Weight gain and water retention often go hand-in-hand, simply because when you are holding on to excess water, your body will be heavier. Many overweight individuals also suffer from water retention mainly because of the excess amount of unhealthy calories that often contain higher amounts of sodium which contribute greatly to water retention.

Axar.az reports that while there are several ways to lose weight and decrease water retention, including key ones like eating healthy and exercising regularly, there are some extra things you can do to help things along. One of those things is drinking parsley tea.

Parsley tea?

Yeah, you may be scratching your head wondering what food garnish like parsley can do to help. After all, isn’t that all this plant is used for?

Actually, no. Parsley has not been given its due credit. This herb is loaded with vitamins A, B (folate), C and K as well as the minerals iron and potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and a flavonoid (antioxidant) known as quercetin. If that’s not awesome enough, parsley is also natural (and mild) diuretic that can help rid your body of excess fluid in a way that doesn’t deplete your body of important nutrients.

Parsley has also been shown in several research studies, including this one by the Department of Biology at Istanbul University, found that parsley reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. And when glucose levels are healthy, it helps with long-term weight balance by keeping the liver healthy and able to keep the digestive system going strong.

But, parsley is hard to eat, which is why it’s often used as a small garnish.

Due to parsley’s often unpalatable nature, and the fact that benefits come from consuming large amounts, this is where parsley tea comes in.

How does it work?

Just as the parsley plant does, parsley tea has diuretic properties to help flush the system of some excess fluid. This could jumpstart the weight loss process, but it’s only part of it. Parsley tea can be used as a vegetable broth supplement to help cut calories while still providing all of those amazing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You can also use it as a drink in place of sugary juices or beverages. If you do, you will find that you will lose both the water weight packed on in other ways.

How to make parsley tea

Add 5 tablespoons of chopped parsley to 1 liter of water. Heat the water, then add parsley to water and let it sit for 20 minutes. When done, strain the parsley, leaving behind just the water. If you want to sweeten the tea just a bit, add some honey to taste.