For thousands of years, the health properties of cilantro have been observed and cherished worldwide. By adding this herb into your meals, not only do you increase the flavor of your dishes, but also bring a valuable ally in your quest to preserve your overall wellbeing.
In the United States, this plant (Coriandrum sativum) is more commonly known under the name of Chinese Parsley. Usually, people refer to its leaves as cilantro and call the seeds of the plant coriander. The plant is completely edible and studies suggest that it has incredible medical potential for future medications (anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and analgesic properties). Furthermore, it can decrease the risk of:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
Because of its high antioxidant content, it promotes:
- Healthy skin and hair
- Increased levels of energy
- Eye health
In order to make sure you benefit from cilantro’s full potential, I will teach you how to properly incorporate it into your meals. First you must wash it with cold water and separate the leaves from the stems (use only the leaves). Because it is a tender herb, like mint and basil, if you want to cut the delicate leaves, you must use a sharp knife or herb shears and cut gently. Otherwise, you risk bruising the herb and most of its flavor will be misplaced onto the cutting board surface. You can also use it raw and it’s best to add it near the end of cooking, to preserve its taste and texture.
Cilantro can be paired with all sorts of different dishes and even beverages for garnishing or toppings. Also, studies recommend using this herb when cooking meat because it prevents the formation of HCA (a cancerous chemical that forms when meat is cooked at high temperatures). You can even grow this plant easily in a small pot at the window, because it does not require high maintenance and you get to enjoy the freshest leaves.
Being aware of the natural healing properties of the herbs around you can not only make you healthier, but the people you love as well. Keep being mindful and try using cilantro in your next dish. Next time, I will give you tips on how to enjoy a better night’s rest using only natural methods.
As always, your health is in your hands.