Cilantro- 16 Amazing Health Benefits

The health benefits of cilantro include its use in the treatment of skin inflammation, high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, anemia, indigestion, menstrual disorders, smallpox, conjunctivitis, skin disorders, and blood sugar disorders, while also benefiting eye care.

What Is Cilantro?

Cilantro is an herb that is extensively used around the world as a condiment, garnish, or decoration on culinary dishes. Its scientific name is Coriandrum Sativum L. Its leaves and fruits have a pleasant aroma and are commonly used raw or dried for culinary applications.

Cilantro Nutrition Facts

Its uses in global food preparation are only the tip of the iceberg. To many people, cilantro is packed with potential health benefits that most people completely miss when they toss this garnish into the garbage after eating their meal. It has eleven components of essential oils, six types of acids (including ascorbic acid, better known as (vitamin C), minerals and vitamins, each having a number of beneficial properties. A complete list is given below.

Health benefits of cilantro includes

Skin Inflammation

Cineole, one of the 11 components of the essential oils, and linoleic acid are both present in cilantro, and they possess anti rheumatic and antiarthritic 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 anemia, it is also seen to be effective to some extent, because some of the components in cilantro help 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, antifungal and antioxidant properties of cilantro are ideal for clearing up skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections.

Low Cholesterol Levels

Some of the acids present in cilantro, like linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are very effective in reducing 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 defense against a number of dangerous conditions.

Treats Diarrhea

Some of the components of essential oils found in cilantro such as Borneol and Linalool, aid in digestion, proper functioning of the liver and bonding of bowels, while also helping to reduce diarrhea. It is also helpful in curing diarrhea caused by the microbial and fungal action, since components like Cineole, Borneol, Limonene, Alpha-pinene & beta-phellandrene have antibacterial effects.

Cilantro 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 cilantro leaves are excellent appetizers to get your bowels prepared for a large meal.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Consuming cilantro 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.

Treats Mouth Ulcers

Citronellol, a component of essential oils in cilantro, 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, cilantro (coriander) is often used as an antiseptic component of all-natural toothpaste. In fact, before the invention of toothpaste, people would chew on cilantro (coriander seeds) to reduce bad breath!

Prevents Anemia

It is high in iron content, which directly helps people who suffer from anemia. 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 cilantro to have strong antihistamine properties that can reduce the uncomfortable effects of seasonal allergies and hay fever (rhinitis). Cilantro 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. Cilantro has unusually high levels of dodecanol, a natural compound that is actually twice as powerful of an antibiotic than the leading treatment for salmonella-based illness. By adding cilantro into your normal diet, you protect your body from horribly uncomfortable, and even fatal, illnesses relating to this deadly bacteria. Cilantro is commonly found in salsa to add flavor, so dip a chip and protect yourself from food poisoning, the most common way of describing the effects of salmonella.

Improves Bone Health

As a rich source of calcium, cilantro is of great value for people who want to protect the integrity of their bones. Calcium and other essential minerals found in cilantro 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 cilantro to your diet can help to keep your bones healthy and strong for years to come. Calcium is particularly present in the center leaves of cilantro, so aim for that part of the plant if bone health is your focus!

Aids in Digestion

Cilantro, 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 cilantro, it has certain stimulatory qualities, derived from the minerals and neurotransmitters that are stimulated when cilantro is ingested. Studies have shown that dyspepsia (indigestion) is reduced if cilantro is regularly added to the diet. For small children, who have a higher chance of developing abdominal colic than adults, small amounts of cilantro in their diet can clear the issue up quickly!

Cures Smallpox

The essential oils in cilantro 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.

Prevents Menstrual Disorders

Cilantro 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

Cilantro 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.

Treats Conjunctivitis

As discussed earlier, cilantro is a very good disinfectant and has antimicrobial properties that protect the eyes from contagious diseases like conjunctivitis. Cilantro oil is one of the fundamental components of a number of eye care products.

Controls Diabetes

Due to the stimulating effect of cilantro on the endocrine glands, the secretion of insulin is increased from the 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.

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Other Benefits

Cilantro helps cure ulcers, inflammation, spasms while acting as an expectorant and protecting the liver. It is anticarcinogenic, anticonvulsant, antihistaminic and hypnotic. Cilantro 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

Pregnant women should not take cilantro until more established research is done, although some women have claimed that it increases their production of breast milk flow. It is best to be safe, so speak with a doctor before adding cilantro to your diet, and pay attention to the response your body has!

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