The cilantro herb is not only good for health, but its rich zest and citrusy flavor can be employed to inject a savory and tangy flavor to different foods. The cilantro benefits for health include preservation of cardiac health, maintenance of the digestive system, cure of stress and anxiety and many more.
Cilantro is a citrus herb whose origin belongs to the tropical region of the West Indies and the Mediterranean region. It is known for its versatility of use in the culinary department. The cilantro plant produces a leafy green herb in the initial stage that is used to suffuse food with a citrusy zest. During the flowering stage, the plant produces citrus leaves and coriander seeds more intensely that are used as spices in the culinary scene(1).
Calories in cilantro: 1 calorie in 4 grams of cilantro leaves.
Cilantro possesses a host of polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and phytonutrients. It contains saturated fatty acid, good cholesterol, vitamins K, E, C, A, minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium, dietary fiber and a huge load of antioxidants.
Cilantro benefits in the detoxification of the body. The human body gets continuously bombarded with heavy metals and toxins such as mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic, etc. These toxic metals wreak massive damage on the tissues and organs and cause cardiac diseases, hormonal problems, neurological disorders, reproductive issues like infertility and miscarriage and many more.
Cilantro can bind the toxic heavy metals, removing them from the tissues and helping in the elimination of the minerals from the body. It has been revealed by medical research that cilantro can fight against oxidative stress inflicted by lead and mercury and other such toxins. The cilantro herb forms an integral part of the detoxification regimen and can even keep infections at bay.
Oxidative damage is associated with a wide variety of degenerative disorders such as cancers, cardiac problems, arthritis, degeneration of the eyes, Alzheimer’s disease and several more. The polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and phytonutrients present in dried cilantro are potent antioxidants that can destroy free radicals and protect the physiology against oxidative damage, and the full range of diseases associated with it.
Cilantro benefits the sleep cycle of humans. It has been published in several important medical journals that the administration of cilantro leaves helps in the natural treatment of insomnia. The extract obtained from cilantro leaves is remarkably remedial and can aid in the establishment of a healthy sleep cycle.
Regular and prescribed consumption of cilantro leaf extract keeps away restlessness and anxiety and generates a feeling of calmness which is highly advantageous for drifting into a deep slumber.
[Also Read: Natural Ways to Treat Insomnia]
Cilantro benefits the health of people with diabetes. The regular consumption of cilantro leaves and cilantro stems through food can help in lowering the level of glucose in the blood. It supports healthy hepatic functioning and aids in balancing the blood sugar level.
Experts recommend having cilantro with salads and soups as an excellent home remedy for diabetes. It can control sudden spikes and fluctuations in blood sugar levels and can help in the natural treatment of diabetes.
Cilantro benefits the health of the heart by controlling the levels of blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol, and keeping cardiac attacks and strokes at bay. It can prevent the inflammation of the cardiac muscles, protect the heart against ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and arterial constriction.
The rich content of potassium of cilantro is highly beneficial for the healthy functioning of the heart. The potassium serves as a vasodilating agent and keeps the arteries duly dilated for the healthy flow of blood. The dietary fibrous content of cilantro helps in the removal of cholesterol deposits on the arterial walls thereby preventing atherosclerosis and limited circulation of blood.
Cilantro benefits the health of the urinary tract. For the natural treatment of the urinary tract, an infection caused by excessive sexual activity and bacterial action, soak two teaspoons of cilantro seeds in a glass of water and keep it aside for the night.
Strain out the liquid in the next morning and add a teaspoon of honey to it. Drink this decoction every morning for the cure of urinary tract infection. Consumption of cilantro seeds water on a daily basis helps in the alleviation of pain and disease in the urinary canal.
Cilantro benefits the menstrual cycle of women. The cilantro oil extract obtained from cilantro leaves helps in the regulation of menstrual flow and menstrual cycle and can cure the symptoms of pre-menstrual phase like bloating, abdominal cramps, nausea, and body ache.
Adding a few drops of cilantro oil to the food can help in preventing indigestion and food poisoning. Cilantro benefits for the digestive system include the prevention and natural cure of stomach cramps, constipation, irritable bowel movement, stomach flu, acid reflux, nausea, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
A few side effects of the consumption of cilantro herb are mentioned below:
Cilantro has a tangy flavor that might trigger acidity and can cause heartburn when it is taken in large quantity. Limit the addition of cilantro in the food in a healthy amount to avoid acid reflux.
You might get a stomachache or cramp from excessive consumption of cilantro.
Allergic response to cilantro involves sudden fits of sneezing and runny nose. If you are allergic to sour flavors, then it is recommended to avoid the usage of cilantro herb.
Interference with medications and drugs: If you are on certain medicines, then it is advised to consult the physician before adding cilantro to your food.
Cilantro is the herb whereas coriander refers to the seeds that the cilantro herb produces during the flowering stage.
Parsley and cilantro are two different herbs that resemble each other in their appearance. The difference between the two herbs lies in the flavor. While cilantro is deliciously tangy, parsley lacks in flavor.
If you are seeking to enhance the taste of what you cook healthily, then try a dash of the cilantro herb. The addition of chopped cilantro can even make bland white rice taste exotic and delicious. Embrace the cilantro benefits for health and beauty by the incorporation of the herb into your daily diet.
The cilantro herb has a unique tangy flavor.
Cilantro can be frozen before adding to salads.
Cilantro stems are edible and can be chopped and added to rice, soups, salads and other foods.