What’s the health benefits of using Coriander leaves? Can it be used in our diet?

Coriander is known as Dhania in Indian Subcontinent and Cilantro in America and some parts of Europe. In Kerala, it is called by the name ‘malli’.

Coriander belongs to the herb family which is used all around the world as a garnish, condiment or as a decorating agent on culinary dishes. Dried or raw leaves and fruits of coriander is commonly used for culinary purpose due to its distinguished and pleasant aroma. Apart from its culinary uses, coriander leaves are famous for its health benefits. The nutritional components like oils, acids, minerals and vitamins can provide numerous health benefits.

Coriander leaves have a different taste than seeds. Coriander is a soft plant which grows up to a height of 50 cm.

Leaves are in different  shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. Many of the Indian foods make use of these leaves as an essential ingredient. When heated their flavour diminishes, hence raw leaves are added to the dishes immediately before serving.

Reduces cholesterol levels

The nutritional acids present in coriander leaves includes linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and ascorbic acid. These acids can play a key role in reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood. Bad cholesterol called as LDL cholesterol deposits on the walls of arteries and veins can lead to fatal cardiovascular disorders like heart attacks, atherosclerosis and strokes. It also enhances the level of healthy cholesterol known as HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol presence in the body can act as a preventive line of defense against many health conditions.

Helps to reduce allergies

Many of the studies have revealed that coriander have strong anti-histamine properties may reduce the effects of seasonal allergies and hay fever. Coriander oil is useful against the allergic reactions caused by the contact with plants, food, insects etc. It can ward off the internal symptoms like anaphylaxis, hives and dangerous swellings of the throat and glands. Coriander leaves are useful against the allergic reactions caused by various pathogens.

Controls blood sugar and diabetes

Since coriander is effective on endocrine glands, insulin secretion from pancreas can be increased with the use of raw coriander leaves and thus increasing the insulin level in the blood. It also regulates the absorption and assimilation of sugar and helps to reduce the sugar level in the blood. Thus, diabetes patients can benefit from the use of coriander leaves, in order to reduce the chances of dangerous drops and spikes of blood sugar levels. The use of coriander leaves in your diet can play a key role in ensuring other metabolic functions.

Effective against mouth ulcers

Citronellol in coriander is an excellent antiseptic. Other nutritional ingredients of coriander leaves helps with the healing of mouth ulcers and gives freshen breaths. The consumption of coriander leaves can speed up the healing process. Nowadays coriander is used as an antiseptic component in many of the natural toothpaste.

Coriander plants