Coriander, or cilantro, also called Chinese parsley is considered as a magical herb in Indian markets. Coriander is the leaf that grows from coriander seeds and is used in flavouring gravies or chilli dishes. So, keep reading to know the health benefits of this awesome green veggie - Coriander!
Like any other spices, coriander is available round the year and it is quite a favourite kitchen ingredient due to its refreshing fragrance and taste.
Many of us think that it is due to its green colour, beautiful aroma and flavour that tempts people to use it while cooking. But, the fact says there are countless benefits of eating coriander for health, and here we've stated out some of them.
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What is coriander?
Coriander is also known as Dhania in the Indian subcontinent. Coriander is native to regions spanning from south Europe and northern Africa to southwest Asia.
Coriander is a soft plant that does not grow beyond 50 cm. The seed is known as coriander seed and is widely used as a spice and is added in various recipes or sometimes even eaten alone.
The nutrient value of coriander seed is different from the coriander leaf, which is packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K along with other traces of dietary sources.
Coriander has a beneficial heath reputation that makes it a healing spice. Besides being used just for flavouring, coriander has countless health benefits right from lowering bad cholesterol in the body to treating diarrhoea. Here we mention to you the distinct advantages of eating coriander leaves.
1. Helps to treat diarrhoea
Due to some essential oil like Borneol, linalool, it assists to aid in digestion and assists in the proper functioning of the liver, thus reducing the risk of diarrhoea. Any person suffering from diarrhoea should consider drinking coriander juice every day in the morning.
2. Helps to treat skin disorders
Due to antioxidant, antifungal and antiseptic properties of coriander, it is said that chewing coriander helps to manage various kinds of diseases. It is said that there are various skin problems, including dryness of the skin, eczema and fungal infections, which can be cured by consuming coriander. All you should do is chew some fresh coriander leaves on an empty stomach.
3. Helps to control blood pressure
It is said that consuming coriander has a positive effect on the human body. It contributes to lower the blood pressure level in a person and also aids to cure stress in individuals suffering from hypertension problem, thereby reducing the risk of heart arrest.
4. Treats anaemia
Due to a high amount of iron found in coriander, it helps to treat anaemia in a person. Individuals who suffer from shortness of breath or fatigue may consider drinking coriander juice every morning.
5. Mouth ulcers
Citronellol is the main component that possesses antiseptic properties. Coriander also contains antibacterial property that helps to heal wounds or ulcers in the mouth. Chewing coriander in the morning and repeating this thrice in a day can help get rid of the ulcer completely.
6. Improves health of bone
As a rich source of calcium, coriander proves to be extremely beneficial to strengthen your bone. Along with calcium, traces of other minerals are also found in bones that help in bone regrowth and increase the durability too. Coriander is of great value to people who wish to strengthen their bones and for those who are suffering from various bone-related problems. Chomping little of coriander every day or adding a small amount in an everyday meal can help to strengthen your bones.
7. Aids in digestion
Due to an essential oil present in coriander, it helps in aiding digestion. Coriander helps in proper secretion of enzymes and digestive juices in the body, thereby stimulating digestion and peristaltic motion in the body. Besides, it is also proved that coriander consists of certain stimulating qualities that help to stimulate the neurotransmitters in the body, further aiding in the digestion problem.
8. Eye care
Being loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and other antioxidants, it is said that coriander is beneficial for the human eye. Also, due to minerals found in cilantro, it helps to prevent any vision-related disorders and also helps to reduce strain and pressure on the eye.
9. Treats smallpox
Due to antiseptic and anti-healing properties, cilantro can contribute to strengthening the immune system of the person and also contributes to reducing the pain in patients suffering from smallpox. Researchers have tested this theory and have found that out of 100 patients, coriander was able to cure 99 patients with smallpox and also assisted in reducing pain.