Rich in nutrients that protect your eyes

Three carotenoids found in parsley are lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin, which help protect your eyes and support good eyesight. Carotenoids are plant pigments that have high antioxidant action. Lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an incurable eye condition that is the primary cause of blindness worldwide. In fact, consuming foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin may lower your risk of late AMD by up to 26%.

Another carotenoid that promotes eye health is beta carotene. In your body, this carotenoid may be turned into vitamin A. This beta carotene conversion explains why parsley is so high in vitamin A. A 1/2 cup (30 gram) serving of freshly cut leaves contains 108 percent of the RDI for this vitamin. Vitamin A is important for eye health because it protects the cornea (the outermost layer of your eye) and the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the front of your eye and the inside of your eyelids).