8 Amazing Health Benefits of Cilantro - Reasons Why You Should Incorporate Cilantro Into Your Daily Greens

Introduction

Another popular herb widely used in several dishes across the globe is the cilantro or coriander. Cilantro belongs to the family of Apiaceae and grows in warm summer climate. They feature a distinct aroma and strong taste, which is the reason why they are big hit as an ingredient to food especially Asian and European dishes. But aside from its culinary use, cilantro also contributes to human health by the essential nutrients it contains.

This powerful herb that you can grow in your backyard has only 23 calories for every 100 gram serving. It has 2.80g of fiber or 6.5% of its daily recommended intake (DRI).

Cilantro is superior in terms of its antioxidant level particularly flavonoid such as epigenin and quercetin. Also it is filled with large quantity of vitamins A (225% DRI), C (45% DRI), and E (17% DRI). These vitamins work along with phytonutrients beta-carotene and lutein zeaxanthin to protect the cells from being damaged.

It also provides an impressive amount of vitamin K with 310 mcg or 258% of its DRI per 100g serving. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for blood clotting as well as in bone mass building. Aside from vitamin K, cilantro furthers breakdown of carbohydrates, fat, and protein with its vitamin B complex content. Among its components, folates or folic acid has the biggest contribution.

Cilantro also helps regulate blood pressure level since it is low in sodium (46 mg or 3% DRI) and high in potassium content (521 mg or 11% DRI). These compounds function as electrolytes that send energy to the different organs of the body.

Apart from the aforementioned nutrients, cilantro is an ace for the amount of minerals it gives the body. It is particularly high in iron and manganese with 22% and 18.5% of their daily recommended intake, respectively. Iron is highly significant for its role in the transportation of oxygen across the body. It forms part of protein hemoglobin. Manganese, on the other hand, is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and cholesterol and assists in bone formation.

Cilantro can also be used in making pesto as a substitute the more common ingredient which is basil. It adds richness to the taste of soups and salad.

The health benefits of cilantro is claimed to be in existence even before when it is employed as medicine for its analgesic, digestive and fungicidal properties. Medicine from the cilantro herb is obtained primarily in the form of essential oils.

The Important Health Benefits of Cilantro

Contains Antibiotic and Antimicrobial Properties

Cilantro contains a very unique and strong antibiotic compound called dodecenal. Studies proved that dodecenal is a one of the strongest antibiotic compounds of all and rarely to be found in the common array of fruits and vegetables. This antibiotic property can kill various types of bacteria in the body especially those borne by food intake. This will thwart off stomach issues like food poisoning, diarrhea, indigestion, and other more. It has been found that this herb’s antibiotic is way more effective than antibiotic medications specifically those concentrated with gentamicin. This is also very effective in remedying fungal and yeast infections. If you want to avoid bacteria-related skin, stomach, and respiratory issues, cilantro is an all-natural remedy. It is not only very effective but very safe and healthy as well.

Fights Off Cancer

Cancer is very deadly. In fact it is one of the most common causes of death up to date. Since there is still no cure to this serious illness, the best thing that every one of us can do is to keep a healthy lifestyle. That means that there is a need to exercise regularly and to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. Health experts say that in order to effectively avoid any type of cancer, regularly consuming fruits and vegetables that are concentrated with antioxidants is the key. Cilantro is one of the herbs containing impressive amounts of antioxidants. It contains Vitamins C and E, quertecin, kaempferol, caffeic acid, ferulic, and beta carotene. It is highly unusual to have all these antioxidant properties in a single source. This means that consuming cilantro is if great help in reducing risks of cancer. It discourages tumor and cancer cell growth and proliferation. Its consumption will maintain the optimal health of the cells in our body and will cause them to self-repair when necessary. If you do not want to have cancer even if you are highly exposed to such due to family’s medical history, make sure to eat a lot of cilantro regularly.

Supports Heart Health

Another amazing health benefit of cilantro is that it contains high levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that are known to be very healthy for the heart. These fatty acids are the good type of fats that are able to prevent many types of heart irregularities and ailments. They are also anti-inflammatory compounds that assure blood flow is proper, blood vessels are dilated and normal, and the artery walls are strong and established. In addition, cilantro is able to reduce LDL or bad cholesterols in the body at the same time increase HDL or good cholesterols. This will lead to reduced chances of blood clots that are primary causes of heart attacks and stroke.

Regulates Blood Sugar

For diabetics and those highly exposed to such, cilantro consumption is of great contribution to alleviate your condition. Years of research concluded that this herb can regulate the glucose levels in human’s blood. Its intake stimulates the body’s ability to produce insulin thus resulting to normal blood sugar. This will also benefit the condition of the heart because diabetics are highly exposed to heart diseases.

Aids the Health of the Bones

One vital nutrient that the bones need to be strong and healthy is calcium. Cilantro is a great source of calcium which makes it an excellent bone booster herb. It is important to consume sources of calcium for your greatest benefit because calcium insufficiency in the body encourages bone disorders such as bone loss, osteoporosis, and increased risks of bone fractures. If you want to be able to move around properly even as you reach the age of 70, consuming plenty of cilantro will be of great help.

Improves Eyesight

Cilantro has shown positive effects on eye health. It has been proven that because of its richness in antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene, its consumption is able to improve eyesight at the same time discourages age-related eye ailments. Common examples of the eye ailments it thwarts off are macular degeneration, blindness, cataracts, etc. If you want to keep a sharp and clear eyesight, make sure to add cilantro in your diet.

Boosts the Immune System

Aside from its remarkable antioxidant contents, cilantro is also abundant in phytonutrients that protect the immune system from infections leading to sickness. This herb’s properties are able to establish a strong defense against common to serious types of illnesses. Its consumption promotes overall optimal health.

Lower Risks of Kidney Stone Growth

Kidney stone development is triggered by the presence and housing of harmful toxins in the body especially in the kidneys. It is important that toxins are flushed from the body properly through secretion. Fortunately, cilantro has the ability to detoxify the body freeing the kidneys from harmful toxins that causes the growth of kidney stones.