Coriander : Definition , Benefits, Nutrition, Preparation, Recipes and Side effects

 

Definition:

Coriander, (Coriandrum sativum), also called cilantro or Chinese parsley, feathery annual plant of the parsley family (Apiaceae), parts of which are used as both an herb and a spice. Native to the Mediterranean and Middle East regions, the plant is widely cultivated in many places worldwide for its culinary uses. Its dry fruits and seeds, which are also known as coriander, are used to flavour many foods, particularly sausages, curries, Scandinavian pastries, liqueurs, and confectionery, such as English comfits. Its delicate young leaves, known as cilantro, are widely used in Latin American, Indian, and Chinese dishes.

Healthy Benefits of Coriander Leaves:

Coriander reduces blood sugar levels and can also kill some parasites. Also, called as ‘Dhaniya’ in India, this healthy parsley has been used in many dishes around the world. However, its leaves, seeds and oil give a good aroma to your dish. Here are some health benefits of adding coriander to your daily diet.

Treats Different Skin Diseases:

This healthy parsley contains antiseptic, antifungal, detoxifying and antioxidant properties that protect your skin from fungal infections, skin dryness and eczema. Similarly, coriander seeds consist of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be applied to your skin. In simple terms, coriander soothes your skin and makes it glow.

Cures Mouth Ulcers:

The major component that is found in coriander oil is citronellal that acts as a major antiseptic that cures mouth ulcers. Also, there are a few other components that have antimicrobial properties that can help in faster healing of wounds and mouth ulcers. Consuming this healthy parsley will not give you bad breath. In fact, some people chew coriander seeds for avoiding bad breath and it actually works.

Strengthen Bones:

Coriander has a rich source of calcium that will be an added benefit for those who would want to take good care of their bones. Calcium plays an essential part in bone regrowth and the prevention of osteoporosis. This means that adding a little of coriander to your everyday diet will help strengthen your bones. Calcium is present in the centre of every coriander leaf, so all you need to do is to add some coriander to your everyday diet and this will do good for your bones.

Good For Vision:

This healthy parsley is loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants that can play a vital role in promoting good vision. These components also reduce stress and strain on your eyes. It also contains beta-carotene in its leaves that can prevent many other diseases that affect the eye among older people.

Best Remedy for Conjunctivitis:

Coriander is also used in the treatment of conjunctivitis such that it contains disinfectants and antimicrobial properties that protect your eyes and protect them from eyes diseases such as conjunctivitis. However, coriander oil is used in the preparation of many eye products.

Regulates Diabetes:

Coriander helps the body increase insulin in a way that when one consumes coriander, this will stimulate the endocrine glands that will help your pancreas produce more insulin. This green plays a very important role for all diabetics because this naturally lowers down blood sugar levels.

Treats Smallpox:

Coriander contains essential oils that are antioxidant, anti-infectious and antimicrobial in nature. It also contains vitamin C and iron that helps strengthen the immune system. You need to keep in mind that if you have a strong immune system, then this will prevent your body from getting infected easily. Thus, coriander helps you have a stronger immune system that will thereby prevent you from smallpox. However, there have been studies in the past that have proved that foods containing vitamin C can help treat and cure smallpox.

Reduces Skin Inflammation:

One among 11 most essential components of coriander are essentials and linolenic that are both presents in this healthy parsley. These two compounds are antioxidants in nature and can prevent your body from various diseases and infections. The main purpose of these compounds is to prevent you from inflammation and reduces swelling. The anti-inflammatory compounds help outshine your skin. Looking at your skin not improving can be very frustrating for you. All you need to do is to grab a handful of coriander and make some juice out of it.

Nutrition Facts:

One teaspoon of coriander seeds provides approximately 5 calories, 1 carbohydrate (mostly in the form of fiber), and less than 1 gram of protein and fat. The spice will boost your calcium intake slightly (12.4 mg, or 0.01% of recommended daily intake) and also contribute to your potassium intake (22.2 mg, or 0.005% RDI). There is also a small amount of magnesium (5.8 mg; 0.02% RDI) and phosphorus (7.2 mg; 0.01% RDI) in a teaspoon of the spice.

If you use fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) in your cooking you are likely to use more of it. But it still won't add many calories or nutrient to your daily diet. There is less than 1 calorie in a quarter cup of cilantro and less than a single gram of carbohydrate, protein, or fat.2

Selection, Preparation, and Storage:

Fresh cilantro (or coriander leaves) should be purchased at the peak of freshness. Leaves should be bright green and not wilted. Once you get it home, store it in the refrigerator where it should stay fresh for about a week. When eating fresh cilantro, like other fresh herbs, add as a garnish for color, crunch, and added flavor.

If you purchase coriander in seed or ground form, it should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a cool dry place, such as your pantry. The spice should stay fresh for two to three years.S

SomeRecipes Including Coriander:

*Pitta Tea

*Middle Eastern Grilled Kofta Kebabs

*Roasted Carrots With Oranges and Fresh      Herbs.

Possible Side Effects:

When coriander is used as a spice to season your food it is considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

It is possible, however, to have an allergic reaction to certain spices, including coriander. Symptoms may be mild (such as a skin rash, redness, or swelling) or can be severe, including anaphylaxis. If you are concerned that you may be allergic to coriander, seek medical attention.

Additionally, pregnant women or breastfeeding, who have low blood pressure, diabetes, or are within two weeks before surgery should check with a health care provider before using coriander

Coriander may interfere with certain medications including medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, drugs that increase photosensitivity, or sedative medications. Check with your health care provider before using coriander if you take one of these drugs.

It is attainable, however, to possess Associate in Nursing hypersensitive reaction to bound spices, as well as coriander. Symptoms could also be delicate (such as a efflorescence, redness, or swelling) or will be severe, as well as hypersensitivity reaction. If you're involved that you just could also be allergic to coriander, request medical attention.

Additionally, pregnant girls or breastfeeding, World Health Organization have low vital sign, diabetes, or area unit at intervals period before surgery ought to see a health care supplier before victimization coriander.

Coriander might interfere with bound medications as well as medications for top vital sign, diabetes, medicine that increase sensitivity, or sedative medications. see your health care supplier before victimization coriander if you are taking one amongst these medicine.