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| Parsley |
| The most widely used culinary herb, parsley may also be the most underrated healing food. Don't make the mistake of using parsley merely as a decorative garnish. If it's served to you that way, don't leave it sitting on the plateeat it! |
| Parsley is loaded with vitamin C and beta-caroteneten sprigs provide 15 percent of the RDA for C, and 10 percent for beta-carotene. It's also rich in iron, calcium, folic acid, and potassium. |
| Parsley contains other active substances as well, including polyacetylenes, which block synthesis of prostaglandins that may promote cancer; coumarins, which help prevent blood clotting and are also believed to have anticancer properties; flavonoids, antioxidants that also help prevent tumor growth; and monoterpenes, antioxidants that help reduce cholesterol. |
| Try it in . . . bean soups, tomato sauces, salads, and poultry and fish dishes. |
| SMART DEFINITION |
| Volatile oil |
| An oil that vaporizes easily and that gives a plant its characteristic smell and flavor (e.g., citronella in lemon balm and rosemaricine in rosemary). |
| Rosemary |
| Rosemary's strong piney aroma and flavor come from the volatile oil rosemaricine along with other compounds such as camphor, limonene, and flavonoids. It fortifies the immune system, strengthens blood vessels and improves circulation, stimulates digestion, and increases urine flow, helping to rid the body of harmful toxins. Rosemary also contains antioxidant compounds called quinones that have been shown to fight cancer-causing toxins. |
| Rosemary is called the herb of "remembrance," and lives up to its reputation. Its compounds increase blood flow to the head and stim- |
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