Coriander is the dried seed of cilantro plant so do not confuse between the two. These seeds are mainly used for seasoning our food. Some people prefer it the way it is and some prefer the powdered form. It has a rich flavor and enhances the taste of whatever you cook. Apart from its rich taste, it also has several health benefits that we are usually unaware of. So, just in case you have been too lazy to add it to your food, here are a few health benefits of coriander and reasons as to why you should certainly add it to your diet routine.
1. Anticancer
Coriander is usually added to most our dishes. It has been proven that coriander inhibits the formation of HCA if we add it to the meat while it is being cooked. HCA increases the risk of cancer in our body and it is produced as the protein is being denatured while cooking meat so why not use coriander on the safe side.
2. Controls cholesterol levels
Coriander contains linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and ascorbic acid, which are very helpful in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. They also reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) from inside the arteries and veins, which decreases the risks of cardiovascular diseases. People with heart problems should totally add coriander to their food at all times.
3. Skin Disorders
Coriander has antioxidant, disinfectant, antiseptic, antifungal and detoxifying properties, which are ideal for clearing up skin problems like eczema, fungal infections and dryness.
4. Anti allergic properties
Studies have shown that coriander has a strong anti-histamine property that reduces the intensity of allergies and hay fever. Coriander oil can directly be applied to the area that has been affected due to so allergic reaction caused by plants, food, insects, etc. At times allergies can cause swellings in glands present in the oral cavity. Coriander helps in taking down theses swellings.
5. Anemia
Coriander contains iron that helps people suffering from anemia. If iron runs short in our body we face, shortness in breath, fatigue, heart problems, and our body becomes pale. Iron is very important for our body since benefits proper functions of organs, increases energy, stamina and also promotes the health of bones. Thus, adding coriander to our food balances the iron level in our body.
6. Bone health
Our bones require calcium for strength and development. Coriander is a rich source of calcium so it is of great value for those who want to protect the integrity of their bones. Women suffering from osteoporosis should add calcium rich foods to their diets and coriander is a reliable source for that.
7. Eye care
Coriander is an antioxidant and contains Vitamin A, vitamin C and minerals that prevent eye problems like vision disorders and macular degeneration. Our eyes sometimes come under stress due to long days of working; coriander being a good source of vitamins and minerals reduces this stress on our eyes. Coriander also contains beta-carotene, which reverses the effects of vision degradation in ageing patients. If adding a bit of coriander daily to our food can protect our eyes, then what’s the harm in doing so especially when it makes your food taste better.
8. Diabetes
Coriander stimulates the endocrine glands, which lead to the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. This increases the insulin level in our body and helps breaking, assimilation and absorption of glucose. Diabetic patients who have high glucose level and low metabolic system, insulin balances their glucose level by preventing dangerous spikes and drops in their blood sugar level. Thus, this seasoning that you have been ignoring can benefit you if you are suffering from diabetes.
9. Menstrual disorders
Our diet controls our hormones so with a healthy diet we can control most of our problems related to health. A lot of girls in their late teens face menstrual problems due to imbalances in their hormone level, which is pretty much normal. This is mainly due to the amount of carbs and junk that they eat. It is obviously hard to say no to all the yummy food unless of course you are a health freak. Coriander stimulates endocrine gland that promotes the production of hormones that maintain the menstrual cycles.
10. Digestion
We all face digestive issues at some point in our lives. One should avoid taking medicines for little problems that can be solved at home. Fiber is usually the solution, but coriander too helps with digestion. Due to the rich aroma of essential oils, the secretion of enzymes and digestive juices increase in our stomach, which leads to proper digestion, coriander is known to be very beneficial for our health.
