The seeds that are sprinkled with Borodino bread, beloved by many , are traditionally called coriander, and the fresh herbs of the same plant are called cilantro. Historically, the ancient Greeks became the first to use coriander, or cilantro. Today, Mediterranean grass is cultivated all over the world. In different countries it is called in its own way: hamem and kashchich, chilantro and cherries, kolyandra or kindisi, Mexican, Chinese, Arab or Indian parsley, sowing gut and many more exotic names.
In the Caucasus, where this spice has taken root, the benefits of cilantro have long been known. It is added to salads, first and second courses, turning them into real culinary masterpieces. Especially delicious with cilantro are meat, chicken, and vegetable stews.
Not everyone enjoys the smell of cilantro
It is the aroma of this spice that sometimes becomes an insurmountable obstacle to fall in love with coriander. In its immature greens contains a substance - decyl aldehyde, reminiscent of the smell of bugs. No wonder the ancient Greeks called this plant a bugs. Often, it is also designated today by representatives of the older generation. But when the leaves ripen completely, this unpleasant accent in amber disappears. In order for the smell to be perceived not so negatively, cilantro is mixed with other herbs, after which the notes of Chinese parsley become simply magical.
Barbecue and exotic kimchi, Korean carrots and even oriental sweets are made by adding this exquisite spice. The health benefits of cilantro were noticed by ancient healers, who used coriander in magical, purifying and prolonging life rituals. This unique storehouse of nutrients, accompanied by an amazing aroma and pleasant taste, contains components that are vital for both men and women.
Cilantro as a medicinal plant in history
Initially, healers of the East used cilantro as a medicinal plant, very useful for many ailments. The manuscripts recovered from Egyptian tombs and the scrolls of ancient Chinese sages described the miraculous taste and healing properties of coriander. Avicenna praised cilantro as a means of prolonging life. No wonder the unique properties of this healing herb are used in modern conditions.
The chemical composition of a unique herb - cilantro
A rich set of vital vitamins and minerals for humans is found in coriander. The huge benefits of cilantro for the body are due to provitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin PP (niacin), riboflavin, folic acid. The mega-amount of vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system, has a powerful anti-aging effect, and prevents seasonal diseases. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C contribute to the prevention of cancer.
No less valuable effects on the body have pectin, vitamins B1 and B2, rutin. The content of vitamin K in cilantro helps to strengthen bone tissue, which is very useful in adolescence and old age. Of the useful minerals, cilantro is rich in such "multi-pitters" as calcium and potassium. In addition, coriander is a source of phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and other important elements. The benefits of cilantro are also due to the presence of mono- and disaccharides, fatty organic acids (oleic, linoleic, ascorbic, stearic, palmitic, isooleic and myristic), dietary fiber and ash.
Gastrointestinal tract and cilantro
The use of fresh green cilantro with parsley in salads and first and second courses stimulates the appetite, cleanses pathogenic bacteria, and has a beneficial effect on the digestion process as a whole.
In the East, coriander has long been used as a diuretic and body-strengthening natural "doctor", with its help, stomach diseases were treated. The regular intake of greens and coriander seeds in the human body leads to an acceleration of metabolism, stimulation of intestinal motility, protection of the stomach from gastritis and ulcerative processes, and normalization of the duodenum. The benefits of cilantro are manifested in the cleansing activity of our body. The plant helps to eliminate excess cholesterol, facilitating the work of the heart and blood vessels, increases bile secretion. But for people suffering from gallstone disease, cilantro can be dangerous, because its powerful cleansing effect can prematurely bring such a patient to the operating table.
Male strength and coriander
If women have long used cilantro tincture for the magical ritual of “drinking” the chosen one, then Chinese healers a couple of millennia ago became aware of the benefits of cilantro for men as a therapeutic tool to increase potency. In fact, the composition of the spicy plant contains an analogue of testosterone - the natural hormone androsterone.
The use of dishes with cilantro stimulates sexual activity, is an excellent preventive measure to prevent the "disease of the century" - prostatitis. In addition, coriander has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, strengthens them, helps to avoid the occurrence of arrhythmias and angina pectoris - one of the main threats to the health of the stronger sex. It is enough to familiarize yourself with the diet of Caucasian horsemen and passionate Mexican machos to understand: the benefits of cilantro for male strength are comparable to the benefits of air for our breathing.
The role of coriander in female nutrition
Cilantro is also relevant in solving many women's problems. Its oil is a natural stimulator of the synthesis of estrogen - female sex hormones, which contributes to the treatment and prevention of diseases of the reproductive organs. Coriander aroma oil eliminates depression and improves mood. The cosmetic benefit of cilantro for women is also invaluable: washing with a decoction of the plant (chopped greens - 1 tablespoon per 200 ml of boiling water, which is insisted for 20-30 minutes) makes the skin surprisingly soft and velvety. Coriander aroma oil also promotes skin regeneration, eliminates its peeling.
Coriander tea restores skin health, prone to acne, blackheads, and inflammation. However, beloved by many cilantro is not so safe. The benefits and harms for women of this plant are also associated with its rich chemical composition. You should refrain from using it for pregnant women and mothers during lactation, with thrombophlebitis, cholecystitis. With great care and only with the permission of the doctor, you can add a little cilantro to food for people who have had heart problems: myocardial infarction or stroke. Under strict ban, coriander is for people suffering from gastritis with high acidity, diabetes.
Calorie Coriander (cilantro)
100 g of dried ground cilantro contains 216 kcal, in fresh herbs - 23 kcal per 100 g of leaves. The low calorie content of this herb is one of the factors contributing to weight loss. In this case, the assimilation of heavy food is much better if cilantro is present in the dish. The benefits and harm to the health of this medicinal herb are due to its powerful cleansing effect, as well as the presence of contraindications to its use.
Interesting Facts
Celery juice and a mixture of herbs, which include cilantro, parsley and dill, is an excellent remedy for men experiencing a hangover, and for women to reduce weight. Coriander is a magnificent winner of insomnia, a source of optimism, high vitality, joy. One example is the ever-active Caucasians. In addition to its healing properties, cilantro has a cleansing power for air.
Thrifty housewives love to
grow coriander in the kitchen in winter: both the air becomes cleaner and fresh greens are at hand!
The ancient Egyptians, guessing about the powerful antiseptic properties of cilantro, placed its seeds in the tombs of the pharaohs, preserving them from damage. Chinese healers prepared tinctures with cilantro for their emperors, prolonging their "male age" and supposedly providing them with immortality. Women used coriander broth if they tried to bewitch the narrowed.
Consumption rate of cilantro
Everyone is good healing herb cilantro. Health benefits and harms from its use are caused not only by contraindications, but also by its quantity. The abuse of coriander in combination with the additional intake of vitamins A and C in the body threatens poisoning. Hypervitaminosis can occur both in mild and severe enough. Skin rashes are the first symptom of food intoxication of the body with coriander. Poisoning can also cause malfunctions of the female monthly cycles, impaired male potency, impaired memory and sleep problems.
Cilantro, especially greens, is recommended by doctors to eat no more than 30-35 g at a time, seeds not more than 3-5 g. People with heart ischemia, gastritis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, diabetes, thrombosis and thrombophlebitis. If you follow the advice of therapists and nutritionists, you can really enjoy the coriander - this is not only useful, but also very tasty herbs, which can turn any dish into a culinary delight!