12 reasons to use coriander

One of the reasons why coriander is so unique is its versatility: when still luxuriant and with green leaves it adds freshness and an almost citrusy flavor to our dishes, while once flowered it produces seeds that contain their own nutritional benefits, while the flavor of the leaves intensifies. Although in nature it has this citrusy flavor, coriander has a warm taste reminiscent of walnuts, making it the perfect accompaniment to sauces, pickles, sausages, bread and so on. It also represents, together with cumin, cinnamon and cardamom, one of the central spices of Garam Masala, a mixture of spices typical of Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

1. Coriander protects against cardiovascular disease: according to some associations, a diet rich in potassium is an important part in controlling blood pressure since it reduces the effects of sodium on the body. High levels of pressure increase the risk of heart attacks, ischemia and thickening of the heart muscle. Besides helping to reduce the pressure, the coriander dissolves the accumulations of cholesterol in the arteries, protecting us from arteriosclerosis and heart disease. While in the study concerning diabetes, researchers indicate that coriander lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, another study focuses on the polyphenols contained in coriander and its natural cardioprotective nutrients responsible for preventing oxidative damage (specifically associated with damage heart attacks) and myocardial infarction.

2. Coriander relieves skin irritations: coriander is used as a topical and internal remedy for skin irritations such as sunburn, hives, and irritations from poison ivy. Its natural anti-stamens help to calm the immune system's response to allergens. Chopped fresh coriander combined with coconut oil can be applied locally to relieve sunburn, dry skin and all conditions caused by allergic reactions. To obtain all the benefits of coriander mix it with water and not with coconut oil and then apply to the skin. Drink the remaining juice and from this two-pronged approach you will reap the best benefits.

3. Coriander supports healthy menstrual activity: coriander seeds promote healthy menstrual activity by regulating the function of the endocrine glands and hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. In addition, coriander can help reduce menstrual symptoms such as swelling, cramps and pains.

4. Coriander prevent urinary tract infections: Urinary tract infections could be caused by Escherichia Coli, staphilococcus, sexual activity, diabetes or simply genetics. The antibacterial components of coriander help keep the urinary tract healthy and free of bacteria in an alkaline environment. Coriander seeds are also useful for fighting the symptoms of urinary infections.

5. Coriander protects from oxidative stress: oxidative stress is related to a wide range of degenerative diseases including some types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and Alzheimer's, macular degeneration and so on. The strong antioxidant properties of coriander, partly due to quercetin (a flavonoid), help protect against the damage caused by free radicals in the body. A recent study shows that coriander actually protects against oxidative stress, through its multiple antioxidant effects.

6. Coriander prevents neurological inflammation: some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and some brain tumors are associated with a chronic inflammatory state. A study in this regard has found that a diet rich in turmeric, pepper, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, clover and coriander helps prevent the inflammation associated with these devastating diseases. The researchers realized that lifestyle is a decisive factor in the incidence of neurological degeneration and that in subjects whose diet is rich in these nutrients the incidence is lower.

7. Coriander reduces anxiety and stress and promotes sleep: the coriander improves your sleep cycle and relaxes the nervous system in a completely natural way, it also improves the quality of sleep through its natural sedative effect. A recent study shows that high levels of coriander extract produce the same anti-anxiety levels as the popular drug Valium (diazepam). Side effects of Valium include confusion, hallucinations, risky behaviors, aggression, agitation, memory problems, muscle weakness and many others. Coriander relieves the symptoms of anxiety and stress and improves your rest without these potentially dangerous side effects.

8. Coriander releases the body from heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium, aluminum, lead and mercury can settle in the tissues of our body and lead to cardiovascular diseases, hormonal imbalances, neurological problems, infertility and so on. Coriander binds to these toxic metals by bonding them and separating them from the tissues, facilitating their elimination from the body. A study shows that coriander significantly protects against oxidative stress caused by lead, while another study discovers how it accelerates the removal of heavy metals from the organism.

9. Coriander protects against food poisoning: coriander not only detoxifies the body but it also protects it from toxins and infections. Its natural antibacterial properties help protect against diseases caused by food and water, including food poisoning, dysentery, salmonella, cholera and specifically listeriosis. A study on coriander, eucalyptus and dill has shown that coriander in particular is surprisingly effective in fighting Listeriosis.

10. Coriander decreases blood sugar levels: coriander leaves and stem help reduce blood sugar levels, as shown in some animal studies. The most significant study shows that in cases of diagnosed diabetes, coriander supports healthy liver function and helps to re-balance blood sugars. Researchers believe that the results are pushing the coriander into everyday cooking as a remedy for diabetes. Add shredded stem and leaves to your salads, sauces, fruit juices to achieve general health improvement.

11. Coriander resolves digestive disorders: Coriander has been used worldwide for thousands of years to solve problems related to digestion: stomach ache, intestinal gas, abdominal swelling, indigestion, heartburn, cramps. It supports an efficient digestion helping in the production of digestive enzymes necessary for the decomposition of food. In many cuisines, fresh coriander accompanies spicy dishes such as green chili, curry and Thai noodles for its refreshing effect that makes every dish more tolerable. This refreshing effect can help prevent stomach acid, gastric reflux and swelling.

12. Coriander protects from colon cancer: researchers believe that coriander can protect against colon cancer by reducing blood cholesterol levels and increasing secretion of sterols and bile. This process decreases the levels of toxicity in the colon, lowering the risk of contracting cancer.