The health benefits of Coriander or Cilantro are worldwide known and are well documented. Millions of people eat Coriander, however, most of the people eat it cooked. Only a few people actually eat raw coriander, yet eating raw coriander is the best way to maximize its health benefits. It is also an undeniable fact that coriander is one such herb which is easily available, offers several health benefits and can be widely used for therapeutic purposes too. This herb belongs to the apiaceous family also known as the carrot family along with plants like celery, parsley, cumin, parsnip and carrot.
The Coriander plant grows to the height of 1 to 2 feet. It possesses dark green, hairless, soft leaves which have different shape and are broad at the base of the plant, while slender and feathery higher on the top. The whole coriander plant is edible. The most widely used parts are Its fresh leaves and dried seeds. Coriander seeds are round to oval in shape, yellowish brown in colour with a flavour that is aromatic, sweet and citrus as well as slightly peppery. They are commonly used as spice in many cuisines around the world.
Eating fresh coriander also helps you remove heavy metals from the body as well as help you treat stubborn infections. Corianders possess various useful properties and synergistic effects that does not only prevent diseases, but also promote longevity and improve overall health and well-being.
Coriander is the English name for this herb it is also known as Cilantro. This herb is scientifically called as Coriandrum sativum. It is commonly named as Dhaniya in Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Orissa and Punjabi, Kothambari in Kannada, Daaniwal in Kashmirie, Kothambalari in Malayalam, Dhane in Marathi, Kothamalli vidai in Tamil Dhaniyalu in Telugu.
Health Benefits of Coriander Leaves
1. Coriander / Cilantro Maintains Blood Pressure-
Cilantro or Coriander is highly effective in reducing hypertension that lowers the blood pressure level in the body. Being a rich source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, coriander control heart rate as well as blood pressure.
2. Coriander / Cilantro Treat Cardiovascular Disease-
Rich in essential oils, antioxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber, Coriander helps in lowering LDL or bad cholesterol and also helps in increasing HDL as well as good cholesterol. Its ability to dissolve cholesterol also prevents our body from cardiovascular diseases.
3. Coriander / Cilantro Improve Sleeping Ability-
Coriander is known for reducing stress and anxiety as well as for improving sleeping ability. This herb is also known as a calming herb for its soothing and relaxing properties.
4. Coriander Provide relief from Anxiety-
Coriander contains several muscle relaxing qualities and act as a mild laxative which calm the nerves, thus in turn provide relief from anxiety. You can also consume coriander in the juice form which will provide your body an ample amount of Vitamin B and will help you stay calm throughout the day.
5. Aids Digestion-
Coriander is a known remedy for treating indigestion problems as well as nausea. It also helps the digestive tract to produce more digestive juices and enzymes that stimulates digestion and ease flatulence. The antioxidant found in coriander also promotes healthy functioning of the liver. Coriander leaves are loaded with dietary fibre which help in curing gastrointestinal problems.
6. Reduces Inflammation-
Not many people know this, but coriander possesses anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic properties that can help you prevent arthritis as well as conjunctivitis. It helps you prevent minor swelling in the body too.
7. Alleviates Diabetes-
Coriander or Cilantro is a well-known anti-diabetic herb which is highly beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol and blood sugar level in the body. As it is high in potassium and low in sodium, coriander is a great remedy for diabetic patients.
8. Detoxify the body-
Not many people know this, Coriander acts as a chelating agent and is also known as a heavy metal detoxifier that cleanses the harmful toxins, chemicals as well as substances in the body. Coriander is known to have the ability to transfer mercury from the brain and central nervous system by removing it from the fat tissue and send it into the blood and lymph where it gets removed safely in combination with blue green algae called spirulina. Hence adding coriander leaves in your diet provides relief from mercury poisoning and toxicity. Various chemical compounds present in coriander attach to toxic metals and help with their removal by loosening them from the fat tissues.
9. Helps in Weight Loss-
This herb can also be used to get rid of unwanted weight gain and obesity. Regular use of coriander while cooking can also help in the reduction of fats, thus helps in weight loss.
10. Treat Menstrual Disorders-
Being a good source of Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid as well as ascorbic acid, coriander is one of the best remedies to treat menstrual disorders. To get relief from menstrual disorders you should soak coriander seeds overnight in water and consume them the next morning to get maximum benefits.
11. Improves Bone Health-
Coriander / Cilantro is a rich source of calcium and is a perfect herb for all those who want to improve bone density and bone health. It also prevents the occurrence of health problems like Osteoporosis.
12. Treat Anemia-
13. Natural Deodorant-
Cilantro acts Coriander is an amazing natural internal deodorant. It is loaded with chlorophyll that helps to detox the body from the inside out. It removes all the toxins from the liver, kidney and digestive tract. Coriander also works to remove the excess bacteria from the body that would otherwise set out and accumulate in your armpits and feet and make them smelly. Chlorophyll works to stop the growth of bacteria due to its high oxygen content and therefore, this herb helps your body deodorize and smell great.