Cilantro is a popular green, leafy herb that is so unique and versatile. It brings a fresh boost and almost citrusy flavor to cuisines. When it begins to flower, it produces the seeds and the flavor of the leaves increases.
This unique herb is used in preparing noodle, salsa, curries, dishes, and sauces. Interestingly, cilantro is just a herb with amazing culinary uses, it is actually beneficial to the body and has healing properties.
The health benefits of cilantro include:
Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease
The American Heart Association recommend that we eat foods that are high in potassium as they are essential for regulating blood pressure since the mineral reduces the negative effects of sodium on the body.
The risk of developing heart failure, thickening of the heart muscle and ischemic heart disease increases as high blood pressure increases. This means that, because of cilantro’s properties, it can lower blood pressure, dissolve cholesterol in the arteries, and protect the body against heart disease and atherosclerosis.
In some studies, results indicated that cilantro lowers triglycerides and cholesterol in the body. One other study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology show that cilantro’s heart-protective nutrients inhibit the oxidative damage and myocardial infarctions.
With its ability to reduce cholesterol, protect the heart against impairments, lower blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol, it is easy to see why cilantro should be incorporated into your diet.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
In animal studies, cilantro’s leaves are effective in lowering blood sugar levels. These studies suggest that upon diagnosing diabetes, cilantro can help support a healthy liver function and regulate blood sugar.
The results also support the belief that cilantro included in our diet can, in fact, act as a remedy for diabetes. You only need to chop cilantro leaves coarsely and add to smoothies, salsas, and salads to reduce blood sugar levels and better overall health.
Rids the Body of Heavy Metals
When aluminum, mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium find their way to our tissues, it can result in neurological problems, heart disease, infertility, hormonal imbalances, and other health issues. Cilantro can loosen these toxic metals from the tissues and help eliminate them from the body.
A study found that cilantro can significantly protect the body against oxidative stress caused by lead and support the elimination of heavy metals.
In fact, by using cilantro instead of antibiotic drugs, the body can be rid of toxins brought on by heavy metals and infections are prevented from occurring again. It is, therefore, advisable to include cilantro in your heavy metal detox program.
Soothes the Skin
Cilantro is used both internally and externally as a remedy on the skin for skin irritations such as sunburns, hives, and poison ivy. The herb helps in calming the immune system’s reaction to allergens. When blended with coconut oil, cilantro can be applied topically to calm dry skin, hives, sunburns, poison ivy, and hives caused by an allergic reaction.
To enjoy all the benefits of cilantro, blend it with water, and strain, instead of coconut oil. Apply the cilantro to the skin and drink the remaining juice.
Lowers Anxiety and Improves Sleep
Cilantro is naturally beneficial to your sleep cycle as it calms nerves, and so can improve quality of sleep by acting as a natural sedative. According to a study published recently, the high levels of cilantro extract have similar anti-anxiety effects to a conventional prescription drug like Valium.
Unfortunately, Valium has some side effects such as hallucinations, memory loss, confusion, agitation, irrational behavior, aggression, and muscle weakness. However, cilantro can help in relieving anxiety and improve the quality of sleep, without potentially harmful side effects.
Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
Diabetes, staphylococcus bacteria, genetics, E. coli, and sexual activity are some of the major causes of urinary tract infections. The antibacterial compounds found in cilantro supports a healthy urinary tract that is devoid of unhealthy bacteria.
Supports Healthy Menstrual Function
Did you know that cilantro can actually help in supporting healthy menstrual function by regulating the hormones that control menstrual cycles and of course, encouraging endocrine gland function too? In addition, cilantro can help in the reduction of cramps, pain, and bloat during the cycle.
Protects Against Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress can be as a result of a wide range of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, macular degeneration, arthritis, and heart disease.
However, cilantro’s powerful antioxidant components can help in protecting the body against the damage caused by free radicals. Cilantro is very helpful in protecting against oxidative stress due to its high antioxidant abilities.
Alleviates Digestive Issues
For thousands of years, cilantro has been used to alleviate nausea, bloating, gas, heartburn, stomach cramps, and indigestion. The herb aids digestion by producing digestive enzymes that help in the breakdown of foods.
Protects Against Food Poisoning
Cilantro helps in detoxifying the body and protects it against toxins and infections. Its antibacterial properties also protect from food and water-borne diseases such as food poisoning, listeria, salmonella, cholera, and dysentery.
Prevents Neurological Inflammation
Alzheimer’s, MS, Parkinson’s, MS, and brain tumors are neurodegenerative diseases that have been linked to chronic inflammation. One study indicates that foods high in pepper, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and clove, can help prevent the inflammation linked with these chronic diseases.
A simple eating habit change with food rich in the right nutrients can lower the risk of neurological degeneration.
Protects Against Colon Cancer
Cilantro can actually protect the body against colon cancer by reducing cholesterol levels. This process reduces toxicity in the colon which lowers the risk for cancer.
Side Effects and Precautions
Cilantro is one herb that is generally considered safe. However, people who are allergic to aniseed, dill, fennel, caraway may experience some allergic reactions.
