Health Benefits Of Coriander Leaves

Are cilantro and coriander one and the same?

Yes and no!

The two come from the same species of plant: Coriandrum Sativum.

In the United States of America, the seeds of this plant are referred to as coriander, while the leaves and stalks of the plant are called cilantro. However, In India, as in the rest of the world, the leaves and stalks are called “coriander,” and the seeds are referred to as “coriander seeds.”

Moreover, in our diverse country, the herb's name changes with the state and language. It is called “Dhania” in Hindi, “Kothimbir” in Marathi, “Dhoniya” in Bengali, “Kothamalli” in Tamil, and “Malli” in Malayalam.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Blood sugar levels need special attention as they are the root of a majority of health problems in older adults.

Coriander leaves are rich in enzymes and bioactive compounds that help your body activate enzyme activity, which helps regulate the glucose metabolism in your blood.

Coriander leaves are very useful in increasing insulin production due to their anti-diabetic qualities. In addition, coriander also reduces hyperglycemia, preventing glucose spikes in blood.

Healthy Vision

Coriander has nutrients and vitamins that promote vision health, like vitamins A, C, and E. A recommended intake of coriander can keep your cornea safe and clean. Vitamin A plays a significant role in improving your eye health.

It is necessary that your retinas stay moist for lubrication and protection purposes. Coriander leaves and seeds both can help feed your retina by keeping them moist.

Immunity Building

Your immunity stands on some essential nutrients and vitamins, like Vitamin C and E. Coriander leaves are rich in vitamin C, which helps in increasing your immunity on a regular basis.

Along with these vitamins, the leaves also contain necessary antioxidants that are important for your body to support the immunity system.

Coriander leaves build immunity by increasing the number of white blood cells and neutralising harmful free radicals. This increases your strength and your body’s capabilities to fight diseases.

Enhanced Gut Health

Your gut health, bowel movements, and stomach are related to your wellness. If you are bloated and have constipation, your health will keep on deteriorating. It is possible to avoid falling ill because of your stomach issues with coriander leaves.

The anti-inflammatory properties and essential oils present in coriander leaves can ease your gastrointestinal issues, bloating, and constipation. The fibre content also aids digestion and promotes gut bacteria to improve gut health.

Benefits Mental Health

Coriander leaves juice and water can enhance your mental health, working against anxiety and stress. Coriander acts as a stress booster that helps your body alleviate anxiety and stress and improve your overall mental health.

Potassium is an agent that helps you elevate your mood and reduce depression. Coriander is rich in potassium. Research also proves that it is a natural mood enhancer.

Fights Infections

Coriander leaves medicinal uses include fighting infections and allergies. This is because they contain antifungal and antimicrobial compounds due to their high essential oil content.

These oils exhibit antimicrobial properties that make them an effective answer to combat a wide range of infections.

The most common infections coriander can reduce are foodborne illnesses. Consuming these leaves will increase your body’s natural defence mechanisms against such illnesses and infections.

Cholesterol Control

Heightened cholesterol might be listed as one of the major health issues in today’s day and age. Coriander seeds help in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. This dual action helps your body in regulating cholesterol to a desirable level.

Balancing cholesterol is essential in order to have a healthy heart. Coriander seeds and leaves, both alike, work towards keeping heart issues away from you. Coriander seeds can work in a more concentrated manner due to their form.

Weight Loss

Coriander water and juice are highly recommended if you are on your weight loss journey. The seeds are rich in dietary fibre that fills your appetite and satiates your hunger. You feel full for a longer time, and this assists you in regulating your eating habits and helps you eat less.

Cilantro seeds' health benefits include their inherent ability to break down fats and carbohydrates, which boosts metabolism and facilitates weight loss.

Skin Issues

Drinking coriander water will help you have healthy skin. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in coriander seeds aid your skin in healing acne, eczema, and dryness. These seeds contain antimicrobial properties that can potentially prevent fungal and bacterial infections on your skin.

Menstrual Relief

Coriander seeds can alleviate menstrual cramps. Moreover, these seeds can effectively regulate your blood flow and reduce blood loss. The seeds contain high iron, which replenishes your blood health and makes you more energetic.

When you chop your coriander, it is not necessary to cut out its stems. In fact, it is advised to keep the stems in your diet. These stalks carry the same amount of nutrients as the leaves.

It helps you have great immunity, control blood sugar levels, accelerate digestion, improve bone health, and improve vision. Basically, the stems do everything the leaves do.

If you cut out the stems from your coriander, you are definitely losing out on the excess coriander nutrition.

• Making coriander juice is extremely easy. Coriander leaves juice benefits your health by detoxifying your body and giving you a boost of energy and health.

• You can take 3-4 sprigs of coriander.

• Wash the leaves and stems thoroughly and chop them roughly.

• Blend the chopped leaves and stems with a little water.

• Add the paste or mixture to normal or cold water, according to your preference.

Optional: You can add mint leaves, cucumber, ginger, spices (chaat masala), salt, lemon juice, and honey to enhance the flavour as well as goodness.

You can also switch your coriander leaf juice with coriander water from time to time. Making coriander water is also easy!

Boil one tablespoon of coriander seeds in two cups of water. Let the water reduce to one cup. Strain the concoction and enjoy. Coriander water benefits your body in multiple ways, like reducing stress and anxiety, cooling down the heat, providing antioxidants to necessary parts, and improving skin health.

Honouring your health and taking the right steps in the rightful direction will only reward you, and that is how you can reap the benefits of what you have sown.

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We can say that coriander leaves, seeds, and stems prove to be of appreciable assistance to human health. This herb has much more to offer than what meets the eye. Understanding the above mentioned benefits is important because now you know how you can improve your health.

If you are beginning your wellness journey, starting to eat good food, and want to improve your overall health, coriander juice and water will benefit you a lot. So, add coriander to your diet and enhance the way your life looks!

Can I eat raw coriander?

Certainly! Eating raw coriander leaves is perfectly fine. In fact, these leaves work best when consumed raw, as a seasoning on your food, chewing raw leaves, and in your salads.

Can I eat coriander leaves on an empty stomach?

Eating coriander leaves on an empty stomach is not only permissible by science but also has various health benefits, like healing your skin and hyperpigmentation.

Is it right if I eat coriander every day?

It is perfectly alright to consume a regulated and small amount of coriander in your daily meal. It is recommended to eat smaller amounts if you are using powdered coriander to consume while cooking.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the benefits of coriander leaves. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.