Coriander benefits for health and healthy life for everyone. This plant is a well-known herb from the Mediterranean region, commonly used as a spice. Botanically, it belongs to the family of perennial plants Apiaceae, more precisely the genus Coriandrum (sativum), a family to which parsley belongs, so people often confuse them.
During the summer, the coriander gives white to light pink flowers with a specific shape, resembling umbrellas, and immediately afterward oval, aromatic light brown to reddish-yellow seeds, which are used as a spice.
Its leaves and stalks have a slightly sour taste and are very reminiscent of parsley (they have a slightly smaller volume). They are also used as a spice in various Mediterranean recipes.
The seeds go well with dishes that include cabbage and other cruciferous plants, then with mushrooms, fish, potatoes, various soups, stews, salads, etc.
The leaves and stem are used in the same way as parsley – they are combined in various fresh salads.
You can add finely chopped or coarsely chopped, immediately after preparing the meal, while it is still warm (such as trout for example).
Coriander benefits for health
In addition, some of the most significant, scientifically-proven health benefits that this impressive Mediterranean herb can offer us.
Coriander has antioxidant and anticancer effects
All herbs in the coriander family are especially rich in a range of antioxidant components.
Such components protect us from oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress, in the long run, leads to chronic inflammatory processes – processes that are among the most significant risk factors for most chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular, malignant diseases, etc.
Such powerful components are contained in fresh leaves, but also in the seeds used as a spice.
A series of scientific studies determine the strong anti-inflammatory effect of coriander products.
In addition, the most important antioxidant phytochemicals found in coriander seeds, leaves, and stem:
- apigenin
- terpinene
- quercetin
- kaempferol
- caffeic and chlorogenic acid
- tocopherols
- beta carotene
- zeaxanthin
- lutein
- beta-cryptoxanthin
Additionally, it includes very solid amounts of antioxidant vitamins A and C.
Animal studies have shown that such components have immunostimulatory, neuroprotective, and even potent anticancer effects (especially apigenin).
In addition, fresh coriander is a nutritionally concentrated food, ie it has very few calories.
On the other hand, high nutritional value – vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, iron, calcium, choline, manganese, folic acid (vitamin B9), many other nutrients in slightly smaller amounts (phosphorus, magnesium, etc.).
Coriander has an excellent amount of fiber, as well as powerful phytochemicals – camphor, elemol, linalool, lemon, borneol, carbon.
Reduce sugar levels with coriander
Consistently high glucose levels are a strong risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Coriander seeds can help reduce sugar.
In fact, people with low blood sugar or those taking diabetes therapy need to be careful about which spice they take, as it has a strong effect in lowering glucose levels.
Animal studies show that this effect is achieved by promoting a specific enzyme activity that helps to “remove” sugar from the bloodstream, but also by stimulating the secretion of more than the hormone insulin.
Better digestive health with coriander
Studies show that coriander seeds can act as a relaxing agent for the muscles in the digestive tract.
Therefore, to significantly alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as certain disorders of the intestinal microflora.
A study of patients with IBS showed that taking herbal remedies based on coriander significantly reduced the most common unpleasant symptoms of IBS.
Symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, gas, etc. According to some data, coriander can also serve as an appetite enhancer.
Coriander is good for a healthy heart
Regular consumption of this herb can also be beneficial for heart health. This property is primarily due to the rich (flavonoid) antioxidant composition of coriander seeds and leaves.
Although its content helps here: vitamin B9, vitamin K, minerals potassium, magnesium, as well as fiber.
According to some studies of a large number of respondents, a relationship was found between increased intake of vitamin B9 from food and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, by as much as 40%.
In addition, other studies say that a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to an increased risk of heart disease by up to 50%.
Folic acid is also a key nutrient during pregnancy.
The mechanism by which vitamin B9 acts as a protective agent against the heart is thought to be that it reduces the level of the amino acid homocysteine, the increased level of which is associated with damage to the structure of blood vessels and, consequently, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, much research is needed on this topic.
Coriander contributes to a healthier heart and through its potential to improve lipid status (cholesterol and blood fats), but also to lower blood pressure.
In fact, coriander seeds have also been shown to act as a diuretic, allowing for easier release of sodium (salt) and fluids from the body, which can significantly help lower blood pressure.
In addition, seasoning food with spices such as coriander significantly reduces the need for salting.
Reduce LDL cholesterol with coriander
Some research has linked this spice to the reduction of the so-called “bad” LDL and an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol in the blood.
In nations where coriander is consumed daily (among other antioxidant spices), there is a lower tendency to develop cardiovascular disease.
Coriander is a healthy choice for your eyes and eyesight
Lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin are the three main carotenoid antioxidants in coriander that protect and maintain eye health.
Studies show that lutein and zeaxanthin can prevent macular degeneration.
Recall that macular degradation is an incurable eye disease that is the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, and is typical of older people.
Beta carotene can be converted to vitamin A in the human body.
With daily use of coriander, we help significantly in meeting the needs for vitamin A, a key vitamin for healthy eyes.
Additional beneficial effects of coriander on our health
Healthier bones – due to the solid amounts of vitamin K, but also minerals such as calcium, manganese, and magnesium.
Prevention of inflammatory diseases – certain types of cancer, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, etc.
Due to the strong antioxidant effect.
Regular use of coriander can help prevent some neurodegenerative diseases – Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.
Healthier skin – also due to its powerful antioxidant effect.
Antimicrobial effect – Coriander contains certain potent antimicrobial components, so it is often added to foods that are susceptible to specific spoilage.
Help with urinary tract infections – precisely because of the antimicrobial, ie antibacterial effect in this case.
Coriander benefits for health and relieving menstrual pain
An end to women’s problems!
Coriander naturally stimulates and regulates the secretion from the endocrine glands.
This action helps with cramps during the menstrual cycle, but also with intestinal problems.
Remember that you can also relieve headaches.
Use coriander, it is not harmful, it can only be better for you.
Remove toxins and cramps from your body.
It strengthens the stomach, stimulates the appetite, and eliminates the accumulated gases in the intestines.
It is an antioxidant, diuretic, and cleanser for your body.
In the past, when women gave birth, they used coriander to have more milk.
Conclusion
Coriander is a plant that offers a wide range of benefits to our health.
It is great for having a healthier heart, digestive system, helps pregnant women, less cholesterol, and many other benefits.
Coriander is useful and should certainly find a place in our daily habits to maintain our health.
