The Benefits of Cilantro and Coriander
Cilantro is one of the traditional Mediterranean herbs, although it is referred to as "Chinese parsley." Research shows that it helps to balance blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, supports healthy cardiovascular function, supports healthy liver function, aids in indigestion issues, and helps in the reduction of fats- aiding in weight loss.
Cilantro has superior detoxing ability (especially if combined with chlorella) in binding and removing toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, aluminum, lead, and mercury, from the body. These metals can lead to many detrimental health problems such as: heart disease, hormonal imbalances, neurological conditions, kidney and lung diseases, weak bones, and infertility issues.
Did you know that the body cannot distinguish between calcium and lead? Which means that the body will absorb the lead, as if it is calcium, into the bones.
Dr. Omura, director of Medical Research at the Heart Disease Foundation, found in a study that antibiotic use is linked to the buildup of heavy metals in the body. He believes that antibiotics actually can protect the heavy metals causing certain infections to relapse, even after an entire course of ntibiotics. In this study, cilantro was used to help remove stubborn heavy metal deposits that continued to plague patients, even after initial infection symptoms had faded.
Cilantro contains antioxidant properties in the flavonoid quercetin, which provides protection against most degenerative diseases. It contains an anti-bacteria compound called dodecenal which can kill salmonella bacteria and prevent salmonella poisoning.
Cilantro is rich in iron, which is essential for red blood cell production. The chlorophyll is great for cleansing the blood, flushing out toxins, removing excess bacteria, and acting like a natural internal deodorant.
It's one of the richest sources of vitamin K, along with it's calcium content, has a potential role in bone mass building.
Coriander -(cilantro seeds) are a good source of linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, steric acid and palmitic acid. They support proper secretion of hormones and regulate proper endocrine gland function.
They are a good source of source of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium. The high percentage of Vit C they carry, provides collagen production (helps skin elasticity), helps heal wounds and fights against viruses.
A study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition showed that basil and coriander contained the highest levels of the carotenoids beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, all known for their antioxidant properties and essential for vision.
As you can see, cilantro has more than enough benefits to include it as a regular addition in your diet. I love the fresh leaves in vegetable, chicken and tuna salads, dressings, eggs, sauces, pastas, quesadillas, enchiladas, soft tacos, nachos, sandwiches, and sprinkled on vegetables. I use the ground coriander seeds in the majority of my cooking.
I realize that not everyone has been introduced to cilantro and that it may be a surprise to some, as the smell and the flavor is an "acquired taste." Many people love cilantro, once you get past the introduction and sample a few of the dishes prepared with it, then it can really grow on you. And soon, you may want it more than any other herb!
Keep following this blog and you will see how to make cilantro a distinguished herb, necessary to your palate!
I hope this was beneficial to you. My goal is to help provide the information that you need to make wise lifestyle choices.
Ramona