Benefits of Coriander And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Nov 20, 2024
Coriander, also commonly known as cilantro and dhaniya is an herb with extensive culinary use especially for garnishing. It is used in the raw form fresh or dried to enhance the taste and add aroma to the food. It is a highly effective herb widely used to aid with problems like anemia, high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, skin disorders, menstrual disorders, conjunctivitis and for eye care.
Coriander
The coriander plant is soft and slender with all its parts being highly useful and of nutritional essence. It has a distinct freshening flavor and leaves behind a lime like aroma in the mouth. It has a distinctive flavor which is a mix of aromatic, slightly peppery and citrus like sweet. It is an important ingredient used in Indian cuisine in the preparation of meat, in salads, beverages and for garnishing of some deserts. It has been widely used in the fields of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Nutritional Value of Coriander
Coriander is rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, dietary minerals and fibers. It contains minerals like manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium and selenium. The essential oils present in the herb are known to stunt bacterial production and multiplication. Rich in ascorbic acid and 11 types of essential oils that render antirheumatic and antiarthritic properties to coriander, the herb on a whole is packed with nutritional benefits.
Nutritional facts Per 100 Grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Coriander
Keeps cholesterol level in check
The acids present in coriander – ascorbic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid are known to be highly efficient in reducing the cholesterol levels of the body. It ensures that there is no cholesterol deposition along the walls of arteries and veins that could lead to chronic problems like heart attack, strokes and artherosclerosis. At the same time, coriander enables a rise in levels of healthy cholesterol that prevent the body from of serious health conditions.
Cures diarrhea
Prevents from allergies
Owing to the presence of anti-histamine properties, coriander is an efficient herb to treat seasonal allergies and hay fever. It is known to prevent skin infections in addition to keeping at bay problems like hives, throat swelling, anaphylaxis, etc.
Soothes inflammation of the skin
Cineole present in coriander lends antirheumatic and antiarthritic properties. These properties enable the herb to reduce swelling caused due to kidney disorders, anemia, arthritis, etc. It enables the body to flush out toxins by inducing frequent urination. This makes the skin healthy, improves body functioning and an overall healthy body.
Makes bones healthy
Coriander is rich in calcium and other compounds that are imperative for the development and durability of bones. It tackles symptoms causing osteoporosis and other debilitating diseases that affect bone strength. The center part of the coriander leaf contains calcium in high concentration.
Treats smallpox
The essential oils that coriander is composed of are rich in antimicrobial, anti-infectious and antioxidant properties in addition to the high levels of vitamin C and iron presence. These nutrients come together to treat and prevent small pox. Vitamin C is widely known as a cure to smallpox which is abundantly present in coriander.
Maintains blood pressure
Research suggests that consumption of coriander is extremely beneficial for people suffering from hypertension. It lowers the blood pressure by means of the acetylcholine process that is a result of an interaction between the calcium ions and cholinergic. Coriander also eliminates risk of cardiovascular disorders strokes and heart attacks since it helps relax the tension formed in the blood vessels.
Cure for mouth ulcers
Coriander is a highly effective antiseptic owing to the presence of the essential oil as its component called citronelol. In addition to citronelol, the other components present in coriander too have antimicrobial properties that prevent and heal ulcers and wounds in the mouth. It also eliminates bad breath and is a common ingredient in the preparation of toothpastes.
Keeps anemia at bay
People suffering from anemia require a steady flow of the mineral iron into their body. Coriander is richly composed of the mineral and thus prevents problems like short breath, fatigue, increase in heart rate and abnormal cognitive functions. Coriander essential oils and iron boost energy, strength, bone health and organ functioning.
Prevents from the bacteria Salmonella
Coriander is an extremely powerful antibiotic and twice as efficient as required to fight the deadly bacteria Salmonella. Owing to the abundance of dodecenal present in coriander, it helps prevent the body from contracting any problems spread by the said bacteria. Salmonella is known to cause rather horrible and sometimes even fatal disorders. Hence, adding coriander to the diet comes a long way in steering clear from problems that the bacteria has potential to cause.
Improves cardiovascular health
Coriander is richly composed of essential oils, antioxidants, dietary fiber and vitamins in addition to the herb being cholesterol free. IT helps in increasing the good cholesterol levels in the body while initiating the decrease in bad cholesterol levels. This ensures that there is no accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries and is beneficial for people suffering from heart diseases, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems.
Renders calm sleep
Coriander has calming properties. It reduces stress, anxiety and induces relaxation thus helping get a calm and peaceful sleep.
Uses of Coriander
Coriander is rich in essential oils and antibiotic, antihistamine and antioxidant properties that help it to keep problems like obesity, hypertension, anxiety, restlessness, etc. at bay. It prevents and cures from anemia, mouth ulcers, allergies, small pox, blood pressure and diarrhea. It is a clean and healthy route to treatment and fitness. It I also known to enhance libido, protects the liver and prevents from spasms.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Coriander
Coriander has been rarely seen to harm the body. It some individuals, it was seen to cause irritation of the skin and making the skin prone to sunburn. Pregnant women should avoid excess consumption of coriander without consulting with a trained medical professional.
Cultivation of Coriander
Coriander is widely grown in southern Europe, southwest Asia and northern Africa whereas it was believed to be first cultivated in Greece. It grows to a height of 50 centimeters in the form of a slender feathery plant with flowery stems. Dried seeds and fresh leaves of the plant find high usage in culinary field.
References
- Sahib NG, Anwar F, Gilani AH, Hamid AA, Saari N, Alkharfy KM. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): A potential source of high‐value components for functional foods and nutraceuticals‐A review. Phytotherapy Research. 2013 Oct;27(10):1439-56. [Cited 24 June 2019]. Available from:
- Momin AH, Acharya SS, Gajjar AV. Coriandrum sativum-review of advances in phytopharmacology. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2012 May 1;3(5):1233. [Cited 24 June 2019]. Available from:
- Nadeem M, Muhammad Anjum F, Issa Khan M, Tehseen S, El-Ghorab A, Iqbal Sultan J. Nutritional and medicinal aspects of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) A review. British Food Journal. 2013 May 10;115(5):743-55. [Cited 24 June 2019]. Available from:
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