Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Amazing Health Benefits of Cilantro

Today's topic of discussion is CILANTRO, also known as CORIANDER because of the plant's seeds.  Cilantro has been known to provide anti-inflammatory and detoxification benefits.  I was first introduced to cilantro in 2009 and I loved it!  I had never tasted the herb before but I immediately noticed it's distinctive smell.  This smell comes from the amount of condensed essential oils found within the plant. In fact, cilantro has 11 essential oils and 6 different acids with each having valuable affects.

For instance, cineole and linoleic acid are the two main elements that help fight against rheumatic and arthritic ailments, such as arthritis or any autoimmune disorder.  Cineole and linoleic acid also work together to assist in the removal of excess water in the body mostly from swelling.    Oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and ascorbic acid (or vitamin C) are three elements active in lowering high cholesterol levels in the blood and in the walls of veins and arteries. 

Borneol and linalool operate to purify the liver and decrease diarrhea, along with cineole, limonene, alpha-pinene & beta-phelandrene with each of which possessing anti-bacterial components.  Another interesting component of cilantro is citronelol.  Citronelol is a natural antiseptic within cilantro, aiding in reducing bad-breath, mending mouth-wounds and stopping oral ulcers. It also contains high amounts of vitamin A and phosphorus.

Dodecenal is the most common and arguably the most beneficial component found in cilantro.  Isao Kubo, Ph.D at the University of Berkeley led a study with laboratory tests showing dodecenal is two times more effective than gentamicin, a regularly used anitbiotic medicine (click the link for more information on gentamicin).


Listed below are specific benefits of eating cilantro:
  • Swellings
  • High Cholesterol Levels
  • Diarrhea 
  • Mouth Ulcers
  • Anemia
  • Small Pox
  • Menstrual problems
  • Vision
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Skin Disorders
  • Blood Sugar 
Consult with your physician before ingesting cilantro if you're pregnant. Miscarriage and reduced contraception have noted by some sources. If breastfeeding, consult with your physician. (http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/benefits-of/cilantro)

Sources for this article:

No comments:

Post a Comment