Parsley vs. Cilantro: What's the Difference?

1. Appearance

Parsley and cilantro look very similar and may even be placed next to each other at the market. However, you can tell the difference between the two by looking at the leaves and stalks:

• Parsley: Parsley has bigger leaves that are pointy. The stalks are quite thick, and the roots taper into a spindle shape. 
• Cilantro: Cilantro leaves are more rounded in shape. The stalks are thinner and tend to be longer. 

2. Smell

Although parsley and cilantro resemble one another, they smell quite different. 

• Parsley: Parsley has a pleasant, grassy aroma.
• Cilantro: Cilantro has a more pungent and citrusy aroma.

3. Taste

Another distinct characteristic that helps differentiate parsley from cilantro is the taste.

• Parsley: Parsley has a fresh, mild flavor that is often used in European, Middle Eastern, and American cuisines. Italian parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley, has a stronger flavor and is used to season foods. Curly parsley is often used as a garnish. 
• Cilantro: Cilantro has a stronger, peppery, and more vibrant flavor that is a common ingredient in Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisines. Cilantro contains a natural aldehyde, which gives it a soapy flavor that only some people can taste. 

4. Nutrition

Both parsley and cilantro are similar in nutritional value, and both contain nutrients such as beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

• Parsley: Parsley has disease-fighting properties and may reduce the risk of heart disease. According to animal studies, consuming fresh parsley may lower blood pressure, potentially due to the antioxidant content. However, further human studies are needed to confirm the benefits of parsley on heart health.
• Cilantro: Cilantro has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce symptoms of cognitive illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.  Furthermore, cilantro has antibacterial properties that can help fight infection.

• Boosts immunity: Parsley contains essential vitamins such as vitamins A, C, K, and B12, which help strengthen the immune system, maintain bone health, and can help reduce oxidative stress.
• Reduces inflammation: Parsley contains eugenol, a therapeutic oil that has potent anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce joint pain and swelling caused by arthritis.
• Promotes heart health: Parsley contains homocysteine folate, which reduces levels of homocysteine in the body by breaking it down into smaller molecules. Homocysteine is a harmful pro-inflammatory chemical that has the potential to cause heart diseases and damage blood vessels. Parsley is also rich in antioxidants apiin, apigenin, and chrysoberyl which can further protect heart health.
• Helps fight cancer: Studies report that high vitamin C intake can lower the risk of cancer. Parsley is rich in vitamin C and myristicin, which can help reduce the risk of tumors in the lungs, esophagus, stomach, rectum, and colon.
• Improves skin health: Parsley is rich in zinc, which helps control sebum production, stimulates skin regeneration, reduces redness and acne, and prevents dark spots. Parsley can even be applied topically to the skin to relieve itching caused by bug bites or skin sensitivity.

• Promotes eye health: Cilantro contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins A and C, which aid in the treatment of conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) and other eye diseases.
• Improves nervous system health: Cilantro is rich in manganese, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help slow the progression of many chronic diseases, including nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Cilantro may also improve memory and symptoms of anxiety.
• May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol: Cilantro can help lower blood pressure because it acts as a diuretic and increases the urinary frequency, thus reducing excess fluids in the body. Cilantro is also rich in potassium, which plays a role in keeping blood pressure under control. Studies report that cilantro has the ability to reduce bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Helps prevent cancer: Cilantro is rich in vitamins, anti-inflammatory agents, and antioxidants that protect the cells from oxidative stress and prevent the damage of healthy cells at the cellular level. This may help prevent or slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Helps remove heavy metals: Cilantro is believed to aid in the removal of harmful metals from the body through natural detoxification mechanisms. Compounds in cilantro bind to harmful heavy metals and remove them from the tissues. However, this can work only if you ingest raw cilantro or in concentrated preparations.

Potential side effects of parsley

• Allergic reactions: Some people may be sensitive to parsley and develop hives or other symptoms of allergic reactions. This can occur especially when eating raw parsley or applying it directly to the skin.
• Anemia: Excessive intake of raw parsley can lead to anemia or cause kidney issues by retaining sodium and water in the body.
• Uterine contractions in pregnant women: Parsley can cause an emmenagogue effect, which means it can induce menstrual blood flow by stimulating the uterus and causing contractions in pregnant women. 

Potential side effects of cilantro

• Hypotension (low blood pressure): Cilantro can lower blood pressure and result in hypotension. Caution must be taken if you are on any blood pressure medications.
• Photosensitivity: Cilantro can sensitize your skin to ultraviolet rays and make you more prone to sunburn.
• Allergic reaction: Allergic reactions to cilantro are rare. If they do occur, however, they can cause symptoms such as rashes, hives, or breathing difficulties.