This year, I decided to grow cilantro in my little garden and I love it! Cilantro bears a strong resemblance to Italian flat leaf parsley and it is sometimes called Chinese parsley. It is native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions dating back to 5,000 BC. Today, cilantro is used in a variety of dishes including Indian, Chinese, and Latin American cuisines. It is also known as coriander; the seeds are used as a spice. Here are some of the health benefits of eating cilantro.
- Cilantro contains numerous phytonutrients with antioxidant power. It also features a compound called dodecenal which has antimicrobial properties.
- This plant is low in calories. 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro contains less than 1 calorie!
- Always look for leaves that are firm and green as they are the most nutritious . Avoid cilantro that is yellow or has brown spots. Try to get organic cilantro (or grow your own).
- Cilantro contains a powerful antibacterial compound that has been shown to be twice as effective in killing Salmonella as commonly used drugs.
- Food scientists say that cilantro might be developed as a tasteless food additive to prevent foodborne illnesses.
- Studies have shown that the seeds of cilantro (coriander) help stimulate the secretion of insulin and lower blood sugar levels.
- Coriander seeds were found in some studies to reduce the amount of damaged fats in cell membranes and lower levels of cholesterol and LDL.
References
Mateljan, G. (2007). The Worlds Healthiest Foods. Seattle, WA: George Mateljan Foundation.
