What’s so great about Coriander?

Coriander, Cilantro, Chinese parsley or Dhania – people in different regions call it by different names. But we’re all familiar with this aromatic seasoning herb. It’s a favourite in many households and we use it quite regularly to garnish and add flavour to our curries, salads and chutneys.

But did you know that it does a lot more than enhance the taste of your food?
Coriander is packed with potential health benefits that most people don’t know about. Both the fragrant leafy green above-ground parts and the nutty seeds offer many unique healing attributes. And that’s what so great about Coriander!

HERE SOME OF THE MAIN HEALTH BENEFITS OF CORIANDER/DHANIA

FIGHTS DIABETES

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that the extract from coriander leaves have certain compounds that when released into the blood caused anti-hyperglycaemic, insulin releasing and insulin like activity that helped to keep one’s blood sugar levels in check. So, add some coriander leaves to your daily meals and keep diabetes at bay.

PROTECTS AGAINST CANCER

Coriander leaves contain some very essential nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C, E, ferulic, caffeic acid, kaempferol and quercertin. All of these not only provide nutrition to your body but they also act as very strong antioxidant agents that help to clean up all the free radicals in our body – the ones that are responsible for causing cancer. A study published in the Journal of Food Chemistry found that the extracts from coriander were extremely efficient and very effective in stopping the entire oxidative process – protecting you from cancer, ageing and wrinkles.

Another study shows that coriander plays a protective role against the deleterious effects in lipid metabolism in colon cancer.

KEEPS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE UNDER CONTROL

Consuming coriander has been shown to positively reduce blood pressure in many patients suffering from hypertension. Coriander has a high amount of cholinergic compounds and calcium antagonists (both components that help regulate your blood pressure) that act very well as hypotensive agents when released into the body. Moreover, diuretic activity adds value to its use in hypertension.

AIDS DIGESTION

Coriander, due to the rich aroma from its essential oils, helps in the proper secretion of enzymes and digestive juices in the stomach, thereby stimulating digestion and peristaltic motion. Studies have shown that dyspepsia (indigestion) is reduced if coriander is regularly added to the diet.

FIGHTS INFECTIONS

Coriander has very potent antibiotic compounds and volatile oils that act as very effective antimicrobial agents. These compounds are found especially in fresh and uncooked coriander leaves and their extract. Moreover the leaves can be used to treat fungal, bacterial and yeast infections as well.

HELPS REDUCE SWELLING/INFLAMMATION

A study published in the Journal der DeutschenDermatologischen Gesellschaft found that dhania leaves were excellent in reducing inflammation naturally. Cineole, one of the 11 components of the essential oils, and linoleic acid, are both present in coriander, and they possess anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic properties. They help to reduce the swelling that is caused by these two conditions. It was also found to be effective to some extent for other swelling conditions, such as swelling due to kidney malfunction or anaemia because some of the components in coriander help to induce urination and the release of excess water from the body.

CLEARS SKIN DISORDERS

The disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties of coriander are ideal for clearing up skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections.

ANAEMIA

Coriander is high in iron content, which directly helps people who suffer from anaemia. Low iron content in the blood can result in shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, and a decrease in cognitive functions.

LOWERS CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

Some of the acids present in coriander, like linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin-C) are very effective in reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood. They also reduce the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) deposition along the inner walls of the arteries and veins, which can lead to serious cardiovascular issues like artherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. More importantly, coriander helps to raise the levels of healthy cholesterol (HDL), which works as a preventative line of defence against a number of dangerous conditions.

SALMONELLA PROTECTION

Salmonella is one of the most dangerous causes of food borne illnesses in the world. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry suggests that Coriander contains an antibacterial compound that may prove to be a safe, natural means of fighting Salmonella. Working together, US and Mexican researchers isolated the compound dodecenal, which laboratory tests showed is twice as effective as the commonly used antibiotic drug gentamicin at killing Salmonella.

BONE HEALTH

As a rich source of calcium, coriander is of great value for people who want to protect the integrity of their bones. Adding even a small amount of coriander to your diet can help to keep your bones healthy and strong for years to come.

MENSTRUAL DISORDERS

Coriander is a natural stimulant, and it regulates proper secretion from the endocrine glands, and that hormonal impact means that it helps regulate proper menstrual cycles and reduces the associated pain during menstruation.

Amazing, right? Who knew that this humble herb could be such a powerful health ally! Definitely worth adding it to your diet.

Caution/Disclaimer: The content of this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered qualified medical advice. Always consult an expert for any health issues. Pregnant women should especially be very careful about consuming anything without proper advice.