Cilantro is not just an herb that you put in tacos, shred on top of a hotdog, or throw into salsa. This distinct, flavorful herb provides numerous benefits that will help your body and mind.
Here are 12 ways that cilantro can help keep your body and mind a peak health:
1. Cilantro Filters Out Heavy Metals From the Body
Through ingestion and the things that we come into contact on a daily basis, our bodies can absorb harmful metals like arsenic, cadmium, aluminum, lead, and mercury. All of these elements can attach to our tissues and potentially cause heart disease, hormonal imbalances, neurological conditions, infertility, and other threatening conditions. Cilantro, also referred to as coriander, has been noted in binding these toxic metals together, freeing them from the tissue, and eliminating them from the body.
2. The Leafy Green Protects Against Oxidative Stress
Cilantro is a strong defense against oxidative stress. The herb is hard-packed full of antioxidant properties, as it contains quercetin, helping to protect the body from free radicals. Oxidative stress has been linked some types of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, and macular degeneration.
3. Decreases Anxiety and Improves Sleep
Cilantro can help improve your sleep cycle. Many have resorted to the use of many prescription drugs in order to fight sleepless nights. However, studies have shown that cilantro contains properties that treat anxiety with the same strength as Valium. Cilantro extract is considered a legitimate alternative to using pharmaceutical drugs when treating anxiety and insomnia.
4. Brings Down Blood Sugar Levels
The Journal of Food Sciences published a study purporting that, when diabetes has been diagnosed, cilantro can support healthy liver function and balance blood sugar.
5. Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease
A potassium-rich diet is an important part of controlling blood pressure (American Heart Association). Potassium is widely known for lessening the effects of sodium on the body.
Lowering your blood pressure decreases the probability of heart failure. In addition to the promotion of low blood pressure, the properties in cilantro can help to dissolve cholesterol build up and and break down triglycerides in the body. Cilantro’s polyphenols and natural heart-strong nutrients do much to prevent oxidative damage associated with cardiac damage and myocardial infarctions.
6. Can Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections result of E. coli, staphylococcus, sexual activity, genetics, or diabetes. Cilantro contains antibacterial compounds that help to balance the urinary tract and keep it in a healthy, alkaline condition.
7. Improves Digestive and Settles the Stomach
Cilantro is known in many parts of the world for its medicinal properties. For thousands of years, it has been used to remedy nausea, prevent gas, relieve indigestion, tame heartburn, and soothe stomach cramps. This leafy green can help produce digestive enzymes that aid in the breakdown in foods.
8. Defends Against Food Poisoning
Cilantro detoxifies the body and wards off infections. The natural antibacterial properties helps to neutralize food and water borne diseases.
9. Supports Healthy Menstrual Function
Coriander seeds from cilantro actually helps to support healthy menstrual function by helping regulate proper endocrine gland function, and the hormones that regulate menstrual cycles. In addition, coriander can help reduce the bloating, cramps, and pain during the cycle.
10. Prevents Neurological Inflammation
Diets high in turmeric, pepper, clove, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and coriander (from cilantro), can help prevent neurological disorders and disease by decreasing inflammation of the brain.
11. Helps Prevent Colon Cancer
Researchers suggest that coriander can fight against colon cancer. Aforementioned, the reduction of cholesterol and ridding sterol compounds and bile from the bile can lower the risk of colon cancer.
12. Improves Your Complexion and Protects Skin
Cilantro is a delicious addition to food. However, it can be used to remedy skin irritations (like hives, sunburns, and poison ivy). Cilantro possesses natural anti-histamines that battles allergens.
An easy, natural lotion can be created by combining cilantro with coconut oil. Simply apply the lotion to the skin and rub evenly to soothe irritated skin and stop allergic reactions.