Cilantro - Nutrition Information, Health Benefits of Cilantro

Cilantro seeds are commonly used in cuisine from several parts of the world including
south and central Asia, The Mediterranean, India, Latin America, Portugal, Africa, and
Scandinavia. The leaves have a pungent, soapy flavor and therefore are less
commonly used. They are used in a few dishes from several parts of the world
including in Southern Asia (such as in chutneys and salads), Mexico (particularly in
salsa and guacamole), and in Russia (mostly in salads).

Like many other herbs and spices, cilantro leaves and seeds (coriander) contain
antioxidants and several other nutrients. Studies have shown that cilantro leaves
provide a stronger effect of the plant's antioxidant properties when compared to the
seeds. Plant chemicals extracted from cilantro leaves were found to provide
anti-bacterial activity against salmonella. Several other studies have found that
cilantro leaves are also anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial,
and they're a chelator (remove heavy metals from the body). Cilantro seeds also
provide several other benefits beyond their antioxidant content. In traditional Indian
Medicine (Ayurveda), cilantro seeds have been used as a diuretic. The seeds are
combined with cumin seeds, then boiled, cooled and consumed as a tea. In Iran,
coriander (cilantro seeds) has been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety
and insomnia. In several parts of the world, coriander is also used as a carminative
and to ease digestion. Coriander has also been documented as a traditional
treatment for diabetes.

Caution: Due to the potent medicinal properties of herbs and spices, cilantro and
coriander should be consumed in moderation only.

Sources:

Murray , Michael N.D.. The Encyclopedia Of Healing Foods.
New York: Atria Books, 2005.

Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/jf0354186
http://newconnexion.net/articles/index.cfm/2004/05/cilantro.html
http://www.indepthinfo.com/cilantro/health.shtml
http://www.indepthinfo.com/cilantro/essential-oil.shtml
http://www.great-salsa.com/cilantro.html

Cilantro is a member of the
Apiaceae plant family along with
carrots and parsley. The term
"cilantro" specifically refers to the
leaves of the plant. Cilantro is
also referred to as coriander
leaves, fresh coriander, and
Chinese parsley. Although all
parts of the plant are edible, the
leaves and dried seeds
(coriander) are the parts most
commonly used in cooking.
Cilantro leaves are used as an
herb and the seeds are most
commonly dried, ground and
used as a spice.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.