Parsley is a herb with a peppery flavour mainly used as a spice in its fresh or dried form. Consumed in many ways, including garnishing, salads, stocks, and sandwiches, a small bunch of parsley goes for Rwf 100 in local markets.

Private Kamanzi, a dietician and nutritionist at Amazon Nutrition Cabinet in Kigali that deals with diet, physical wellness, and lifestyle, says parsley is an antioxidant-rich herb that may help in various ways.

These, he says, range from boosting the immune system, and improving bone health to maintaining healthy kidneys, heart, and brain.

Moreover, he says, it has also been proved that chewing on a few leaves can also help freshen the breath.

Kamanzi says nutrients found in fresh parsley include potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium. The herb, he says, is also a good source of vitamin A, C K, and E among other vitamins.

Joseph Uwiragiye, a nutritionist at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), says parsley can also be a very good source of volatile compounds such as myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene.

He says the leaves contain energy, carbohydrates, fats, and protein. With only one calorie in a tablespoon serving, parsley is easily a great addition to one’s weight loss goal.

It is also known for its rich several flavonoids including luteolin, apigenin, lycopene, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene.

"These compounds can have antioxidant properties and they may help to keep the immune system healthy,” Uwiragiye he says.

Studies suggest that some of these antioxidants can help in the free radical-scavenging activity. This means that parsley may have a role in aiding the prevention chronic diseases.

Kamanzi says parsley is high in vitamin C, and vitamin C makes collagen, which gives skin its structure and strength. It’s believed that collagen helps iron out fine lines and wrinkles.

Nutritionists say that apigenin, a potent flavone present in parsley, may help improve neuron formation and may enhance brain functions such as memory and learning. This plant compound also has the ability to help fight depression and Alzheimer’s.

Studies also show that parsley can help in treating hypertension and cardiac disease and is considered an important medicinal plant. Also, parsley contains a large amount of flavone apigenin. While cooking and/or drying may reduce some of parsley’s benefits, it increases the apigenin available in parsley. In fact, dried parsley is the best natural source of apigenin.

Uwiragiye adds that parsley is abundant in flavone antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress, thus boost cardiovascular health.

This herb also contains high levels of vitamin B and folic acid that can help prevent the thickening of artery walls.