The aromatic herb cilantro, or coriander, is known to all culinary experts. It is used both fresh and dried, whole and ground seeds are used.
For more than five thousand years, the spice has been in demand among different peoples. In ancient Egypt, coriander was placed in the tombs of the pharaohs, and in China it was used as a means to increase potency in men and preserve youth. Avicenna used the plant in his medical practice as an analgesic, as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and vascular diseases.
Today, the plant is used not only to improve the taste of various dishes, but also to enrich the diet with the necessary vitamins and microelements. Coriander has a complex effect on the body and improves the functioning of various organs and systems. The product is suitable for dietary and sports nutrition, contains B vitamins, alpha and beta carotenes.
What it is
Cilantro is a green coriander that is used in cooking as a spice. In appearance, the leaves of the plant resemble parsley, but differ from it in a characteristic smell.
Cilantro is widely used by humans in medicine because it has many beneficial properties. Many people believe that cilantro and coriander are different plants, in fact, they are one and the same herb, only its fragrant seeds are usually called coriander.
Cilantro can be grown in a summer cottage and even in an apartment. It is known that it has antiseptic properties, cleans the air from bacteria and viruses.
The chemical composition of greens is rich in vitamins and trace elements necessary for human health.
Calorie content and composition of cilantro
The rich chemical composition of cilantro is saturated with macro- and microelements, as well as vitamins necessary to maintain vital processes in the body. The product does not lose its healing properties during drying. This allows the use of cilantro in winter, when the body is lacking in nutrients.
As for the calorie content, coriander greens contain 23 kcal per 100 g of the product.
Nutritional value of fresh herbs per 100 g:
- proteins - 2, 13 g;
- fats - 0.52 g;
- carbohydrates - 0.87 g;
- dietary fiber - 2, 8 g;
- water - 92, 2 g.
Vitamin composition
Vitamins that make up cilantro:
Vitamin | Benefits for the body | amount |
B1, or thiamine | Saturates the body with vital energy, helps fight fatigue and depression. | 0.067 mg |
B2, or riboflavin | Promotes the burning of sugar and regulates energy metabolism. | 0.162 mg |
B4, or choline | Regulates metabolic processes. | 12.8 mg |
B5, or pantothenic acid | Promotes fat burning. | 0.57 mg |
AT 6 | Participates in the exchange of proteins and amino acids. | 0.149 mg |
B9, or folic acid | Regulates immune processes, regenerates skin and muscle tissue. | 62 μg |
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid | Strengthens the immune system, reduces muscle soreness, promotes tissue regeneration. | 27 mg |
Vitamin E | Protects from toxins. | 2.5 mg |
Vitamin K | Participates in blood clotting. | 310 mcg |
Vitamin PP | Converts fats and carbohydrates into energy. | 1.114 m |
Vitamin A | It has a beneficial effect on eyesight, improves skin condition. | 337 mcg |
Alpha and Beta Carotene | It has an antioxidant effect, reduces the risk of cancer. | 36 μg and 3.93 mg, respectively |
Macro and microelements
Macronutrients per 100 g of product:
Macronutrients | Quantity, mg |
Potassium, K | 521 |
Calcium, Ca | 67 |
Sodium, Na | 46 |
Magnesium, Mg | 26 |
Phosphorus, Ph | 48 |
Trace elements per 100 g of product:
Trace elements | amount |
Iron, Fe | 1.77 mg |
Manganese, Mn | 0.426 mg |
Copper, Cu | 225 mcg |
Zinc, Zn | 0.5 mg |
Selenium, Se | 0.9 mcg |
Acids in chemical composition
In addition to vitamins, macro- and microelements, organic acids are present in the chemical composition of greens.
So, the spice contains saturated fatty acids:
- Palmitic - 0, 012 g.
- Stearic acid - 0, 001 g.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the composition: omega-6 - 0.04 g.
Organic acids enhance the effect of nutrients in coriander greens.
Useful properties of cilantro
Cilantro has numerous health benefits and is ideal for a healthy diet. Due to its unique composition, spicy herbs have a beneficial effect on the human body, participates in metabolic processes and tissue regeneration.
Regular consumption of coriander greens contributes to:
- removing excess water and toxins from the body;
- lowering blood sugar levels;
- strengthening blood vessels and lowering cholesterol levels;
- breakdown of excess hormones;
- stimulation of appetite;
- increased peristalsis of the stomach and intestines;
- relief of depressive conditions.
The product has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Cilantro has antimicrobial properties, promotes the healing of microtraumas.
© la_vanda - stock.adobe.com
Eating coriander greens for breakfast provides the body with vital energy, increases efficiency and productivity. During the period of emotional stress, cilantro helps to relieve nervous tension.
The juice obtained from coriander greens is used for the treatment and prevention of dental diseases:
- bleeding gums;
- toothache;
- stomatitis.
In addition, cilantro freshens the breath.
Cilantro is recommended for cleansing the liver. It helps filter the blood, destroys and removes toxins.
The essential oils found in greens neutralize gases in the intestines, relieve bloating and relieve pain.
The chemical substances that make up the plant are able to form compounds with heavy metals and remove them from the body.
Benefits for the female body
Due to its composition, cilantro is good for the female body. Greens rich in vitamins not only strengthen health, but also preserve beauty and youth for many years.
Cilantro has a beneficial effect on a woman's appearance. Vitamin A affects the condition of hair and skin. Retinol helps to restore damaged hair structure and strengthen hair follicles.
Coriander has the following properties that are beneficial for a woman's beauty:
- helps to eliminate edema;
- reduces flaking of the skin;
- used in anti-aging cosmetics;
- enhances capillary blood circulation;
- used to treat problem skin.
Women are exposed to stress more often than men. Cilantro helps relieve emotional stress and relieve depression. The complex of B vitamins in the greenery normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.
Experts recommend using coriander seeds for women in the period of premenstrual syndrome. The vitamin composition of greens has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, which makes a woman more balanced. The plant is useful for menopause, and during critical days relieves uterine spasm and normalizes the menstrual cycle.
Nutritionists advise including cilantro in the diet when losing weight. The product takes an active part in the metabolism of fats, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, breaks down sugar and stimulates metabolism. These processes form the basis for successful weight loss. Coriander is low in calories, which is valuable for proper nutrition.
Coriander has a complex effect on the functioning of all organs and systems, helps fight stress, promotes fat burning and regulates blood sugar levels. Every woman will be able to appreciate the effectiveness of cilantro for maintaining the beauty and youth of the skin.
The benefits of cilantro for men
For men, the use of cilantro will also bring invaluable benefits. The spice is rich in vitamins and is able to powerfully influence the immune system, strengthening it. Men are characterized by heavy physical activity that requires a lot of energy and strength. The components that make up the plant help fight fatigue, improve energy metabolism and increase vitality.
An active lifestyle threatens men with a possible stroke and heart attack. The risk of developing these diseases can be reduced by introducing cilantro into the main diet. The plant improves the work of the heart muscle, strengthens blood vessels and regulates blood circulation. Eating greens slows down the development of cholesterol plaques and prevents atherosclerosis. Prevention of cardiovascular disease is extremely important in an active lifestyle. Therefore, natural sources of vitamins should not be neglected.
Cilantro is extremely beneficial for eye health. The carotene included in its composition helps to maintain good vision for a long time.
Coriander successfully fights hangovers. The seeds of the plant relieve the symptoms of alcohol intoxication and remove toxins from the body.
For men who go in for sports and lead a healthy lifestyle, cilantro is a storehouse of useful vitamins and minerals. The unique components of the green plant promote tissue regeneration, which is especially important for injuries and muscle sprains. Coriander leaves relieve fatigue and give strength due to the large amount of nutrients in the composition.
© Graham - stock.adobe.com
The spice can affect male potency and the health of the genitourinary system. Androsterone found in greens is an analogue of testosterone. This component increases sexual activity and normalizes potency.
Coriander fights the problems of the genitourinary system, regulates the excretion of fluid from the body, and improves kidney function.
Men with a healthy lifestyle will no doubt appreciate the benefits of this green. The introduction of cilantro into the main diet will strengthen the body and prevent various disorders.
Harm and contraindications for use
The rich chemical composition of cilantro has a powerful effect on the body. But like any other product used for medicinal purposes, cilantro has its own contraindications and can be harmful.
Greens can cause allergic reactions if consumed in large quantities. Regular use of cilantro should be moderate. In addition, there are cases of individual intolerance, in which the use of cilantro is prohibited at all.
Eliminating coriander greens from the diet is recommended for women during pregnancy and lactation.
The use of cilantro is undesirable for people who have had a stroke and myocardial infarction. Overdosing on greens can cause sleep and memory problems. In women, the menstrual cycle may be disturbed, and for men it is fraught with potency disorder.
© 5ph - stock.adobe.com
If undesirable symptoms appear while consuming coriander, you need to reduce the dosage or completely stop using the plant. The daily allowance is 35 g of greens or 4 g of seeds.
Outcome
A spice rich in vitamins, with moderate use, has a beneficial effect on the body and is recommended for everyone who wants to eat varied, rich and healthy. Like any other product, cilantro has individual contraindications that must be taken into account before introducing the product into the diet.