Cilantro is an herb that has been in use for medicine and for food for many, many years. Cilantro comes from regions of the Mediterranean and Asia Minor (Turkey). Cilantro is used in many Mexican recipes and is very easy to add to your daily diet. Fresh cilantro has more flavor to it and also contains more vitamins than dried. The seeds of the cilantro are called Coriander and are used as a spice. Research has determined that cilantro has been used in the reduction of cardiovascular disease and the reducing the risk of certain cancers. There are antioxidant compounds that are found that protect also against chronic diseases and also contains phytochemical compounds. Cilantro leaves, root and stem also have been used as an anti-septic and have antibiotic characteristics. Cilantro also contains quercetin and essential oils which are phytochemical compounds that the plant uses to not get cancer so when you eat these phytochemicals they add to your immune system strength.
Cilantro contains chemical compounds that allow heavy metals to bind together thus aiding in reducing these metals from tissues, blood and organs by elimination. Cilantro can be used as a detoxifier as our bodies have may have an increase of mercury due to metal fillings in teeth and excess fish consumption. Because cilantro contains no cholesterol and is very high with antioxidants and essential oils it aids in the reduction of bad cholesterols and increases the levels of good cholesterol and assists in our digestive system. It contains vitamins such as A, C, B6, E, K, folic acid, beta carotene, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, thiamin and riboflavin. Vitamin C is important as it is an antioxidant. Vitamin A is important in the protection from lung cancers. Vitamin K helps has been linked with increasing bone mass and aiding in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Minerals in cilantro include calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and potassium.
The following are known benefits of cilantro and research is adding more to these lists. Cilantro is an anti-inflammatory that can aid in arthritis symptoms. Cilantro can help with the hormonal mood swings that can be associated with menstruation and can aid in the reduction of menstrual cramping. Cilantro can give help stomach upset, feeling of nausea and can aid in decreasing urinary tract infections, and may give relief for diarrhea. Cilantro can lower blood sugar, and increases liver function. One other health benefit of cilantro is that can aid in reducing conjunctivitis, macular degeneration and other eye stressors.
By adding a handful or two of fresh cilantro to your green juice, guacamole or salad you add so much to your health. These 10 benefits include:
- Boosts your immune system
- Increases your antioxidant levels
- Heavy metal detoxification
- Anti-inflammatory for all forms of inflammation which is the root of all disease
- Boosts liver function
- Balances blood sugar
- High in vitamins and minerals
- Helps balance hormones
- Aids in digestion
- Beneficial for eye health
