Cleansing Parsley Juice {Food is Medicine}

Parsley juice is probably not something you think of when you wake up in the morning, but if you gave it a try you might be pleasantly surprised at the fresh and bright taste, and how it makes you feel.

DID YOU KNOW?

Parsley has a long history that goes back to Ancient Greece. According to a legend, a child of half-god was bit by a snake and parsley sprung from the rocks where his blood spilled. This child was renamed Archemorus, ‘forerunner of death’. The word parsley itself stems from a Greek word petroselinon, which means rock celery.

In Ancient Rome, gladiators ate parsley before fights, supposedly it gave them strength and courage. I don’t know that my either my strength or courage levels go up after eating parsley, but who doesn’t like a good story…

Warriors fed parsley to their chariot horses to increase stamina (might try it on my kids during road trips).

In Greece, folks wore parsley wreaths during feasts to reduce alcohol intoxication (definitely trying this one in the summer). It was also a popular remedy for hangovers. Now it certainly makes sense – parsley is a powerful diuretic, according to this not-so-ancient study.

Interesting fact – in Russia, essential oil of curly parsley seeds is included in the list of narcotic and poisounous substances!

PARSLEY IS REMARKABLY NUTRITIOUS

• Parsley is high in antioxidants (source), which help fight damage from inflammation and even help fight against cancer (source).
• Parsley has strong antibacterial and anti fugal properties (source) – which help fight skin breakouts, freshen breath and body odor.
• Being a diuretic, parsley reduces edema and bloating (source).
• Parsley is beneficial to the digestive system, and reduces risk of gastric diseases (source).
• Parsley is good for the kidneys, it regulates body PH (by reducing acidity in the body while increasing it in your pee) and lowers risk of kidney stones (source).

WHEN I DRINK CLEANSING PARSLEY JUICE

Did you know that animals look for mineral licks when they are missing certain nutrients? If we try to listen and pay attention to our bodies, we start noticing cravings, or desire for certain foods. And I’m not talking about Twinkies and crackers.

When I come back from a trip where I have to eat out, drink and stay up late, I really crave simple and fresh green foods. My go-to are Dr. Bieler’s Soup, fermented oat Kissel, sprouted mung bean bowl and this parsley juice.

PARSLEY JUICE CONTAINS ALL THE FIBER OF THE INGREDIENTS

Even though I call this juice, it’s technically a smoothie, since we are processing the whole parsley, apple and ginger, as opposed to extracting juice while discarding fiber. All the fiber remains intact and we get to enjoy its health benefits. This drink actually acts and tastes more like juice. Juice that you pay $12 for at Whole Foods.

HOW TO MAKE CLEANSING PARSLEY JUICE

Equipment
Blender, preferably high-powered (I use Blendtec)

Ingredients
1 bunch parsley
1 green apple, cored and loosely chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced
Sliver of fresh ginger root
1.5 cups water
1 tablespoon raw honey, optional

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender (I use Blendtec).
Process until smooth.
Enjoy right away!