4-14 % of the population thinks Cilantro tastes like soap (this is due to a particular ser of olfactory genes) which is a shame because it offers many powerful health benefits!
Cilantro, and its seeds, often referred to as coriander is also known as Chinese parsley and is a cousin of parsley, carrots, and celery.
This herb has incredible holistic health-enhancing properties which promote wellbeing of both body and mind.
Add this plant / spice to your diet to reap these incredible benefits:
- Lowers Blood Sugar
Those who have high blood pressure may want to consume more coriander, which promotes enzyme activity which can lower blood sugar levels. Coriander is so powerful, results are comparable to blood sugar medication in animal studies, and should be consumed with caution for those who have low blood sugar.
- Antioxidants
Coriander also helps to support immune function by providing antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body against cellular damage which contributes to disease. These compounds, called terpinene, quercetin, and tocopherols also help to reduce inflammation, one of the major contributors to chronic disease. These same compounds also boast anticancer, immune-boosting, and neuroprotective effects.
- Brain Health
Anything which reduces inflammation is good for brain health, given a number of neurodegenerative diseases are associated with this symptom including Parkinsons, Alzheimers, and multiple sclerosis. Antioxidants also help to protect against nerve cell damage in these conditions as well as in seizures. There is also some evidence that the spice improves memory performance and reduces anxiety, with animal studies showing it’s effectiveness are comparable with the anxiety medication Diazepam.
- Heart Health
Coriander is also effective at lowering blood pressure, helping the body flush out excess water and salts. It also helps to lower harmful (LDL) cholesterol levels, as well as increasing good (HDL) cholesterol. Both of these factors help protect and improve heart health. Whatsmore, research indicates that communities which consume higher rates of the herb have lower incidence of heart disease.
- Gut Health
Coriander is also an incredible digestive aid, helping to relieve IBS and stimulate appetite. It can also protect against foodborne illness which might otherwise harm the gut, including conditions as serious as salmonella.
- Fights Infection
Coriander also helps to fight some infections due to the fact that it contains antimicrobial compounds. Test tube studies have found that bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections is effectively killed by coriander.
- Protects the Skin
Anecdotal evidence suggests coriander juice helps to relieve skin conditions including acne, pigmentation, oiliness, or dryness. Antioxidants in coriander also help prevent damage to skin cells due to aging and sun damage, helping to keep skin looking young and smoothe.
Conclusion
If you are one of the lucky ones who enjoy the flavor of coriander leaf, now you have 7 new reasons to consume this incredibly powerful herb! For those who do not like the taste of the leaf, the ground seeds can offer you many of the same perks. Whether you are looking to improve your skin, immune, gut, brain, heart, or metabolic health, coriander may be the herbal key to unlocking a lifetime of holistic wellbeing.
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