How healthy is parsley?
Is parsley healthy? Yes, for most people. Parsley scores 99/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 36 kcal, 133 mg vitamin C and 421 µg vitamin A. Parsley is an herb, but in larger amounts (as in tabbouleh) it adds real vitamin K, C and A. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Parsley ranks higher than 99% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Vitamin A100%
- Vitamin C100%
- Iron96%
- Magnesium33%
- Potassium33%
- Fiber33%
- Calcium29%
- Protein17%
- Vitamin E14%
Counts against
- Saturated fat2%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium7%
Raw NRF9.3: 454 minus 9 = 446. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in parsley?
Calories3kcal
Protein0.2g
Carbohydrates0.5g
Fat<0.1g
Fiber0.3g
Sugars<0.1g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 36 kcal | 3 kcal | |
| Protein | 3 g | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.3 g | 0.5 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 3.3 g | 0.3 g | 1% |
| Sugars | 0.8 g | <0.1 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.8 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.1 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 421 µg | 34 µg | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 133 mg | 11 mg | 12% |
| Vitamin E | 0.8 mg | <0.1 mg | 0% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 138 mg | 11 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 0.5 mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 554 mg | 44 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 50 mg | 4 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 56 mg | 4.5 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Parsley, fresh" (FDC 170416). Values rounded.
Why is parsley good for you?
- 11 mg vitamin C in 2 tbsp chopped, 12% of the daily value. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Good ways to use it
- Tabbouleh and salsa verde
- Finishing soups and grains
What should you watch out for?
- Very high in vitamin K per gram.
Similar foods
Parsley is already one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables we cover.
How does parsley compare?
Common questions about parsley
How many calories are in parsley?
100 g of parsley has 36 kcal. A typical portion, 2 tbsp chopped (8 g), has about 3 kcal.
How much protein is in parsley?
Parsley has 3 g of protein per 100 g, or about 0.2 g in 2 tbsp chopped.
Is parsley good for weight loss?
Parsley is low in calories (36 kcal per 100 g), so it adds volume to meals without many calories. No single food causes weight loss; the overall diet does.