Are your food starting to get more and more boring each day? Boring not only in terms of its look, but also its appeal to your taste buds and health.
Just like usual, Energize.com has one of the best and healthy options available just for you!
So what is this “healthy option” that we are referring to? Well, it is called Coriander. Yup, you are right, the herb, Coriander.
Although there are numerous herbs available in the market, coriander is one of the most readily available ingredients. This herb can be used to add flavor, aroma, a side dish, or simply as a garnish. Aside from the kitchen purposes it can serve to elevate your dishes, it also offers a variety of health benefits to help you stay fit and healthy.
Read more to learn about the health benefits of coriander to keep you strong and diet well-balanced.
What is Coriander?
Coriander or Coriandrum Sativum is an aromatic plant belonging to the Apiaceae family and is widely used throughout the world. It has long been a famous herb around the world and has been widely used throughout its life span.
The leaves of this plant have been widely used in soups, and other meals like curries and masalas. The leaves of a coriander plant have been formally named dhaniya in the Indian subcontinent. Meanwhile, in other parts of the world like the United States and certain regions of Europe coriander leaves are known to be called cilantro.
Can you eat raw coriander leaves?
The answer is very simple, of course you can. Although, compared to other herbs it does not have that much of a great taste to offer, a fresh coriander leaves’ fragrance is enough to make up for it.
The leaf, stem, or seed have an recognizable and pungent smell and is generally eaten raw or dried. People may have trouble swallowing coriander leaves because they think they taste just like soap. Despite this, the use of coriander has continued to thrive and grow across the globe as an everyday ingredient to different countries due to its versatile kitchen uses
Coriander contains essential nutrients to boost immunity
All herbs and any other kitchen ingredients can offer packed vitamins and minerals to get your immune system pumped up.
And coriander is definitely included in this nutrient rich herb that we are discussing. In fact, coriander seeds and leaves are also a great source of antioxidants to help your body fight free radicals. According to research, free radicals are harmful atoms in the body that affect our chronic health, causing heart and inflammatory disease, cataract and different types of cancer.
Moreover, coriander is also a great source of vitamin A, K, C and calcium which are vital in order to maintain the body functions. Essentially, vitamin C could help in wound healing, collagen production and regulate the white blood cells in the body in absorbing iron
Make your meals more flavorful by adding coriander
Nothing beats a well-balanced and healthy meal that offers a variety of satisfying flavors to feed your cravings. Due to the effect of Covid-19, being able to eat outside the comfort of your home seemed to become a luxury to many people. Thus, many people are looking for more fun and creative ways to give meals a different twist.
By incorporating coriander into your meal, you will be able to try new flavors that your taste palate has yet to discover. Listed below are some of the coriander recipes you should try:
- Coriander Fritters
- Lebanese lamb flatbread
- Coriander houmous
- Asian-spiced brisket
- Lime and coriander guacamole salad
One more tip before we move on, you can also try to pair up your meals with coriander tea or coriander juice.
Got health issues? Try adding some Coriander to your meal
Now that we have talked about what coriander is, let us now talk about its impressive health benefits.
Coriander is an aromatic plant that belongs to the parsley family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and its leaves and seeds are widely used for their culinary and herbal or medicinal properties.
Here are some of the most common health benefits of coriander:
1. It helps to treat swelling caused by rheumatism and arthritis.
Coriander contains cineole and linoleic acid. These are organic chemicals that help to relieve swelling due to rheumatism and arthritis.
Cineole, also known as a eucalyptus, is a common ingredient that you can find in various essential oil to add fragrance. In a study, cineole was shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which helps to treat swelling. On the other hand, linoleic acid, also contains similar properties with cineole, can aid in reducing the further development of rheumatoid arthritis.
To make use of the herb, you can try adding coriander seed in boiling water to ease joint pain and inflammation.
2. It helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
We all know that cholesterol levels and blood pressure are closely linked together. A sudden change in our cholesterol levels can have a significant impact on the state of our blood pressure and heart health.
Aside from cineole and linoleic acid, coriander is also packed with oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and ascorbic acid which work together to lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. It also works to minimize the accumulation of cholesterol in the arterial walls and veins.
Using coriander extract may also show a significant decrease in your blood pressure. This is due to its diuretic proper which is beneficial in the body to flush excess sodium.
3. It helps to promote digestion and prevent diarrhea.
Coriander contains borneol and linalool, two organic chemicals that help to facilitate digestion and stimulate proper functioning of the liver and bonding of bowels. Its fresh leaves also contains anti bacterial properties which help to deter the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause diarrhea.
If you are having an issue with your digestive, an oil that is from coriander seeds may be helpful for you. Coriander extract is known to be useful in order to stimulate a person’s appetite and accelerate digestion.
4. It helps to treat mouth ulcers.
Mouth ulcers or canker sores are small lesions that typically form at the base of the gums or in the mouth itself. Having mouth ulcers are painful which makes it difficult to consume food or drink beverages.
Coriander is loaded with citronelol, a naturally occurring chemical with a floral scent that possesses anti microbial and healing properties that help to provide fast healing of oral wounds and mouth ulcers.
Why do mouth ulcers develop?
With proper medication, mouth ulcers usually disappear in one to two weeks, but large canker sores may take longer. If healing is taking longer than usual, it is best to see a doctor right away for expert advice.
Mouth ulcers are not directly caused by any specific health condition, but several factors can trigger it which are attributed to their onset.
Listed below are some of the reason that triggers mouth ulcer development:
- Mouth injury caused by an unintentional bite or overbrushing
- Bacterial and viral infections
- Stress, burnout and lack of sleep
- Foods that are acidic (i.e oranges, lemons or pineapples)
- Contents of sodium laurly sulfate found in mouthwashes and toothpastes
5. It helps to prevent anemia.
Anemia, often referred to as low hemoglobin, is a medical condition caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells are necessary for everyone as they are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout our body’s tissues.
There are various ways to treat anemia based on its types. One way is by incorporating coriander in your meals and having a healthy well-balanced diet. Coriander is a good natural source of iron which is essential in preventing and curing anemia.
Symptoms of anemia
Symptoms of anemia, when it is mild, usually goes unnoticed but gets worse as the condition worsens. Here are some of the symptoms that might persist that you should be wary of:
- Paleness of the skin
- Constant fatigue and weakness
- Consistent headaches and dizziness
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat
6. It helps to protect the body from infections.
If there is one thing that makes coriander unique is that it contains antimicrobial compound which are essential in fighting various infection that are harmful to our health. This herb is a store house of antioxidants, anti-microbial and antiseptic chemicals that work to strengthen the immune system and protect the body from disease causing organisms.
According to one study, using coriander oil, which also contain antimicrobial properties, in antibacterial formulations is effective in combating foodborne illnesses and contagious infections.
Coriander contains a compound called dodecenal, which can fight bacteria such as Salmonella, which causes food poisoning. Coriander seeds are also proven to also has bacteria fighting properties that can prevent urinary tract infections.
7. It helps to protect women from menstrual disorders.
Using coriander seed extract and leaves are also beneficial for every woman. Not only does it offer a great nutrients, but also helps those with menstrual disorders.
Coriander can work as a stimulant and it can help in the proper secretion of hormones from the endocrine glands. It also helps to promote normal menstrual cycle and reduce menstrual pains in women.
8. It helps to promote good eye health.
With the popularity of gadgets, keeping out eyes healthy is one thing that we need most today.
This herb is a good natural source of vitamins A and C, minerals like phosphorus, and other antioxidants that work to provide good eye health. These substances also work to protect your eyes from stress and age-related diseases like macular degeneration.
Other ways to protect eyesight
Good eyesight is probably most easily achieved by many. Maintaining your eyes’ health with these simple practices is the easiest way to keep them healthy and in top condition. These practices includes:
- Choose fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin A
- Get enough sleep of at least 8 hours
- Rest your eyes after exposure from gadgets
- Wear sunglasses or any eyeglasses with UV ray protection
- Pay your eye doctor a regular visit
9. It helps to protect the eyes from conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eyes, is an infection in the conjunctiva that causes the small blood vessel in our eyes to appear reddish or pinkish in color. This eye condition is due to a bacterial or viral infection which brings eye discomfort.
Using coriander can help not only to prevent conjunctivitis but also the spreading of it as it is contagious. Coriander’s disinfectant properties protect your eyes from infectious diseases such as conjunctivitis.
10. It helps to protect the skin from dryness and fungal infections.
Coriander contains anti-septic, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties that work to strengthen your immune system and protect your skin from dryness, fungal infections and eczema. For instance, if you are experiencing dermatitis, you can use coriander as a natural remedy.
These are the most common health benefits of coriander. You can also use this herb as a culinary ingredient so that you can avail of its health-giving properties.
Enjoy everyday with a nutritious and healthy Coriander
Coriander and Ayurvedic medicine
Coriander has long been a famous herb around the world and has been widely used throughout its life span. Its dried seeds and fresh leaves have culinary and medicinal uses in Ayurvedic medicine. The culinary applications of coriander are based on a herbal basis to balance nutritional benefits and improve digestion.
Benefits of coriander to Ayurveda:
As we have previously mentioned, Coriander contains high quantities of vitamins A, K, C and B and helps to prevent blotches. Ergo, makes it an ideal and useful addition due to its medicinal purposes.
Coriander can be applied in Ayurvedic medicine because of its varied properties such as:
- Improving digestion of food in the body
- Detoxify harmful toxins in the body
- Balance vitamin and mineral contents of foods
- Normalize blood sugar levels
Enjoy everyday with a nutritious and health Coriander
Choosing the best ingredients available for you is one of the best ways to healthy living. Like sprinkling in some herbs and spices gives it a more elevated aroma, flavor and vital vitamins that will keep your body strong and away from diseases.
Herbs like Coriander are not difficult in the market and is readily available for use. From its seeds, leaves or even its extracts it is a viable herb that caters to your health needs. It is indeed a small package with huge benefits that you won’t find in other herbs.
Taking advantages to its potential health benefits may not only protect you but also your family. For instance, consuming coriander helps in providing antioxidant compounds, which is common in vitamin e, can help improve your vision, heart, skin and brain.
Meals should and can never be boring by giving it a twist with coriander! Give yourself an enjoyable healthy meal by checking out our food blog posts to learn more natural health tips.
