scored 96/100
Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb exceptionally rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it a powerful ally for bone health, immune function, and inflammation management despite its minimal caloric content.
2.6 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 96.
Less a 1.0 anti-nutrient penalty (moderate sodium).
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a Mediterranean herb with a long history in culinary and traditional medicine practices. Beyond its role as a garnish, parsley is a nutritional powerhouse, delivering over 1,600 mcg of vitamin K per 100g—far exceeding daily requirements for bone mineralization and blood clotting regulation. Its exceptional micronutrient density includes substantial amounts of vitamin C (133 mg/100g), folate (152 mcg/100g), and potassium (554 mg/100g), supporting cardiovascular health and methylation pathways critical for cellular longevity. Parsley contains bioactive compounds including apigenin and luteolin, flavonoid antioxidants with documented anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. The herb's volatile oils, particularly myristicin and apiole, exhibit antimicrobial and modulating effects on oxidative stress. Fresh parsley provides superior nutrient bioavailability compared to dried varieties, though both retain significant phytochemical content. For longevity-focused nutrition, parsley serves as a calorie-efficient vehicle for micronutrients that support bone density, vascular function, and age-related cognitive decline prevention. Its high fiber content relative to calories (3.3g/36 kcal) promotes healthy gut microbiota composition, indirectly supporting immune and metabolic health across the lifespan.
Vitamin K (1,640 mcg/100g) activates osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein, proteins essential for binding calcium to the bone matrix and maintaining skeletal density
Flavonoids apigenin and luteolin inhibit NF-κB inflammatory signaling and scavenge reactive oxygen species, lowering markers like CRP and IL-6
High potassium content (554 mg/100g) supports sodium-potassium pump function; folate reduces homocysteine, a cardiovascular risk factor
Parsley's volatile oils and high potassium support urinary health and mild diuretic action, promoting clearance of metabolic waste
Apigenin crosses the blood-brain barrier and reduces neuroinflammation; folate supports myelin formation and neurotransmitter synthesis
Parsley's micronutrients support baseline metabolic and structural functions throughout the day. Consuming with meals containing fat optimizes vitamin K absorption. No specific circadian advantage, making flexible incorporation into daily eating patterns most practical for adherence.
Breaks a fast
While safe during fasting, parsley's minimal calories (36/100g) won't break a fast, but its fat-soluble vitamins are best absorbed with dietary fat, making consumption with meals preferable
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower parsley is than the average across 137 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Parsley is classified as a vegetable. Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb exceptionally rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it a powerful ally for bone health, immune function, and inflammation management despite its minimal caloric content.
Parsley scores 96/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 85 g serving provides about 2.5 g of protein (~5% of the 50 g daily value).
It's a moderate source of fiber. A 85 g serving provides about 2.8 g of fiber (~10% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 85 g serving, parsley is highest in Vitamin K (~1162% DV), Vitamin A (~143% DV), Vitamin C (~126% DV), Vitamin A (~40% DV), Folate (~32% DV).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 85 g serving has about 2.6 g of net carbs (5.4 g total minus 2.8 g fiber).
Best any time of day. Parsley's micronutrients support baseline metabolic and structural functions throughout the day. Consuming with meals containing fat optimizes vitamin K absorption. No specific circadian advantage, making flexible incorporation into daily eating patterns most practical for adherence.
A typical serving is around 85 g (~31 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating parsley alongside several other vegetable sources.
Parsley pairs nicely with: Pair with fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) because fat-soluble vitamin K requires dietary fat for optimal absorption and transport; Combine with citrus (lemon, lime) because vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption from parsley, improving bioavailability for vegetarians; Mix with cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale) because synergistic polyphenols amplify antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through complementary phytochemical pathways; Add to bone broth because parsley's minerals and phytonutrients complement collagen and electrolytes for comprehensive skeletal support.
Moderate sodium.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients parsley contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients parsley contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.