What happens to your body when you use cilantro

Coriander (Simmering coriander), a member of the carrot family, is used throughout the world as both a spice and a traditional remedy. In the United States, cilantro generally refers to the seeds, valued for their potential health benefits, while the leaves are commonly referred to as cilantro.

1. Antioxidant Benefits

Cilantro contains several antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells in the body. Antioxidants may support immune health and reduce inflammation, while also exhibiting neuroprotective effects.

However, much of this research has been done in test-tube and animal studies, and human data are lacking.

2. May Support Heart Health

Coriander leaves have been shown to contain flavonoids, essential phytochemicals that act as antioxidants. According to a study, the flavonoids in coriander inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which leads to relaxation of the arteries and, consequently, lower blood pressure.

As promising as these results are, human research on cilantro for high blood pressure (hypertension) is sorely lacking. Further research is needed in this area.

3. May Reduce Anxiety

Cilantro is widely used in traditional medicine for anxiety. Preliminary research has shown that cilantro has anti-anxiety effects. It can work by modulating negative emotions that arise in the brain.

Still, human trials need to be conducted to confirm cilantro’s role in treating anxiety before it can be recommended.

4. May offer skin protection

Laboratory research has found that cilantro increases the production of procollagen type 1, a precursor to collagen, which is the most abundant protein in human skin.

In the study, cilantro was also shown to thicken the dermal layer of the skin and prevent the formation of free radicals, which are often found in sun-damaged skin.

In another study, coriander essential oil showed the greatest potential for treating sun damage compared to other essential oils. Researchers have found that cilantro inhibits various enzymes that can lead to photoaging (cumulative sun damage that prematurely ages the skin).

Linalool, the main bioactive ingredient in coriander, is believed to be the main component responsible for these effects.

Again, however, additional studies would need to be conducted before cilantro can be recommended for treating sun damaged skin.

Add Cilantro to Your Diet

Cilantro is said to have a distinctive flavor and aroma strong enough to mask the taste of certain foods, such as fish. The scent of coriander is described as sweet, aromatic and spicy.

However, its flavor can be described differently from one person to another. Cilantro is used in both sweet and savory recipes. This may be due to its flavor, described as earthy, citrusy and slightly sweet. You can enjoy cilantro in the following ways:

• Use the leaves and seeds (whole or ground) to season foods. Add ground cilantro to enhance flavor or use whole cilantro to add both flavor and texture to a dish.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro on soups, salads or smoothies.
• Use as a food preservative.

How to store cilantro

Follow these tips to properly store cilantro:

• Store spices and ground coriander seeds in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight.
• Store fresh cilantro (cilantro) leaves in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. You can also cover the cilantro leaves with a plastic bag or store them in an airtight container.
• Throw away cilantro once its expiration date has passed or if it has lost its freshness.

Who should avoid cilantro?

Cilantro is considered safe for most people, but some may need to limit or avoid using it. This may be the case if you are:

• Allergic: Although rare, it is possible to be allergic to cilantro. Anyone with a known allergy to cilantro or other plants in the Apiaceae the family should avoid using it.
• Taking medicine for blood pressure or to lower blood sugar: Due to cilantro’s potential to lower blood sugar and blood pressure, it may not be safe to take with other medications used to lower blood sugar or blood pressure.
• Take sedative medications: Some preliminary research has shown that coriander has a sedative effect similar to that of Valium (diazepam). For this reason, it is believed that taking cilantro with other sedatives may cause increased drowsiness.