Cilantro, which is also known as coriander and Chinese parsley, is a potent medicinal herb. It is often used in Mexican cuisine to make guacamole and salsas. This herb is packed with health benefits.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons to eat cilantro.
1. Antioxidant rich:
This potent medicinal herb is high in antioxidants, which kill disease-causing free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which is believed to be linked to serious diseases including cancer and heart disease. Cilantro is a great source of phytonutrients and flavonoids like quercitin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, and epigenin.
2. Detoxifies heavy metals:
Cilantro is well known as a detoxifying herb. It has been shown to get rid of heavy metals in the body that we are exposed to through food and environmental factors. Heavy metals are risk factors for cancer and heart disease. One study from The Scientific World Journal shows that cilantro enhanced the removal of mercury from the body.
3. Fights Salmonella:
Cilantro contains an antibacterial compound that may fight Salmonella, which is known to be a major cause of foodborne illness. Symptoms of Salmonella include diarhhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
4. High in vitamin A:
It is a great source of vitamin A, with 1889 IU per 100 g, which is 38 percent of the recommended daily value. It is essential for many functions ion the body. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, a leading nutrition expert, “Vitamin A plays a vital role in bone growth, reproduction and immune system health. It also helps the skin and mucous membranes repel bacteria and viruses more effectively. It is essential to healthy vision, and may slow declining retinal function in people with retinitis pigmentosa.”
5. Lowers blood pressure:
Eating cilantro has been shown to reduce blood pressure in people who suffer from hypertension. High blood pressure is considered a major risk factor for heart attacks and stroke.
6. Lowers cholesterol:
It has been shown to lower levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and even increases levels of HDL cholesterol, which is the good type of cholesterol.
7. Regulates blood sugar:
Cilantro helps control blood sugar levels, which can be especially helpful with diabetics who have high blood sugar
8. Rich in vitamin C:
Cilantro is a good source of vitamin C, with 7.6 mg per ounce, which is 13 percent of the recommended daily value. This potent vitamin is known as an immune system booster. It is more than just an immune booster however. According to Mayo Clinic: “Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin, which is needed by the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels.”
9. Skin health:
Because cilantro has potent antibacterial and anti-fungal effects, it can help treat skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema from the inside out.
10. Weight loss:
Cilantro helps aid in weight loss, because it helps cleanse and detox the body, and stimulates digestive assimilation.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
For a cilantro detox smoothie.
For a flat tummy smoothie with cilantro.
REFERENCES:
1. “What Are the Health Benefits of Cilantro?” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 30 August 2021.
2. “Vitamin C (ascorbic Acid).” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, n.d. Web. 30 August 2021.
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