What Are the Benefits of Garlic & Parsley?

Garlic is well known for its health benefits. Besides providing great flavor to a wide variety of foods, garlic can help heal minor ailments and prevent disease. Although parsley is recognized mostly as a garnish, it also possesses healing properties and is coming into its own as a "functional food."

Garlic as Infection Fighter

Garlic should be consumed daily to prevent and heal infections and colds, says Dr. Andrew Weil, a leader in the field of integrative medicine. Crushing fresh garlic releases allicin, the component in the garlic that is responsible for its medicinal capabilities. For maximum effectiveness, crushed garlic should be exposed to air for 10 minutes, then added to food in the last minutes of cooking.

Garlic & Ear Infections

Weil also recommends treating external and middle ear infections with garlic or garlic oil. Garlic or warmed oil should be placed in the ear, using a dropper for the oil. A loosely placed cotton ball will keep the oil from seeping out.

Garlic & Prebiotics

Garlic is a source of prebiotics, undigested nutrients that provide nourishment to probiotics, which are the "good bacteria" in the intestinal tract. The Mayo Clinic cites a diet combining the two as a way to boost the immune system, help the body absorb calcium and resolve numerous digestive issues. Garlic may even be helpful in lowering cholesterol and preventing heart disease by lessening clotting.

Parsley

Parsley should also be included in the daily diet. Its aesthetic benefits as a garnish also have unexpected health benefits; the Cleveland Clinic recommends using it as a way to encourage Alzheimer's patients to eat. It is also cited as an antioxidant-rich substitute for high-sodium seasonings. One tbsp. of fresh parsley contains more than 75 percent of the U.S. daily recommended allowance of vitamin K and contains vitamins C and A, as well as small amounts of folate and iron, but only 1 calorie.

Parsley and Flavones

Parsley contains a high amount of flavones, a class of antioxidant substances found in plants called flavonoids, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because of this, parsley protects healthy tissues from the negative effects of cancer treatment. Both fresh and dried parsley seem to be effective.