Parsley is good for weight loss, as it reduces hunger with only a few calories. Also, it burns belly fat and improves body composition, as it’s high in:
- fiber
- vitamin C
- vitamin K
- chlorophyll
- nitrate
- carotenoids
- iron
- zinc
- magnesium
- potassium
Parsley is low in calories
Above all, parsley is a nutrient-dense superfood with only 36 calories per 100g. Moreover, a cup of chopped parsley has 22 calories, while 10 springs of parsley have only 4 calories! Practically, you can eat as much parsley as you want. It can’t make you gain weight.[1]
Eating nutrient-dense, high-volume foods, like parsley, is key for weight loss.
Parsley is good for weight loss, as it controls appetite
Furthermore, parsley can reduce hunger, due to its high fiber content. A cup provides about 2 grams of fiber, or 7% of the daily recommended intake. The fiber absorbs water and expands in the stomach, sending satiating signals to the brain. Hence, eating foods rich in fiber keeps us full for a long time.
Following a diet high in fiber significantly reduces the risk of obesity and improves body composition.[2]
Fruits, vegetables, herbs, beans, and whole grains are excellent sources of fiber. As a rule of thumb, try to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.[3]
Vitamin C in parsley burns belly fat
Moreover, parsley is particularly high in vitamin C. Actually, it’s one of the richest foods containing vitamin C per calorie! A cup of parsley has about 80 mg of vitamin C, or 88% of the Daily Value. Vitamin C is necessary for weight loss. It helps the body burn fat for energy.
Vitamin K for fat metabolism
parsley is one of the richest foods in vitamin K. A cup of chopped parsley has 984 mcg of vitamin K. This dose is 820% of the Daily Value. Even 10 springs contain more vitamin K than the DV.
High amounts of vitamin K seem to enhance weight loss. It’s vital for fat and glucose metabolism. Vitamin K burns belly fat![4]
But, people who take medications for blood thinning should consult their physician before changing their diet. Vitamin K plays a key role in blood clotting. Thus, high doses may have side effects.
Chlorophyll in parsley promotes weight loss!
Moreover, parsley is one of the richest foods in chlorophyll. Parsley has up to 0.26 mg of chlorophyll per gram. Following a diet with many foods high in chlorophyll can prevent weight gain, improve glucose tolerance, fight inflammation, detoxify the body, and improve overall health.[5,6]
Nitrate in parsley increases metabolism!
Furthermore, parsley has high concentrations of nitrate. It has about 213.4 mg of nitrate per 100g.[7]
Nitrate from veggies is converted into nitric oxide, which is beneficial for health. For instance, nitric oxide not only contributes to weight loss, but also prevents high blood pressure, lowers blood glucose levels, transfers more oxygen to the muscles, improves blood circulation, and insulin sensitivity.[8]
Also, nitric oxide can increase metabolism by increasing thermogenesis.
Last, but not least, nitric oxide significantly affects gut microbiota, which also play a key role in obesity and metabolic syndrome!
Other common foods rich in nitrates which promote weight loss are beetroots, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, arugula, celery, and cress.[9]
Antioxidants in parsley prevent weight gain
Additionally, parsley is one of the richest foods in carotenoids. It has 5,050 mcg of beta-carotene, and 5,560 of mcg of lutein and zeaxanthin per 100g. These compounds have potent antioxidant actions. They fight oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to obesity.
According to studies, obese people have up to 22% lower blood concentrations of carotenoids, as compared to people with a normal body weight. Consuming foods high in carotenoids is beneficial for weight loss, and promotes belly fat burning.[10,11]
Minerals in parsley support weight loss
First, parsley is a great natural source of iron. It has 6.2 mg of iron per 100g. This dose is more than 40% of the DV. Iron deficiency is pretty common, though. Especially among obese people, athletes, and women. Iron deficiency is a common cause of fatigue. Treating iron deficiency can reduce body weight and waist circumference. [12]
Additionally, parsley is an excellent source of potassium. It has 554 mg of potassium per 100g, or 16% of the DV. A diet high in potassium has been linked to a lower Body Mass Index (BMI), smaller waist circumference, and a lower risk of obesity.
Moreover, parsley is rich in magnesium. It contains 50 mg of magnesium per 100g, or 12% of the DV. A diet high in magnesium is beneficial for weight loss. For instance, high magnesium intake can help lower Body Mass Index (BMI), improve the metabolism of glucose, prevent water retention, and lower high blood pressure.
Furthermore, parsley has 1 mg of zinc per 100g, or 9% of the DV. Getting enough zinc can reduce inflammation, insulin resistance, and appetite. Thus, high zinc intake can help people lose weight with the minimum effort.[13]
Parsley is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese!