Coriander (otherwise known as Cilantro) is a powerful herb used in foods as a spice or garnish. It has many properties which make it especially beneficial to our bodies. Consider using this herb in your Southwest recipes and in salads. I use the ground coriander in my Chili recipes which gives it a particularly delicious flavor. You can sprinkle it on your eggs, quiches, potatoes, etc. for an extra kick in flavor but also in health benefits. Use spices routinely to improve your health.
Coriander (or Cilantro) also has anti-inflammatory benefits. The disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties of coriander are ideal for clearing up skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections as well as mouth ulcers. It can also help improve digestion. With it’s higher iron content, it can help with anemia. It can help lower blood pressure levels as well as cholesterol. If you have allergies, it can help with that too!
Cilantro helps cure ulcers, inflammation, spasms, while acting as an expectorant and protecting the liver. It is anticarcinogenic, anticonvulsant, antihistaminic and hypnotic. Coriander is believed to be a natural aphrodisiac and traditionally, it was widely used in certain combinations with other herbs to enhance a person’s libido.
Word of Caution: There have been very few dangers associated with coriander, but as with almost any food, there is some danger of allergic reaction to it, and in some cases, it can be irritating to the skin. One of the more unusual side effects is that some patients complain of sunlight sensitivity, and that excessive coriander intake makes them more susceptible to sunburn, which could subsequently lead to skin cancer over the long term.
Pregnant women should not take coriander until more established research is done, although some women have claimed that it increases their production of breast milk flow. It is best to be safe, so speak with a doctor before adding coriander to your diet, and pay attention to the response your body has!
Please go to this website for more complete information on all the health benefits from Cilantro: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-coriander.html
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