By Sara Greenland- Nutritionist

Cilantro is a herb that is widely used in various cuisines around the world, especially in Central American, Middle Eastern, and Asian dishes. It has a fresh and citrusy flavor that adds a burst of freshness to any dish. Cilantro is also known as coriander in some cultures, and the seeds of the cilantro plant are used as a spice.

• Cilantro has many health benefits, thanks to its rich content of antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the health benefits of cilantro are:
  • It helps to detoxify the body from heavy metals, such as lead, aluminum, and arsenic, that can cause various diseases and disorders. Cilantro has the ability to bind these metals and remove them from tissues and organs.
  • It supports brain health and may reduce the symptoms of cognitive diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Cilantro extract has been shown to prevent nerve-cell damage and improve memory in animal studies.
  • It lowers anxiety and improves sleep quality. Cilantro extract has been found to have a calming effect on the nervous system and act as a natural sedative in animal studies.
  • It lowers blood sugar levels and may help prevent or manage diabetes. Cilantro seeds have been shown to stimulate an enzyme that removes sugar from the blood and reduces blood sugar levels in animal studies.
  • It protects against cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Cilantro contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and fiber, which helps lower cholesterol.
  • It prevents urinary tract infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause them. Cilantro also has diuretic properties that help flush out toxins and waste from the kidneys and bladder.
  • It prevents foodborne illnesses by killing harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, that can cause severe food poisoning. Cilantro contains duodenal, an antimicrobial compound that is effective against Salmonella and other bacteria.
  • It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Cilantro contains bioactive compounds, such as carvone, that help control free-radical proliferation and inflammation, which are linked to cancer development.
• Cilantro is easy to incorporate into your diet. You can add fresh cilantro leaves to salads, soups, sauces, dips, curries, salsas, guacamoles, and smoothies. You can also use coriander seeds to spice up your dishes or make tea with them.

Please note that this is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or health regimen.