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Cilantro herb
contains no cholesterol; but is rich in anti-oxidants and dietary fibre which
help reduce LDL or "bad cholesterol" while increasing HDL or
"good cholesterol" levels.
The leaves and
seeds contain many essential volatile oils such as borneol, linalool, cineole,
cymene, terpineol, dipentene, phellandrene, pinene and terpinolene.
The leaves and
stem tips are also rich in numerous anti-oxidant polyphenolic flavonoids such
as quercetin, kaempferol, rhamnetin and epigenin.
The herb is a
good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and
magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that
helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Iron is essential for red blood
cell production. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the
antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
It is also rich
in many vital vitamins including folic-acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-A,
beta carotene, vitamin-C that are essential for optimum health. Vitamin-C is a
powerful natural antioxidant. Cilantro leaves provides 30% of daily recommended
levels of vitamin-C.
It provides 6748
IU of vitamin-A per 100 g, about 225% of recommended daily intake. Vitamin-A,
an important fat soluble vitamin and anti-oxidant, is also required for
maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision.
Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin-A and flavonoids (carotenes) helps
body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Cilantro is one
of the richest herbal sources for vitamin K; provides about 258% of DRI.
Vitamin-K has potential role in bone mass building by promoting osteotrophic
activity in the bones. It also has established role in the treatment of
Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in their brain.
The coriander
seeds oil have found application in many traditional medicines as analgesic,
aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, deodorant, digestive, carminative, fungicidal,
lipolytic (weight loss), stimulant and stomachic.
Just imagine!
Cilantro leaves provides only 39 Cal/100 g, but their phyto-nutrients profile
is no less than any high calorie food source; be it nuts, pulses or cereals or
meat group.
This humble
backyard herb provides (% of RDA/100g)-
15% of
folates,
11% of
vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
45% of
vitamin C,
225% of
vitamin A,
258% of
vitamin K,
22% of iron
and
18% of
manganese.
(Note:
RDA-Recommended daily allowance)
Skin inflammation: Cineole, one of the 11 components of the essential oils, and
linoleic acid, are both present in coriander, and they possess ant rheumatic
and ant arthritic properties. They help to reduce the swelling that is caused
by these two conditions. For other swelling conditions, such as swelling due to
kidney malfunction or anaemia, it is also seen to be effective to some extent,
because some of the components in coriander help the induce urination and the
release of excess water from the body. The reduction in skin inflammation can
lead to increased functioning, a reduction in discomfort, and an improvement in
skin appearance.
Skin disorders: The disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, and antifungal and
antioxidant properties of coriander are ideal for clearing up skin disorders
such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections.
Low 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 atherosclerosis,
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.
Diarrhoea: Some of the components of essential oils found in coriander such
as Borneol and Linalool, aid in digestion, proper functioning of the liver and
bonding of bowels, while also helping to reduce diarrhoea. It is also helpful
in curing diarrhoea caused by microbial and fungal action, since components
like Cineole, Borneol, Limonene, Alpha-pinene & beta-phelandrene have
antibacterial effects.
Coriander is also increasingly popular as a
means of preventing nausea, vomiting, and other stomach disorders. Its wealth
of bioactive compounds means that new health benefits are always being
discovered in this power-packed plant.
In addition to these health aspects of the
stomach, fresh coriander leaves are excellent appetizers to get your bowels
prepared for a large meal.
Blood pressure: Consuming coriander has been shown to positively reduce blood
pressure in many patients suffering from hypertension. The interaction of
Calcium ions and cholinergic, a neurotransmitter in the peripheral and central
nervous system, more commonly known as acetylcholine. The interaction of these
two elements relaxes blood vessel tension, thereby reducing the chances of a
number of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
Mouth ulcers: Citronelol, a component of essential oils in coriander, is an
excellent antiseptic. Additionally, other components have antimicrobial and
healing effects which keep wounds and ulcers in the mouth from worsening. They
help speed up the healing process of ulcers and also freshen breath. Although
not in common use in mainstream products, coriander is often used as an
antiseptic component of all-natural toothpastes. In fact, before the invention
of toothpaste, people would chew on coriander seeds to reduce bad breath!
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. Iron also benefits proper functions of other organ systems,
increases energy and strength, and promotes the health of bones.
Anti-allergic
properties: Multiple studies have shown coriander to have
strong anti-histamine properties that can reduce the uncomfortable effects of
seasonal allergies and hay fever (rhinitis). Coriander oil can also be used to
reduce allergic reactions to contact with plants, insects, food, and other
substances that may cause allergic reactions on the skin or when consumed.
Internally, it can ward off anaphylaxis, hives, and dangerous swelling of the
throat and glands. It’s never a bad idea to protect yourself against allergic
reactions, especially since it is difficult to know what you might be allergic
to, until you come in contact with it for the first time!
Salmonella protection: Salmonella is one of the most dangerous causes of food borne
illnesses in the world, so any natural way to protect against it is very
important. Coriander has unusually high levels of dodecenal, a natural compound
that is actually twice as powerful of an antibiotic as the leading treatment
for salmonella-based illness. By adding coriander into your normal diet, you
protect your body from horribly uncomfortable, and even fatal, illnesses
relating to this deadly bacteria. Coriander is commonly found in salsa to add flavour,
so dip a chip and protect yourself from food poisoning, the most common way of
describing the effects of 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. Calcium and other
essential minerals found in coriander are integral components of bone regrowth
and durability, as well as in the prevention of bone degradation so commonly
associated with debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Adding even a small
amount of coriander to your diet can help to keep your bones healthy and strong
for years to come. Calcium is particularly present in the centre leaves of
coriander, so aim for that part of the plant if bone health is your focus!
Coriander 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. It is also helpful in treating
eating disorders like anorexia. Besides the pleasant aroma of coriander, it has
certain stimulatory qualities, derived from the minerals and neurotransmitters
that are stimulated when coriander is ingested. Studies have shown that
dyspepsia (indigestion) is reduced if coriander is regularly added to the diet.
For small children, who have a higher chance of developing abdominal colic than
adults, small amounts of coriander in their diet can clear the issue up
quickly!
Smallpox: The essential oils in coriander are rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant,
anti-infectious and detoxifying components and acids. The presence of vitamin-C
and iron strengthens the immune system as well. These properties help prevent
and cure smallpox, and they can also reduce the pain and have a soothing effect
on smallpox patients. In the places left in the world where smallpox outbreaks
occur, studies have shown massive amounts of vitamin-C have a definite curative
effect on smallpox in hundreds of different cases.
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 a
woman’s period.
Eye care: Coriander is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin-A, vitamin-C and
minerals like phosphorous in its essential oils, which prevents vision
disorders, macular degeneration and it reduces strain and stress on the eyes.
There is also beta-carotene in the leaves, which prevent a number of other
diseases that affect the eye, and can even reverse the effects of vision
degradation in aging patients.
Conjunctivitis: As discussed earlier, coriander is a very good disinfectant and
has antimicrobial properties that protect the eyes from contagious diseases
like conjunctivitis. Coriander oil is one of the fundamental components of a
number of eye care products.
Blood sugar and
diabetes: Due the stimulating effect of coriander on
the endocrine glands, the secretion of insulin is increased from pancreas which
subsequently increases the insulin level in the blood. This regulates the
proper assimilation and absorption of sugar and the resulting drops in the
sugar level in the blood. This property is extremely beneficial for patients
who suffer from diabetes and other related conditions, in order to lower their
chances of dangerous spikes and drops in their blood sugar levels, and to
ensure other normal metabolic functions as well.
Other benefits: Coriander helps cure ulcers, inflammation, spasms, while acting
as an expectorant and protecting the liver. It is ant carcinogenic,
anticonvulsant, antihistaminic and hypnotic. Coriander is believed to be a
natural aphrodisiac and traditionally, it was widely used in certain
combinations with other herbs to enhance a person’s libido.
Word of Caution: There
have been very few dangers associated with coriander, but as with almost any
food, there is some danger of allergic reaction to it, and in some cases, it
can be irritating to the skin. One of the more unusual side effects is that some
patients complain of sunlight sensitivity, and that excessive coriander intake
makes them more susceptible to sunburn, which could subsequently lead to skin
cancer over the long term.
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