Have you ever heard about the many health benefits of cilantro? Also known as Chinese parsley, it is a plant with straight stems and green leaves. All of its parts are edible and therefore, it was already widely used by the ancient Egyptians. However, its origin is uncertain.
This plant is considered to be native to the regions of north Africa and southern Europe. In nature, it can be found white flowers when summer arrives. It has a unique citrus scent in particular.
The benefits of coriander can be gleaned from the richness of its nutrients. The most outstanding are the following:
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
7 Proven Health Benefits of Cilantro
All these characteristics make cilantro a very powerful plant: stimulating, antispasmodic, diuretic, bactericidal, flavoring. Ideal for fighting diseases such as diabetes, salmonella, and many other infections caused by bacteria.
It is not only used to flavor dishes or to give them a decorative touch. It is also used in digestive drinks, cocktails with liquor and even in perfumes.
1. Fighting cholesterol
One of the most significant health benefits of cilantro is that it is capable of combating high cholesterol levels since it contains polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, ramnetin and epinephrine. Not only can these acids markedly reduce the accumulation of cholesterol in the inner walls of the arteries, also:
- They detoxify the blood.
- And, they purify the blood vessels.
- Also, they keep the heart in good condition.
- They prevent strokes.
- What’s more, they promote the circulation of blood around the whole body.
- They reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
2. Ideal for diabetics
The properties found in cilantro, especially fresh leaves and stems, help control any type of diabetes, and this is because this plant helps stimulate the pancreas, which ends up causing:
- Less sensitivity to insulin.
- Higher insulin production.
- Improvement of the functions of insulin in the body.
- Decreased absorption of sugar into the blood.
- Regulation of blood glucose levels.
3. Slimming
Woman showing how much weight she lost. Healthy lifestyles concept
So, among other wonderful benefits, it is a powerful diuretic that allows for:
- Purifying the body.
- Stopping fluid retention.
- Discarding waste easily.
- Eliminating toxins and heavy metals.
- Keeping the body satiated for longer periods.
- Absorbing the necessary vitamins and nutrients more easily.
- Preventing gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhea.
All of these benefits notably favor rapid and effective weight loss in people who eat cilantro frequently.
4. Combating salmonella
Basically, salmonella is an infection that produces the set of bacteria that are acquired by the consumption of raw or unwashed foods. However, it can also be transmitted by pets, especially reptiles such as snakes, turtles and lizards.
Most common symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Sickness
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal cramps
- Muscle aches throughout the body
However, this plant contains antibiotic properties capable of easily combating this condition. It is able to break the bacterium’s membrane of salmonellosis, which interrupts its growth, and, as a result, it weakens and dies.
For this reason, many people caring for a patient with salmonella choose to prepare broths or soups with cilantro. Just make sure the leaves are fresh and well washed.
5. Combat halitosis
Like mint and peppermint, cilantro is able to combat bad breath (halitosis). Also, it aids other problems in the mouth such as: canker sores, ulcers and sores. But, how does it do this? First, its antibacterial properties help eliminate the agents that produce uncomfortable conditions.
6. Fights inflammations
Another of the health benefits of cilantro is that it is a powerful anti-inflammatory. This is because it is a plant rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants that help fight conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, as it quickly and naturally relieves inflammation in the joints.
7. Helps fighting the flu
Cilantro has antibacterial properties. Additionally, it has a high content of vitamin A and C. So, the health benefits of cilantro include expectorant properties. Basically, it’s ideal for combating colds and the flu.
One of the countries where cilantro is most commonly used is Venezuela. For Venezuelans, cilantro is an essential ingredient in their cuisine and their herbalists.
Via: OrganicFacts | HealthyFocus
