Do you love the taste of cilantro? This aromatic herb is used in many dishes for its unique flavor. Cilantro and coriander seed are also packed with nutrients, which makes them a healthy addition to your diet. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of cilantro and provide some recipes that you can try at home.
About Cilantro
Cilantro is an annual, popular herb in the family of Apiaceae. At first glance, its leaf looks like flat-leaf parsley. It produces coriander seeds, which have their health benefits.
This versatile herb can be found in guacamole and salsa, as well as curries, noodle dishes, and Argentina’s chimichurri sauces.
Cilantro refers to the leaves and stems of the Coriandrum sativum plant in the United States, the seeds are called coriander. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most traditionally used in cooking. The seeds of the Coriandrum sativum plant are known as coriander seeds, and the leaves are called cilantro.
The cilantro plant produces small white flowers that grow in clusters. These flowers eventually turn into oblong seed pods, which contain the seeds of the cilantro plant. The dried cilantro seeds are known as coriander, and they are used as a spice in many cuisines.
Cilantro has a bright, citrusy flavor that is often used in Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American cuisine. It is commonly used as a garnish or added to salads, salsas, soups, and curries. The leaves can also be juiced or blended into smoothies.
In addition to its culinary uses, cilantro also has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The leaves and seeds of the plant are thought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Cilantro is also a good source of vitamin C, A, and K, as well as iron and manganese.
Health Benefits Of Cilantro
Cilantro has a variety of health benefits and many known healing properties.
Aid In Digestion
Cilantro has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for digestive problems like indigestion, nausea, and gas. The essential coriander oil is thought to stimulate the release of digestive enzymes, which can help improve digestion. Additionally, cilantro is a good source of dietary fiber, which can also help promote digestive health.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Cilantro may help lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and improving glucose tolerance. In one study, rats that were given cilantro extract had significantly lower blood sugar levels after eating a high-sugar meal than those that did not receive the extract.
Controlling Blood Sugar
Cilantro’s ability to lower high blood sugar is so well-known that it’s best avoided by people with low blood sugar or those on diabetes medications.
While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, cilantro may be a helpful addition to the diet of people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Protect Against Lead Toxicity
Exposure to lead can cause a variety of health problems, including kidney damage, anemia, and learning difficulties in children. Cilantro has been shown to help chelate (bind to) lead and other heavy metals in the body, making them easier to excrete.
In one study, rats that were given cilantro extract had significantly lower blood levels of lead than those that did not receive the extract. While more research is needed on the effects of cilantro in humans, it may be a helpful natural remedy for lead toxicity.
Help Reduce Inflammation
Cilantro contains several compounds that are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. In one study, rats that were given cilantro extract had significantly lower levels of inflammation-related enzymes than those that did not receive the extract.
Cilantro may also help reduce inflammation in the gut, which has been linked to a variety of health problems like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
Cilantro may help lower cholesterol levels by promoting the excretion of bile acids. Bile acids are required for the digestion of dietary fat, and they are made from cholesterol.
When bile acids are excreted, the body must replace them by using more cholesterol from the blood. This can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Have Antimicrobial Activity
The essential oils in cilantro have strong antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. In one study, cilantro essential oil was found to be effective against food-borne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli.
Cilantro essential oil has also been shown to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast that can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems. These findings suggest that cilantro may help protect against food poisoning and other infections.
Protect Against Ulcers
Cilantro may help protect against ulcers by inhibiting the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that is a common cause of ulcers. In one study, rats that were given cilantro extract had significantly lower levels of H. pylori in their stomachs than those that did not receive the extract.
Additionally, cilantro was found to reduce the size of ulcers in rats with induced gastric lesions. These findings suggest that cilantro may help prevent and treat ulcers.
Have Cancer-Fighting Properties
Cilantro may have cancer-fighting properties due to its content of phytochemicals like flavonoids and terpenoids. These compounds have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in test-tube and animal studies.
Additionally, cilantro extract has been shown to reduce the size of tumors in rats with induced colon cancer. While more research is needed in humans, these findings suggest that cilantro may help protect against cancer.
Other potential health benefits:
- Prevents urinary tract infections
- Supports heart health
- Supports healthy menstrual function
- Cilantro’s vitamin K and calcium content aid in the development of strong bones, teeth, and hair
- Using cilantro to season food may encourage people to use less salt and eat less sodium intake
How Do You Store Cilantro Fresh For A Longer period?
Partially fill a small jar or glass with water. Fill the jar with the stem ends. You can keep them at room temperature or in the refrigerator this way.