16 Benefits Of Coriander That Will Surprise You
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Abundant in nutrients and antioxidants, coriander is an annual herb with a characteristic aroma that is extensively used around the world. Both coriander leaves (also called cilantro) and seeds are used in various cuisines around the world.
Known for its distinct aroma and flavor, coriander is also known for health benefits it possesses. Here, in this article, we will find out the benefits associated with this popular herb.
1. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Coriander seeds' extract and oils can help keep blood sugar levels under control. People with low blood sugar or who take diabetes medication should consume coriander cautiously as it is very effective in lowering blood sugar.
Studies have proved that coriander can aid the digestive process and enzyme activity. Increased enzyme activity helps the body in effective digestion and maintains its blood sugar level. A study in rats with obesity and high blood sugar found that a single dose (9.1 mg per pound of body weight or 20 mg per kg) of coriander seed extract reduced blood sugar by 4 mmol/L in 6 hours.
2. Supports Heart Health
Some animal and test-tube studies found that coriander may lower heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Coriander possesses multiple effects that can benefit your heart health. It acts as a diuretic, which can help flush extra sodium and water from your system and the potassium content helps relax blood vessels regulating blood pressure.
Coriander seeds contain compounds and beneficial acids that can help reduce the level of bad or LDL cholesterol deposition along the inner walls of the arteries and veins. As well as coriander also helps increase good or HDL cholesterol levels in the body.
3. Maintains Brain Health
Coriander's anti-inflammatory properties may protect you from several brain ailments like Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's that are associated with inflammation. These properties help reduce inflammation, thus protecting brain cells from damage.
One rat study found that coriander extract protected against nerve-cell damage following drug-induced seizures, likely due to its antioxidant properties. Similarly, a mouse study came up with the finding that coriander leaves improved memory, suggesting that the plant may have applications for Alzheimer’s disease.
Coriander can influence the levels of certain neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which plays a vital role in mood regulation and mental health. It may contribute to a more stable and positive mood by balancing neurotransmitters.
4. Aids In Digestion
Coriander juice is a natural remedy for digestive juices as it stimulates the production of digestive enzymes which prevents problems like bloating, gas, and indigestion aiding in better digestion. Also, the rich content of its essential oils helps in the stimulation of peristaltic motion contributing to the reduction of symptoms of anorexia.
Coriander extract is used as an appetite stimulant in traditional Iranian medicine. One rat study found that it increased appetite, compared with control rats given water or nothing. An 8-week study of 32 people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) noted that 30 drops of a coriander-containing herbal medication taken thrice a day significantly reduced abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort.
5. Improves Skin Health
Coriander also plays a crucial role in improving skin health. Due to its disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, coriander may prove to be best for combating skin disorders like acne, eczema, and dryness, providing you with a clear and radiant complexion.
It may also have several skin benefits, including for mild rashes like dermatitis. Some studies found that the antioxidants in coriander extract may help prevent cellular damage that can lead to accelerated skin aging and skin damage from ultraviolet B radiation.
Moreover, coriander contains components of essential oils which may help reduce skin inflammation.
6. Aids In Weight Management
Coriander is low in calories and contains compounds that can aid in metabolism. The high fiber content of coriander seeds may promote a feeling of fullness which helps prevent overeating leading to weight reduction.
It also boosts the fat-burning process both during exercise and throughout the day helping to lose weight. The essential oils in coriander seeds can enhance metabolism helping the body burn calories efficiently.
Coriander helps reduce water retention leading to a temporary reduction in weight and bloating. If you're trying to lose your weight incorporating coriander juice into your morning routine may support your goals.
7. Improves Hair Health
Coriander plays a crucial role in reducing hair loss and preventing premature graying of hair as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect hair follicles from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.
Either adding coriander powder to hair oil or massaging coriander seed oil to your scalp acts as a scrub and food for hair follicles thus, improving circulation and promoting hair growth.
8. Promotes Eye Health
Coriander consists of several antioxidants and minerals which can be very beneficial for your eyes. It is a great source of vitamin A, which helps feed your retinas, keep your eyes moist, and generally helps protect your vision. Antioxidants in coriander prevent eye diseases.
They may also prevent your eyes from macular degeneration and reduce strain and stress on your eyes. Moreover, the beta-carotene in the leaves may aid in preventing some other diseases that affect the eye and can even reverse the effects of vision degradation in aging patients.
Coriander is considered as a very good disinfectant as it has antimicrobial properties which can potentially protect you from contagious diseases like conjunctivitis.
9. Promotes Bone Health
Coriander is a rich source of calcium, an important element for bone health. Calcium and other essential minerals found in coriander may help with integral components of bone regrowth and durability, as well as protect against osteoporosis. Coriander leaves and seeds are full of vitamin K, which helps repair bones themselves.
One tablespoon of coriander contains minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, which support bone development. Adding even a small amount of this herb to your diet can prove to help keep your bones healthy and strong for more years.
10. Eases Nasal Problems
Topical application of decoction or drops made from coriander seeds or whole plant minimizes pain, swelling and burning sensation in the nose. Coriander acts as a natural hemostat (which prevents blood flow) thereby, reducing complications like nasal bleeding.
What Ayurvedic has to say about this? Let's find out. Nasal problems occur due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha that leads to the formation and accumulation of mucus. Coriander helps manage these problems due to its Ushna (hot) and Kapha balancing properties. It helps melt the accumulated mucus and lessen the symptoms of nasal problems.
Moreover, coriander also benefits you in case of nasal bleeding or a burning sensation in the nose.
11. Detoxifies Your Body
The chemical compounds present in coriander act as chelators, which bind to heavy metals and facilitate their removal from the body. These compounds contribute to lessening the contamination of heavy metals in food and water.
Coriander can protect the liver from the toxicity of heavy metals and potentially benefit from skin infections, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Coriander is generally used as a natural antioxidant source which can be processed into a powdered beverage with the ability to reduce lead levels.
Starting your day with a glass of fresh coriander juice can kickstart your body's detoxification process which will enhance liver function and promote overall well-being.
12. Fights Infections
Coriander contains antimicrobial compounds that may help fight certain infections and foodborne illnesses. Coriander has high levels of Dodecenal, a powerful natural compound. This compound may combat bacteria like Salmonella, one of the most dangerous causative agents of food illness in the world.
The oil derived from coriander and coriander seeds also provide help in treating urinary tract infections. One test-tube study revealed that coriander seeds are among several Indian spices that can fight the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections.
13. Aids In Curing Cold And Flu
Ayurveda suggests that coriander seeds help fight against cough because it is a condition that occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. As a result, the respiratory path gets blocked due to the accumulation of mucus. Coriander seeds having Ushna (hot) and Kapha balancing properties help melt the accumulated mucus and provide relief from cough.
A study found that coriander leaves and seeds contain nearly 30% of the everyday suggested measure of vitamin C, which helps in curing a cold and flu. The richness of coriander seeds in vitamins A, C, folic acid and beta-carotene can be amazingly helpful in treating cough and cold.
14. Eases Thyroid
Coriander is one of the best natural remedies for the thyroid. Coriander seeds contain nutrients and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and vitamins which help maintain hormonal balance. The detoxifying properties of coriander are responsible for eliminating harmful metals and toxins from the body.
Traditional medicine has also utilized coriander seeds for the thyroid gland. Ayurveda believes that coriander might benefit the thyroid, a hormonal condition that occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. The Vata and Kapha balancing properties of coriander help in managing this condition. It also helps regulate the thyroid hormone, thus reducing its symptoms.
15. Maintains Oral Hygiene And Treats Ulcers
Oral Hygiene
Coriander has been traditionally used as an antiseptic, anti-microbial, and healing agent for wounds in the mouth. Coriander seed essential oils contain citronelol which has very good antiseptic properties. Some other components have antimicrobial properties and these together make it extremely effective for preventing wounds and ulcers in the mouth from getting worse. Also, chewing on coriander seeds was a traditional practice to eliminate bad breath.
Treats Ulcers
Similarly, oral extracts and essential oils have shown potential in treating colon inflammation. The anthocyanins in coriander leaves enable anti-inflammatory qualities, which aid in healing stomach ulcers and indigestion. Furthermore, eating coriander leaves also increases the levels of gastric mucosal secretions, which defend the stomach walls from strong acids, thereby enhancing gut health.
16. Other Benefits
Besides above-mentioned ones, there are several other benefits of coriander which are as follows:
- Prevents Anemia: Coriander seeds are high in iron content which helps the body to produce more blood. Lack of iron in the body leads to conditions like fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitation, and difficulties in cognitive functions. These seeds also help strengthen the body, provide energy, and regulate the functioning of the organ systems.
- Treats Allergies: Consumption of coriander seeds helps reduce seasonal allergies and rhinitis. As well as the application of coriander seed oil supports controlling allergic reactions caused by plants, insects, and food.
- Prevents Menstrual Disorders: Coriander seeds which serve as an excellent stimulant help maintain proper levels of secretion from the endocrine glands. The secretion of hormones in the right amount and at proper intervals is significantly responsible for various body functions especially menstruation in women. These seeds also reduce menstrual pain.
- Eases Diarrhea: The essential oils like borneol and linalool present in coriander may aid in digestion, proper functioning of the liver, and bonding of bowels. A study has revealed that it can also help relieve diarrhea caused by microbial and fungal actions since components like cineole, borneol, limonene, alpha-pinene, and beta-phellandrene all have antibacterial effects. The herb can also be used to cure nausea, vomiting, and other stomach disorders. Consuming fresh coriander leaves before taking a meal can be very beneficial as it works well as an appetizer.
- Treats Throat Disorders: Coriander seeds have been traditionally used to manage throat disorders like irritation or cough due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Ayurveda believes that throat disorders generally occur due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha, resulting in the formation and accumulation of mucus in the throat. And, these seeds melt the accumulated mucus helping to spit it out with their Ushna (hot) and Kapha balancing properties.
- Improves Kidney Functioning: Coriander seeds improve the filtration rate of kidneys enabling faster urine generation, leading to lower retention of water in the body and flushing out toxins and microbes. This makes them effective enough for treating urinary tract infections.
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