Cilantro (coriander): useful properties and contraindications

Cilantro is a plant that has a beneficial effect on human health. Cilantro is used to treat a number of diseases, as well as in cooking and cosmetology. Let's try to figure out what are the benefits and harms of cilantro.

Cilantro and coriander: the same or not

Cilantro has other names: kolyandra, hamem, shlendra and others. In general, the word "coriander" itself has Greek roots.

Most people are mistaken in thinking that cilantro and coriander are different spices. In fact, coriander is usually called the seeds of a plant, and its greenery is cilantro.

Nutritional value and calorie content

The calorie content of cilantro is minimal - only 25 kcal per 100 g. It contains 1.5 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrates and no fat at all.

Cilantro also contains:

• cellulose;
• linoleic acid;
• oleic acid;
• tannins;
• pectin;
• alkaloids;
• vitamins A, B, C, PP;
• potassium;
• phosphorus;
• calcium;
• magnesium.

Due to its low energy value, the plant itself cannot harm the figure.

Why is cilantro useful for health

Cilantro is a real treasure of substances useful for the body. Coriander seeds are especially beneficial, since the presence of essential oils in them already makes the plant healing. What other beneficial properties does cilantro have?

1. The plant strengthens the immune system, has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
2. Due to its high potassium content, cilantro improves heart function and reduces blood pressure.
3. Cilantro improves kidney function.
4. Greens have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system, disinfecting it and improving intestinal peristalsis.
5. Decoctions from the plant heal wounds in the mouth and relieve toothache.
6. Cilantro helps in the fight against dermatological diseases, relieving the symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis.
7. Cilantro green tea helps with colds, having antipyretic effects.
8. Coriander improves memory and improves brain function.
9. The plant strengthens the eye vessels, protecting the eyes from fatigue and increasing visual acuity.

A separate issue is the health benefits of cilantro for women and men.

For women

Cilantro has a beneficial effect on female reproductive function. The plant can be used to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Cilantro also helps fight uterine bleeding and helps stabilize the cycle.

For men

Men can also use the plant for health purposes. Coriander dishes stimulate blood circulation in the pelvic area, improve the potency and work of the prostate gland.

During pregnancy

It is undesirable to use the plant during pregnancy, especially when it comes to seeds. In the first trimester of pregnancy, this can lead to excessive blood clotting.In the second and third trimester, it is usually allowed to add dry or fresh cilantro leaves to meals, but first of all you need to consult your doctor.

Cilantro greens for weight loss

Due to its high fiber content, cilantro greens accelerate the digestion process and metabolism. As a result, energy from food is spent on movement, rather than being converted into fat.

The seeds of the plant cleanse the intestines and also have laxative and diuretic properties. It does not help burn fat, but it helps to remove excess fluid - the swelling goes away and the weight is reduced.

The use of coriander in cosmetology

The pleasant aroma and benefits of cilantro make it widely used in cosmetology. Cilantro is known to have beneficial effects on hair and skin. The caffeic and chlorgenic acids in the plant even prevent skin cancer.

Infusion of cilantro will help to make the skin of the face more beautiful. The grass needs to be finely chopped, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. The resulting infusion should be filtered and washed with it every morning.

Essential oil of coriander gives the skin a matte tone and fights acne. It also helps to protect the skin from sun damage.

Cilantro broth is good for hair too. Regular rinsing with this product prevents gray hair, fights dandruff and nourishes the hair roots.

Cilantro foot baths help eliminate excessive sweating and unpleasant odors, as well as get rid of fungus.

The use of greens and cilantro seeds in traditional medicine: recipes

The benefits of cilantro for the body have been proven for many generations. Infusions and decoctions of cilantro are almost a universal remedy for traditional medicine.

The plant is used to combat a wide variety of problems:

• cystitis;
• diarrhea;
• vomiting;
• hemorrhoids;
• colds;
• neuroses;
• bleeding gums;
• decreased appetite;

To prepare the infusion, cilantro is finely cut, poured with boiling water in a ratio of 1 teaspoon of herbs to 1 glass of water and left for a day. It is recommended to take the product 3 times before meals in a volume of 70-80 ml.

A decoction of the plant is prepared from seeds. Coriander (ground) in the amount of 1 tsp. pour 200 ml of boiling water. Then place the container with liquid in a water bath and cook for 10-15 minutes. Then the broth is infused for 40 minutes, filtered and added with boiled water to the original amount. You need to consume a decoction of coriander 2 tablespoons three times a day.

Cilantro for gastrointestinal diseases

In some cases, cilantro is also used for gastrointestinal pathologies. It removes bile and relieves nausea. But you need to use cilantro with gastritis with caution. With increased acidity, cilantro will only have an irritating effect on the walls of the stomach. The opposite situation is observed with insufficient production of gastric juice - in this case, the use of cilantro is permissible.

Cooking applications

In cooking, dried and fresh cilantro is most often used as a condiment. Coriander seeds are also a good addition to meals. In cooking, the plant is commonly used in the following ways:

1. Cilantro greens are a good addition to light vegetable salads.
2. Ground coriander is added to the marinade, which is used for long-term storage of meat.
3. To add a pleasant aroma, cilantro twigs are added to meat and fish dishes.

Cilantro paste is a great dressing for meat or side dishes. To prepare it you will need:

• 10-15 g of cilantro;
• 100 g tomato paste;
• 50 ml of water;
• ½ tsp coriander;
• ½ tsp salt;
• 100 g onions;
• ½ tsp peppercorns;

Cilantro and onion should be finely chopped, pounded and mixed with other ingredients.To keep the cilantro sauce longer, you can add 2 tsp to it. vinegar.

Coriander honey

Honey is made from coriander, which also has beneficial properties. The product has a rich composition, which includes:

• vitamins A, B, C;
• glucose;
• copper;
• manganese;
• iron;
• essential oils.

The rich composition helps to strengthen the immune system, maintains the health of the heart, blood vessels, and the nervous system. Coriander honey has a number of other beneficial properties:

• antiseptic and anti-inflammatory - prevents the growth of bacteria;
• choleretic - normalizes digestion and appetite;
• tonic - has an activating effect on the brain;
• bronchodilator - helps to remove phlegm from the bronchi;
• antispasmodic - reduces smooth muscle tension, relieves pain.

Coriander honey should be used with caution if you are allergic or overweight.

How to preserve cilantro

To keep cilantro fresh for a long time, it is worth following the following sequence of actions:

1. Trim dry ends of cilantro and damaged leaves under cold running water.
2. Place cilantro in a dish of water for 5-10 minutes. This is necessary to cleanse the leaves from dirt.
3. Dry the cilantro leaves with paper towels.
4. Wrap the leaves with a paper towel.
5. Place cilantro in an airtight container or plastic bag.

This method will keep the herb in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, cilantro should be frozen.

Is it possible to freeze cilantro for the winter

The plant can also be stored in the freezer. For cilantro to retain its structure, it can be mixed with olive oil. It is advisable to put the grass in a plastic bag for freezing with a lock. It is helpful to write down the date the cilantro was frozen.

Cilantro harm and contraindications

As mentioned above, cilantro should be used with caution for gastritis, allergies, and during pregnancy. In addition, the plant has several more contraindications:

• diabetes;
• coronary heart disease;
• lactation period;
• suffered a heart attack or stroke;
• hypertension;
• arrhythmia;
• thrombophlebitis;
• cholecystitis.

Even healthy people can have problems with well-being from the abuse of coriander. These include insomnia, nervous tension, and excessive sensitivity to sunlight.

Consumption rate of cilantro

Cilantro, like many other spices, is not recommended to be consumed in very large quantities. The norm is up to 35 g of cilantro and up to 4 g of coriander. Otherwise, insomnia and other side effects cannot be avoided. Due to exceeding the norm of cilantro consumption in women, the menstrual cycle may go astray.

Reviews

The reviews of people who have used it in one way or another will help to verify the beneficial properties of the plant.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of cilantro for each are determined individually. The widespread use of the plant in cosmetology, medicine, and cooking confirms its beneficial effect on the body. Decoctions and infusions from the plant are an excellent alternative to expensive medicines and cosmetics.In most cases, cilantro is really useful, however, there are contraindications to its use, the list of which should be carefully studied.