Coriander Health Benefits And Nutritional Facts
May 30, 2021 | by Divya Nelaturi | Posted in Nutrition Facts
Coriander one of the world’s spice and staple in most Indian households. Coriander ( Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. It is also known as Chinese parsley, dhania or cilantro . All parts of the Coriandrum sativum plant are edible, but its seeds and leaves taste very different. While coriander seeds have an earthy flavor, the leaves are pungent and citrus like through some people find that they tastelike soap.
Cilantro contains a natural chemical compound called an aldehyde , that can be unpleasant to some people. Aldehydes are compounds that produced in the soap making process and some insects. Some of this dislike may come down to simple preference, but for those cilantro haters for whom the plant tastes like soap, the issue is genetic. These people have a variation in a group of olfactory-receptor genes that allows them to strongly perceive the soapy flavored aldehydes in cilantro leaves.
What chemicals are in coriander?
The raw coriander consisted mainly of linalool (72.2%) followed by:
- Terpinene (8.8%)
- α-pinene (5.5%)
- Camphor (3.7%)
- Limonene (2.3%)
- Geranyl acetate (1.9%) and
- P-cymene (1.5%)
Coriander or cilantro is a wonderful source of dietary fiber, manganese, iron and magnesium as well. In addition, coriander leaves are rich in vitamin C , vitamin K and protein. They also contain small amounts of calcium, phosphorous, potassium, thiamin, niacin and carotene.
Health Benefits Of Coriander
There are many health benefits due to coriander leaves and seeds. As they are rich in antioxidants, it can also heal many diseases. Here are some of the health benefits of coriander as follows:
1. May help lower blood sugar:
High blood sugar is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Coriander seed extract, and oils may all help lower blood sugar. In fact, people who have low blood sugar or take diabetes medication should practice caution with coriander because it’s so effective in lowering blood sugar.
2. It is rich in immune boosting antioxidants:
Coriander offers several antioxidants, which prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. Its antioxidants have been shown to fight inflammation in your body. These compounds include terpinene, quercetin, and tocopherol, which may have anti cancer, immune boosting and neuro protective effects. Antioxidants in coriander seed extract lowered inflammation and slowed the growth of lung, prostate, breast and breast and colon cancer cell.
3. May benefit heart health:
Coriander extract appears to act as a diuretic, helping your body flush excess sodium and water. This may lower your blood pressure. Many people find that eating pungent herbs and spices like coriander help them reduce their sodium intake, which may improve heart health.
4. May protect brain health:
The brain ailments, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Coriander anti inflammatory properties may safe guard against these diseases. Coriander extract protected against nerve cell damage following drug- induced seizures, likely due to its antioxidants properties.
5. May promote digestion and gut health:
Oil extracted from coriander seeds may accelerate and promote healthy digestion. One 8 week study in 26 people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found that 30 drops of a coriander containing herbal medication taken thrice daily significantly decreased abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort, compared with a placebo group. Coriander may reduce unpleasant digestive symptoms like bloating and discomforts often experienced by people with IBS. It may also boost appetite among some people.
6. May fight infections:
Coriander contains antimicrobial compounds that may help fight certain infections and food borne illnesses. Coriander oil should be used in antibacterial formulations due to its ability to fight foodborne illnesses and hospital acquired infections.
7. May protect your skin:
Coriander may have several skin benefits, including for mild rashes like dermatitis. Antioxidants in coriander extract may help prevent cellular damage that can lead to accelerated skin aging, as well as skin damage from ultraviolet B radiation. Many people utilize coriander leaf juice for skin conditions like acne, pigmentation, or dryness.
8. May help improves kidney functioning:
Coriander seeds are effective for treating urinary tract infections as they improve the filtration rate of kidneys enabling quicker urine generation. It leads to lower water retention in the body and allows it to flush out toxins and microbes.
9. May help improve thyroid function:
Drinking Dhania water or Coriander seeds soaked in water in the morning is beneficial for thyroid due to its high mineral and vitamin content. It is also good for maintaining healthy eye sight. Prevent the Anemia, prevents Menstrual Disorders, , Help improves sleep quality.
Nutritional Facts:
Nutritive Values Of Coriander Leaves: It contains 86% moisture in it.
Nutrients | Amount per 100 g |
Energy | 44 kcal |
Protein | 3.3 g |
Calcium | 44 mg |
Phosphorus | 71 mg |
Iron | 1.42 mg |
Fiber | 1.2 g |
Vitamin C | 135 mg |
Magnesium | 31 mg |
potassium | 256 mg |
Other Important Features Of Coriander
Coriander contains 11 components of essential oils that posses antirheumatic and antiarthmatic properties. Its anti-septic properties help to cure mouth ulcers. It gives a cooling effect so used in allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, itching. Soothes eyes during conjunctivitis, Helps in cough, cold and flu. Relief from headache, Helps in treating nose bleeding, Relieves swelling. Improves the functioning of the liver.
Coriander essential oil inhibits growth of fungal infections and also acts as a detoxifier and purifies blood. It Relives spasmodic and nervous cramps and also regulate endocrinal secretion. It eliminate excess gas from body. Relieves from toothache, muscle and joint pain. It Promote lipolysis and help reduce weight and stimulates hormones and enzymes.