Some call it cilantro, and there are some who call it coriander. It is definitely one of those things that people just cannot seem to agree about. But one thing that may finally bring together these people with different views is the fact that there are many health benefits of cilantro.
Cilantro, coriander, Chinese parsley or dhania actually refer to the same herb that is used to add flavor in dishes in many parts of the world. Fresh cilantro, which belongs to same family as carrots, celery, cumin and parsley, is easily distinguishable by its bright green, lacy leaves and distinct scent.
Most often, the leaves are used as a seasoning to curries, salads, salsa and dips. But the seeds, roots and stalks can also be used to give the same piquant flavor.
What is interesting to know is that it is has already long been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine to aid digestion, as well as a treatment for nervousness or insomnia in the Middle East. So clearly, certain cultures from the different parts of the world have already realized the health benefits that cilantro has in store for us.
It is packed with a number of essential vitamins and minerals that our body needs to keep us fit and strong. It contains Vitamins A, C and K, calcium, iron, magnesium and antioxidants.
Some benefits of coriander/cilantro
Powerful natural cleanser
Cilantro has long been known as an effective natural cleanser. It contains chemical compounds that bind and loosen heavy metals and other toxic agents from the tissues, blood and organs and help remove these harmful substances from the body through natural elimination.
This health benefit of cilantro helps prevent heart, lung and kidney diseases, development of weak bones, brain deterioration and certain types of cancer.
Cardiovascular booster
Coriander leaves is rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber that help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels. This process helps dissolve any cholesterol build up in the arteries, which prevents atherosclerosis and heart disease from happening.
Also, it helps lower blood pressure and control heart rate thanks to its high potassium and low sodium ratio, thereby reducing the risk of hypertension. It also contains good amount of iron, which is vital for red blood cell production.
Help lower blood sugar
Apart from lowering cholesterol levels, cilantro also helps to lower blood sugar levels. The high potassium, low sodium ratio helps regulate and keep the blood sugar stable making it an effective anti-diabetic herb.
German killer
It contains an antibacterial compound called dodecenal that kills salmonella and prevents salmonella poisoning. Also, it contains dozen other antimicrobial compounds that show some activity against several harmful bacteria, which includes fungal infections that cause diarrhea.
Its antibacterial properties are also known to help improve oral health. Particularly, oil from the leaves can help cure mouth ulcers.
Internal deodorant
There are two things in cilantro that makes it a natural deodorant. First is the fact that it is a natural cleanser that draws out harmful substances from the body.
Secondly, it contains chlorophyll, which helps detoxify and remove bacteria from the body because of high oxygen content.
Prevents menstrual disorders
Cilantro contains high levels of linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, steric acid and palmitic acid. All of which help support proper secretion of hormones preventing menstrual disorders.
Helps in losing weight
While there are no conclusive clinical trials that support the weight loss benefit of cilantro, it is a good source of limonene, which is a hormone that gets rid of fat. It is also a natural diuretic that gets rid of bloating.
In general, just like any herb, it gives added flavor to your food, which is a good substitute to making dishes tastier without the need for lots of salt that can add bulk to your weight by absorbing fluid to your body.
Antioxidant properties
Cilantro contains antioxidant properties that fend off free radicals from damaging your cells. One of its benefits is that it delays the ageing process by giving you a youthful glow to your skin. It also prevents chronic and degenerative diseases to develop, such as cancer, macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.
So if you are not a big fan of cilantro, you may want to try adding a sprig or two in your dish and enjoy its many health benefits. You never know, you may eventually grow to like its distinct fresh flavor.
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