Ask the Diva: Does Parsley Count as a Leafy Green?
Nutrition Diva dishes on the nutritional profile of parsley and other fresh herbs.
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Q. I recently learned to make my own tabbouleh and have been eating quite a bit of it. Can parsley be considered a leafy green vegetable? What is its nutritional profile?
A. Nutritionally speaking, fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, and mint are like leafy greens on steroids! A cup of raw parsley, for example, has twice the vitamin A, calcium, and folate, 4 times as much iron, 6 times as much vitamin K, and 10 times as much vitamin C as a cup of raw spinach! Tabbouleh is a great way to enjoy this nutritional powerhouse. ( opens in a new windowFor my recipe, click here.)
Even if you’re not eating them by the cupful, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of herbs by adding a handful of fresh herbs to your salads, sprinkling freshly chopped herbs on your meat, fish, or vegetables, or making them into pesto.
See also: Health Benefits of Herbs
opens in a new windowA bunch of parsley from Shutterstock