HEALTH BENEFITS OF CORIANDER
Nutritional Value of Coriander
Its uses in global food preparation is only the tip of the
iceberg. Unbeknownst to many people, coriander is packed with potential health
benefits that most people completely miss when they toss this garnish into the
garbage after eating their meal. It has eleven components of essential oils,
six types of acids (including ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin-C),
minerals and vitamins, each having a number of beneficial properties. A more
complete list is given below.
CorianderHealth benefits of coriander
Skin inflammation: Cineole, one of the 11 components of the
essential oils, and linoleic acid, are both present in coriander, and they
possess antirheumatic and antiarthritic properties. They help to reduce the
swelling that is caused by these two conditions. For other swelling conditions,
such as swelling due to kidney malfunction or anemia, it is also seen to be
effective to some extent, because some of the components in coriander help the
induce urination and the release of excess water from the body. The reduction
in skin inflammation can lead to increased functioning, a reduction in
discomfort, and an improvement in skin appearance.
Skin disorders: The disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic,
antifungal and antioxidant properties of coriander are ideal for clearing up
skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections.
Low cholesterol levels: Some of the acids present in
coriander, like linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and
ascorbic acid (vitamin-C) are very effective in reducing the cholesterol levels
in the blood. They also reduce the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) deposition
along the inner walls of the arteries and veins, which can lead to serious
cardiovascular issues like artherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. More
importantly, coriander helps to raise the levels of healthy cholesterol (HDL),
which works as a preventative line of defense against a number of dangerous
conditions.
Diarrhea: Some of the components of essential oils found in
coriander such as Borneol and Linalool, aid in digestion, proper functioning of
the liver and bonding of bowels, while also helping to reduce diarrhea. It is
also helpful in curing diarrhea caused by microbial and fungal action, since
components like Cineole, Borneol, Limonene, Alpha-pinene beta-phelandrene have
antibacterial effects.
Coriander is also increasingly popular as a means of
preventing nausea, vomiting, and other stomach disorders. Its wealth of
bioactive compounds means that new health benefits are always being discovered
in this power-packed plant.
In addition to these health aspects of the stomach, fresh
coriander leaves are excellent appetizers to get your bowels prepared for a
large meal.
Blood pressure: Consuming coriander has been shown to
positively reduce blood pressure in many patients suffering from hypertension.
The interaction of Calcium ions and cholinergic, a neurotransmitter in the
peripheral and central nervous system, more commonly know as acetylcholine. The
interaction of these two elements relaxes blood vessel tension, thereby
reducing the chances of a number of cardiovascular conditions, including heart
attacks and strokes.
Mouth ulcers: Citronelol, a component of essential oils in
coriander, is an excellent antiseptic. Additionally, other components have
antimicrobial and healing effects which keep wounds and ulcers in the mouth
from worsening. They help speed up the healing process of ulcers and also
freshen breath. Although not in common use in mainstream products, coriander is
often used as an antiseptic component of all-natural toothpastes. In fact,
before the invention of toothpaste, people would chew on coriander seeds to
reduce bad breath!
Anemia: Coriander is high in iron content, which directly
helps people who suffer from anemia. Low iron content in the blood can result
in shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, and a decrease in
cognitive functions. Iron also benefits proper functions of other organ
systems, increases energy and strength, and promotes the health of bones.
Anti-allergic properties: Multiple studies have shown
coriander to have strong anti-histamine properties that can reduce the
uncomfortable affects of seasonal allergies and hay fever (rhinitis). Coriander
oil can also be used to reduce allergic reactions to contact with plants,
insects, food, and other substances that may cause allergic reactions on the
skin or when consumed. Internally, it can ward off anaphylaxis, hives, and
dangerous swelling of the throat and glands. It’s never a bad idea to protect
yourself against allergic reactions, especially since it is difficult to know
what you might be allergic to, until you come in contact with it for the first
time!
Salmonella protection: Salmonella is one of the most
dangerous causes of food borne illnesses in the world, so any natural way to
protect against it is very important. Coriander has unusually high levels of
dodecenal, a natural compound that is actually twice as powerful of an
antibiotic than the leading treatment for salmonella-based illness. By adding
coriander into your normal diet, you protect your body from horribly
uncomfortable, and even fatal, illnesses relating to this deadly bacteria.
Coriander is commonly found in salsa to add flavor, so dip a chip and protect
yourself from food poisoning, the most common way of describing the effects of
salmonella.
Bone health: As a rich source of calcium, coriander is of
great value for people who want to protect the integrity of their bones.
Calcium and other essential minerals found in coriander are integral components
of bone regrowth and durability, as well as in the prevention of bone
degradation so commonly associated with debilitating diseases like
osteoporosis. Adding even a small amount of coriander to your diet can help to
keep your bones healthy and strong for years to come. Calcium is particularly
present in the center leaves of coriander, so aim for that part of the plant if
bone health is your focus!
Digestion: Coriander, due to the rich aroma from its
essential oils, helps in the proper secretion of enzymes and digestive juices
in the stomach, thereby stimulating digestion and peristaltic motion. It is
also helpful in treating eating disorders like anorexia. Besides the pleasant
aroma of coriander, it has certain stimulatory qualities, derived from the
minerals and neurotransmitters that are stimulated when coriander is ingested.
Studies have shown that dyspepsia (indigestion) is reduced if coriander is
regularly added to the diet. For small children, who have a higher chance of
developing abdominal colic than adults, small amounts of coriander in their
diet can clear the issue up quickly!
Smallpox: The essential oils in coriander are rich in
antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-infectious and detoxifying components and
acids. The presence of vitamin-C and iron strengthens the immune system as
well. These properties help prevent and cure smallpox, and they can also reduce
the pain and have a soothing effect on smallpox patients. In the places left in
the world where smallpox outbreaks occur, studies have shown massive amounts of
vitamin-C have a definite curative effect on smallpox in hundreds of different
cases.
Menstrual disorders: Coriander is a natural stimulant, and
it regulates proper secretion from the endocrine glands, and that hormonal
impact means that it helps regulate proper menstrual cycles and reduces the
associated pain during a woman’s period.
Eye care: Coriander is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin-A,
vitamin-C and minerals like phosphorous in its essential oils, which prevents
vision disorders, macular degeneration and it reduces strain and stress on the
eyes. There is also beta-carotene in the leaves, which prevent a number of
other diseases that affect the eye, and can even reverse the effects of vision
degradation in aging patients.
Conjunctivitis: As discussed earlier, coriander is a very
good disinfectant and has antimicrobial properties that protect the eyes from
contagious diseases like conjunctivitis. Coriander oil is one of the
fundamental components of a number of eye care products.
CorianderBlood sugar and diabetes: Due the stimulating
effect of coriander on the endocrine glands, the secretion of insulin is
increased from pancreas which subsequently increases the insulin level in the
blood. This regulates the proper assimilation and absorption of sugar and the
resulting drops in the sugar level in the blood. This property is extremely
beneficial for patients who suffer from diabetes and other related conditions,
in order to lower their chances of dangerous spikes and drops in their blood
sugar levels, and to ensure other normal metabolic functions as well.
Other benefits:Coriander helps cure ulcers, inflammation,
spasms, while acting as an expectorant and protecting the liver. It is
anticarcinogenic, anticonvulsant, antihistaminic and hypnotic. Coriander is
believed to be a natural aphrodisiac and traditionally, it was widely used in
certain combinations with other herbs to enhance a person’s libido.
Word of Caution: There have been very few dangers associated
with coriander, but as with almost any food, there is some danger of allergic
reaction to it, and in some cases, it can be irritating to the skin. One of the
more unusual side effects is that some patients complain of sunlight
sensitivity, and that excessive coriander intake makes them more susceptible to
sunburn, which could subsequently lead to skin cancer over the long term.
Pregnant women should not take coriander until more
established research is done, although some women have claimed that it
increases their production of breast milk flow. It is best to be safe, so speak
with a doctor before adding coriander to your diet, and pay attention to the
response your body has!
Thank You