13 Reasons Why You Should Include Cilantro In Your Diet
Commonly found in Indian cuisine, cilantro is an aromatic spice and healing herb in one. Also known as coriander, the leaves and its seeds can be used for delicious ramen, salads and curries. The tender cilantro leaves and coriander seeds offer many health benefits in that they have antibiotic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Its health-promoting effect unfolds optimally when you take it raw.
Nutrition
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, two tablespoons of ground coriander seeds contain
30 calories,
1.2 grams of protein,
1.8 grams of fat, and
5.6 grams of carbohydrates (of which 4 grams of fiber and 0 grams of sugar).
These 2 tablespoons also provide 68% of your daily vitamin K requirements, 10% iron, 8% calcium, and 4% vitamin C.
Health benefits of cilantro
The positive effects of coriander on the human body are manifold. Would you have thought that the exotic spice can do a lot more than just flavor food and tea?
The following findings on the diet with coriander show the possible benefits of its health effects. We also offer suggestions on how to incorporate more coriander into your diet.
1. Cleanses our body from toxins and heavy metals
Coriander is one of the most effective natural means of detoxifying the body. It binds the molecules of toxins and heavy metals, such as mercury, and removes them from the body.
2. A natural remedy for anemia
If you have anemia, regularly add a handful of iron-rich coriander leaves to your soup, salad, or vegetables. Alternatively, you can use chopped coriander leaves mixed with olive oil, salt and spices as a tasty spread.
3. Coriander is a natural antibiotic
The dodecenal found in fresh coriander leaves is considered to be the strongest naturally occurring antibacterial substance. Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley found a dozen other antibiotic components that can effectively fight bacterial pests. Dodecanal is also found in coriander seeds. So it’s worth adding both fresh coriander and coriander seeds to your meal as often as you can!
4. Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels
The acids contained in coriander have a strong effect on cholesterol in the blood and purify veins and arteries. By stimulating the endocrine glands, coriander causes insulin to be removed from the pancreas and helps diabetics in particular to better regulate their blood sugar levels.
5. Loaded with antioxidants
They are the absolute signal word when it comes to healthy eating. The antioxidants include vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. They are particularly effective against inflammatory complaints in the body and can help with chronic diseases such as rheumatism. They also drive away free radicals that are created by oxidation processes in the body and stress and maintain the natural balance inside. They strengthen your immune system.
6. Cilantro boosts metabolism
Eat fresh coriander leaves as often as possible and your digestive system will be happy! Coriander is a healthy way to whet your appetite. Thanks to the good essential oils, coriander stimulates digestion and above all gets the liver and intestines going. Its antibacterial properties can also actively provide relief from bacterial diarrhea.
7. Normalizes digestion
Eating fresh coriander leaves stimulates the appetite. With its essential oils, coriander stimulates digestion, especially the function of the liver and the intestines. Its antibacterial properties also have a beneficial effect on bacterial diarrhea.
8. Relieves menstrual cramps
Since coriander has a strong effect on the endocrine glands, it helps with an irregular cycle and soothes menstrual cramps.
9. Relieves arthritis and rheumatism
The active ingredients 1,8-cineole and linoleic acid contained in coriander relieve swelling caused by rheumatic diseases and arthritis. Water retention caused by kidney problems is also reduced by the dehydrating effect of the coriander.
10. Has an anti-inflammatory effect
The green leaves of the coriander herb contain many antioxidants, such as chlorophyll. The secondary plant substances protect against severe and chronic inflammation, like rheumatism by fighting the free oxidative radicals in the body. Chlorophyll also increases the absorption of magnesium and iron and can counteract a magnesium or iron deficiency very well.
11. Relieves flatulence
Both cilantro leaves and seeds relieve stomach pain and flatulence, thanks to the essential oils such as linalool, pinene and, in smaller quantities, camphor and geraniol. But menstrual cramps can also be alleviated.
12. Helps against blemished skin
A clinical study by the University of Freiburg clearly showed that treatment with coriander oil leads to an improvement in acne, psoriasis, skin rashes or even skin diseases.
13. Goodbye, tooth decay and bad breath
Since coriander has a strong antibacterial effect, it can fight open wounds on the gums or bad breath, for example — so why not chew a few coriander leaves in between.
Recipe: Coriander detox tea
Coarsely chop a teaspoon of coriander seeds with a mortar, or buy coriander powder from shop. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over it. Let the infusion steep for half an hour and then strain. The tea unfolds its digestive effects best if you drink it after you have eaten.
