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?
Answer. 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. (For 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
A bunch of parsley from Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.