Cilantro, the Powerful Herb
Cilantro, also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, is a flavorful herb with a wealth of health benefits. It’s a staple in Asian and Mexican cuisines and offers an impressive nutritional profile. This green, leafy, and aromatic herb is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to improve digestion, fight inflammation, and lower blood pressure.
Cilantro’s Nutritional Profile
Just a tablespoon of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds contains nutrients such as:
- 15 calories
- 2.8 grams carbohydrates
- 0.6 gram protein
- 0.9 gram fat
- 2.1 grams fiber
- 0.8 milligram iron (4.6 percent DV)
- 16 milligrams magnesium (4 percent DV)
- 35 milligrams calcium (3.5 percent DV)
- 20 milligrams phosphorus (2 percent DV)
- 1 milligram vitamin C (1.7 percent DV)
Moreover, it is rich in beneficial phytonutrients, flavonoids, and active phenolic acid compounds, enhancing its medicinal properties.
Health Benefits of Cilantro: From Inflammation to Digestive Health
Cilantro’s potent anti-inflammatory properties help combat chronic inflammation, which can lead to severe diseases like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. It also aids in managing digestive health, easing symptoms such as gas, bloating, and upset stomach, while its antioxidant activity helps to mitigate the effects of certain gut infections.
Skin Benefits and Cognitive Protection of Cilantro
Cilantro extracts provide soothing effects on inflamed skin and help treat various skin conditions. The herb’s extracts and oil are particularly beneficial for alleviating symptoms like itching, redness, and dry skin.
Moreover, cilantro promotes cognitive health. Studies have shown that coriander supplements and essential oil can help protect cognitive abilities and boost memory formation.
Cardiovascular Health and Diabetic Management with Cilantro
Coriander seeds and fresh cilantro leaves significantly contribute to improving cardiovascular health. Their antioxidant-rich profile helps prevent blood clot formation and artery blockages, thus promoting heart health.
Additionally, coriander shows promising anti-diabetic effects. It aids in increasing insulin secretion and managing blood glucose levels, offering potential benefits for individuals with diabetes.
Cilantro: A Natural Detoxifier
Cilantro is notable for its ability to eliminate heavy metals from the body, such as arsenic, lead, and mercury. It detoxifies the liver through a process known as chelation, protecting it from potential damage.
Cilantro for Mental Health and Candida Infections
Cilantro extracts also demonstrate potential in treating anxiety and depression, even proving as effective as certain medications. Moreover, cilantro essential oil is effective against yeast and fungal infections, including candida infections.
Precautions with Cilantro Consumption
While cilantro is generally well-tolerated, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially when consumed in medicinal amounts. Symptoms can include itching and redness. It’s also advised to avoid cilantro consumption two weeks before and after any planned surgery due to its potential to increase bleeding.
Incorporating Cilantro into Your Diet
You can enjoy cilantro in salads, soups, curries
