Incredible Health Benefits And Uses Of Cilantro

Incredible Health Benefits And Uses Of Cilantro

Heart Health
The dietary fiber, essential oils, vitamins and antioxidants which cilantro is rich in make it a great choice if you are wanting to promote heart health. Because of these active ingredients, cilantro can lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and even dissolve cholesterol that has already built up in the arteries, lowering the chance of cardiovascular disease

Manages Blood Pressure
Because it is high in potassium while still being low in sodium, cilantro can help manage blood pressure. Blood pressure is helped by a high potassium to low sodium ratio and this also helps to control the heart rate.

Rids the Body of Heavy Metals
Arsenic, cadmium, aluminum, lead, and mercury can become resident in our tissues leading to heart disease, hormonal imbalances, neurological conditions, infertility, and so much more. Cilantro, also known scientifically as “Coriandrum sativum”, has been shown to bind these toxic metals together, loosening them from tissue, and facilitating their elimination from the body.

One study found that Coriandrum sativum significantly protects against lead induced oxidative stress, while another study found that cilantro actually accelerates the removal of heavy metals from the body.(2, 3)

Dr. Omura, director of Medical Research at the Heart Disease Foundation, found in this study that antibiotic use is linked to the buildup of heavy metals in the body. He believes that antibiotics actually can protect the heavy metals causing certain infections to relapse, even after an entire course of antibiotics.

In this study, cilantro was used to help remove stubborn heavy metal deposits that continued to plague patients, even after initial infection symptoms had faded.

Results of the study showed that by supplementing antibiotic drugs with cilantro, cilantro is able to rid the body of the heavy metal toxins, and keep the infections from arising again. Cilantro’s superior detoxing ability is why I include it in my heavy metal detox regimen.

Protects Against Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is linked to a wide array of degenerative diseases including some types of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, macular degeneration, and much more.

Cilantro’s strong antioxidant properties, in part due to the flavonoid quercetin,(4) helps to protect against the damage caused by free radicals in the body. A recent study found that cilantro actually protects against oxidative stress, through its high antioxidant effects.(5)

Helps Improve Digestion
Cilantro is eaten in different types of foods preparations either as spice or part of ingredients. Cilantro leaves are in particular useful for helping in production of digestive enzymes and thereby improves digestion greatly. Eating cilantro has been associated with reduce flatulence and improved liver function. The dietary fiber that is also present in the Cilantro is useful for improving food movement down the digestive system.

Reducing Blood Cholesterol Levels
Cilantro is a useful combatant of blood cholesterol levels and is therefore an important part of diet for people who are prone to increased cholesterol in the blood. Cilantro contains high amounts of antioxidants that are necessary for reducing LDL cholesterol levels that predisposes you to heart ailments.

Cardiovascular Protection
All herbs are wonderful for cardiovascular support. The organic acids found in cilantro have been found to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). It also helps dissolve cholesterol build up in the arteries to help those suffering from atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Anti-Diabetic Activity
In parts of Europe, cilantro has traditionally been referred to as an “anti-diabetic” plant, due to its wonderful ability to help lower cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels (it packs in a whopping 521 mg of potassium per 100 grams!). Individuals suffering from diabetes have problems regulating and keeping their blood sugar stable. Consuming cilantro and keeping sodium intake to a minimum, could help eliminate this effect.

Improves Sleep Quality
Similar to the effects it has on reducing anxiety, cilantro is a calming herb, so it also helps improve the quality of your sleep.