Not everyone knows that leafy greens, loved by so many, are not only a treasure trove of micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, but also a rich source of valuable plant-based protein. There are many varieties of this superfood, but today I would like to talk about two of the most popular types of greens in Ukraine: dill and parsley. Oddly enough, they are not nearly as popular in England, but believe me, they are worth seeking out.

We enjoy adding parsley to salads, soups, and many other dishes, sometimes without even realising how much we are helping our bodies. It contains the well-known vitamin C, vitamin K, which strengthens the skeletal system, and vitamin A, which is essential for eyesight.

Parsley also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus, as well as phytoncides, flavonoids, plant fibres, and essential oils, plus niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and super-healthy folic acid.

All these components help parsley improve vision, support heart function, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, strengthen blood vessel walls, enhance kidney function, fight germs, and boost the immune system.

Dill is as popular in our country as parsley. We add this fragrant herb to literally every dish – salads, boiled potatoes, soups and borscht, pelmeni – the list goes on and on. It works well everywhere and always hits the spot.

This fluffy, aromatic herb is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, C, E, P, and PP; minerals such as copper, manganese, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron; and it also contains many biologically active substances and flavonoids.

Accordingly, its benefits are significant – it has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, supports the body’s immune function, improves gastrointestinal motility and helps eliminate flatulence, and is directly involved in regulating metabolic processes. In addition, dill has a beneficial effect on vision. Overall, as you can see, we eat it throughout the country for a reason – it is extremely healthy.

These two greens are very useful, but that’s not all. Next time, we’ll talk about their curly and super-useful sister.