to the large amount of antioxidants present in the herb.
In this way, parsley contributes to the connections between neurons, increasing the emergence of degenerative diseases and improving long-term memory . (7)
Decreases the risk of cardiovascular accidents
Finally, consumables parsley tea daily can reduce the risk of cardiovascular accidents. Thanks to the action of the carotenoid antioxidant, which works by decreasing blood pressure and cardiac spasms.
In addition, it inhibits the action of free radicals, protecting heart cells from damage and platelet buildup. Thus, the organ remains healthy longer and is able to regenerate better after suffering damage. (5, 7)
How to prepare salsa tea?
Have you seen the benefits of parsley tea for the body and want to add the drink to your daily life? Well know that it is super easy to be prepared, being ready in a few minutes.
An important tip is whenever possible to use the fresh leaves of the herb , to better maintain the medicinal properties of the parsley. That said, see how to prepare!
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons full of parsley leaves
- 2 cups of water.
Preparation method:
Bring the water to a boil until it comes to a boil. That done, turn off the heat and add the parsley. Soon after, cover the pan and let it steep for 10 minutes. When the time is up, just strain the leaves and the tea is ready to drink.
Ideally, the infusion should be consumed without sugar. However, not everyone can appreciate the salsa’s striking flavor. For this reason, you can prepare the drink by mixing lemon, cinnamon, ginger or honey .
All of these ingredients help to boost the positive effects of parsley, while disguising the strong flavor of the herb.
When and how should it be consumed?
The ideal is to consume the tea at most three times a day . Always after meals so that it can be absorbed quickly.
For kidney problems, this treatment must be done for a period of 30 days. After this time, you should maintain a period of 30 more days for detoxification, during which you should not consume the parsley.
This process is to avoid overdoses and problems related to allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Care and contraindications for the herb
As an herb used for culinary purposes, parsley is considered safe for consumption. However, parsley tea must be made with care.
Firstly, the tea should not be consumed shortly before or after surgical procedures . Because of the hypoglycemic action, which can hamper recovery and also because it reduces the grouping of platelets.
These actions also mean that parsley cannot be consumed along with anticoagulants, as it can enhance the effects of these drugs on the body.
Pregnant or lactating women should also avoid parsley, as it can be abortifacient or decrease milk production. All this, due to the increase in estrogen, which favors ovulation.
Even though the main indication of parsley tea is for the kidneys, it should not be taken by those who suffer from chronic problems involving this organ. This is due to its stimulating power, which can compromise the organ’s musculature and even lead to its total failure. (8)
