Cilantro--Health Benefits
By C.J. King
When I think of cilantro I immediately envision Mexican food which, unfortunately has not been recently linked to good health. But, cilantro surprising, minus the carbohydrate loaded, smothered cheese accoutrements, is an excellent source of nutrients which can be easily added to your diet.
Considered one of the world's oldest spices, coriander dates back to 5000 B.C. Native to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, it was wisely used throughout Asian cooking. In early times, the Romans used cilantro to preserve meats and flavor breads. Physicians, including Hippocrates, used coriander for its medicinal properties. Countries like India, Morocco and Holland are the largest commercial producers of coriander seeds. You can find cilantro in many traditional foods from Indian, Chinese and Latin America.
The health benefits associated with cilantro are extensive but it gets major recognition for diabetic support. In fact, cilantro is known in some parts of Europe as the "anti-diabetic plant." In parts of India it is renowned for its anti-inflammatory benefits and in the United States used for fighting cholesterol.
- Salmonella--research shows cilantro (compound present within) is twice as effective as the commonly used antibiotic drug gentamicin at killing Salmonella.
- Helps digestion and intestinal discomfort settle the stomach (relieves intestinal gas)
- Help treat symptoms of arthritis
- Protection against urinary tract infections
- Helps prevent and treat nausea
- Helps in Lowering blood sugar
- Helps lowers bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol
- A good source of dietary fiber
- A good source of magnesium, and iron
- Rich in phytonutrients and flavonoids
- Dental support---and also an effective for chellation therapy (fight against excess mercury in out systems)
Fresh leaves
Look for vibrant green leaves free from yellowish and brown discoloration. Store in refrigerator as coriander is highly perishable. Store with its roots attached by placing the roots in a glass of water and covering leaves with plastic loosely. If roots have been removed, store coriander leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
Seeds over powder
Seeds stay fresher much longer and can be grounded into powder easily.
Ethnic markets
Although your local grocer has cilantro readily available, try ethnic markets. Their quality and freshness may be superior to Wal-Mart's.
Easy Recipe
How to add to your diet
Herbs are an easy way to boost the nutrients in your everyday meals. Whether preparing soups or salad or just sprinkling them over prepared foods, cilantro has great health benefits which we all can use in the vitamin deficient food we eat daily.
Comments
Here's a fast, healthy and tasty use of cilantro:
Cilantro (leaves only), chopped onion, diced tomato = mix in bowl
Baked chicken (shredded... preferably the breast... NO SKINS... or purchase a pre-made rotisserie chicken)
Place on a warmed corn tortilla (warmed on the stove or in a pan - DO NOT A FRY TORTILLA!)
Add a few squeezes of lime and small amount of salt.
Fast, simple, tasty and healthy!
A friend talked me into replacing the lettuce on my roast beef sandwiches with cilantro. What a taste difference!
Yes cilatro also taste good on a sandwich or in a wrap, also if you like very spicy food, you can put a handful of cilantro leaves in a blender along with some yogurt, salt a little bit of cumin seeds and some onion blend it well (good to add mint too) and it will help cool your mouth from the spicy food, you can also add a little sour cream its great stuff realy
Just want to thank you guys for your wonderful input and suggestions. Thanks.
Nutrient rich and antibacterial salad: Chop Fresh Cilantro, Fresh Dill and fresh parsley, 2 cloves of fresh garlic(kills bacteria in the gut) thinly sliced,grape tomatoes(lycopene),seedless cucumbers, olive oil(the good fat) and red wine vinegar.Add salt, pepper and italian herbs. Super power food....and absolutely delicious..I also add fresh chives from my garden. I've always been obsessed with cilantro and parsley and realized you just don't need lettuces to make and amazing salad!!!!!
I have a cilantro plant that I snip leaves off of and it is very easy to grow. If you like salmon, you can take a can of salmon (drain off the oil and feed to your cat :) ), mix with one egg, some diced tomatoes and about 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro. Put in a small pan with melted butter, and saute until it is set, then flip and cook until the egg is cooked through...my new addiction - it's delicious!
I remember when I used to have cramps because of my menstruation, my grandmother and my mother made hot cilantro tea to make my pain go away. It always helped! Only in matter of minutes (7-10) the cramps were gone.
I am from Pakistani, and cilantro is the herb mainly used in our daily vegetables, meat,rice and lentil dishes. I also make Cilantro chutny with tamarind pulp, mint leaves, jalepeno peppers,garlic and salt; it is out of this world. I never knew Cilantro was this good for our health though.
This is fantastic! Cilantro has long been my absolute favorite herb. I'm delighted to know it's also quite good for me. Bonus!
I love cooking with cilantro. How great to know it's also healthy.
Lots of folks don't know that a part of Cilantro is used to make a German beer! Read about it here http://tinyurl.com/43xuu6e. Great article!
Lotsa folks don't know that a part of Cilantro is used to make a German beer! Read about it here http://tinyurl.com/43xuu6e. Great article!
Fantastic blog. I love cilantro...just downed a huge amount this morning and it is organic. Prevents Alzhemier's.
I have just discovered the benefits of a new herb/plant. I will use it to my advantage.
jim10 3 years ago
I love cilantro. I always add it to chili and various other Mexican dishes. I guess I should try adding it to some other foods too.