Used by Hippocrates in ancient Greece and introduced to the UK in the late Bronze Age, Coriander has become one of the bestselling herbs however, while they are regarded as one of the most popular, not many people know what this fantastic herb can really do for them. Curious? Then read on to discover the Top 5 Health Benefits of Coriander!
1. Antiseptic properties
Chewing on its leaves or by crushing them into a paste can help heal mouth ulcers, minor wounds on your skin’s surface and reduce bad breath. This is due to the leaves which contain a chemical called citronelol, an active ingredient contained in a wide range of disinfectants.
2. Promotes healthy digestion
If you add a handful of coriander leaves as a garnish to your lunch or salad, it can improve your body’s ability to digest food. The herb helps with the secretion of enzymes and digestive juices in your stomach. In addition, consuming a cup of hot water with a few leaves in can help reduce indigestion after a heavy meal.
3. Good for bone health
Coriander is rich in vitamin K and a good source of calcium. These nutrients are vital for the maintenance of bone health and bone metabolism. 50g of coriander contains about 155mcg of vitamin K and contains about 6% of your daily recommended dose of calcium. This makes it a good food for those who are leading vegan lifestyles.
4. Regulation of blood pressure
It has been suggested that coriander helps regulate blood pressure in the body. When consumed, it encourages the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that on interacting with calcium ions, reduces blood pressure thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
5. Immunity booster
Coriander is packed with phytonutrients and vitamins and is a great way to give your immune system an enlivening boost. 100g of coriander contains about 60% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C, which in turn helps keep those dreaded colds at bay!
Coriander (which goes great with vegan sauces) is readily available year-round pretty much everywhere from your local grocers to supermarkets and farmer’s markets. You can get it prepacked, in plant pots and in seed form. You can also easily grow your own at home if you enjoy gardening. Watch the video above to discover more facts. Got any recipes or other special ways of using coriander? Let us know below or @ KeepFitKingdom !
