Coriander seeds hail from the same plant as cilantro. The seeds look small and round, are yellowish-brown, and have a unique, citrus yet nutty flavor. While the cilantro leaves are commonly used in the Western and Indian dishes, coriander is the main spice used in Sri Lankan kitchens. We make curry powder using coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, mustard, cinnamon, and adding a few other spices. Coriander seeds offer multiple health benefits making it an essential addition in your daily diet.
Sri Lankans also use coriander seeds as traditional medicine for common cold and flu. We drink a concoction brewed out of coriander seeds, ginger, and tree turmeric (Calumba Wood), thrice a day when suffering from a common cold. This is quite the magical brew that’s supposed to cure a cold boosting your immunity and relieve you of cramps and aches caused by flu.
Coriander seeds have an exemplary nutrition profile that’s extremely beneficial for humans. Here are five reasons to have coriander in your daily diet.
1. Promote heart health
Coriander seeds have a miraculous cholesterol-lowering ability. The seeds also improve the levels of good cholesterol. Coriander seed helps in reducing bad cholesterol and promotes good cholesterol in the body. These are rich in copper, zinc, iron, and other crucial minerals that increase RBC and improves heart health. Coriander seeds also help in increasing metabolism.
Coriander seeds can also inhibit the accumulation of human platelets. If platelet accumulation occurs in the arteries, it can lead to insufficient blood flow to the heart and ultimately cause a heart attack.
Coriander has an important role in the metabolism of lipids in the human body. Studies show that it can also control blood pressure levels.
The antioxidant properties of coriander seeds may help lower blood pressure levels. They help expand blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.
2. Help treat diabetes
Coriander seeds help in lowering blood sugar levels. They accomplish this by enhancing the function of the pancreatic beta cells (cells that release insulin and regulate blood sugar levels).
There is evidence proving the use of coriander seeds for managing diabetes. It has been proved in a rat study that the extracts of coriander seeds not only balanced blood sugar levels but also improved other factors associated with metabolic syndrome.
Daily consumption of coriander seeds can also minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems associated with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
These tiny seeds assist in weight loss and reduce unwanted fat from the body. Try drinking an easy coriander infused tea in the mornings to regulate your blood glucose level and also to aid weight loss.
3. Enhance digestion
These tiny seeds are magical for all your intestinal issues, including bloating, gastric, diarrhea, nausea, etc. It is an all in one solution for almost all digestion related issues. It contains dietary fibers and is also a good source of antioxidants.
Coriander seeds have been used as digestive stimulants through numerous generations. The seeds stimulate the liver to produce and secrete bile acids, which play an important role in digestion and absorption
Coriander seeds also help in relieving flatulence.
The seeds also enhance digestion by improving the activity of trypsin, a pancreatic enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine.
The oil from coriander seeds can alleviate the painful symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The antibacterial properties of the seeds may be beneficial in this effect.
These digestive benefits of coriander can be reaped best when included in your daily diet. You can make tea from the coriander seeds by boiling the seeds in hot water. Include a bit of ginger to this, and that’s your medicine for the common cold.
4. Boost neurological health
Linalool is a major composite found in coriander seeds that help to reduce anxiety in humans. Linalool has favorable effects on the central nervous system and has anticonvulsant properties that help to prevent seizures or epileptic fits.
The seeds can help play a protective role in the prevention of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.
5. Beneficial for hair growth and skin health
Hair loss occurs due to incapacitated hair follicles, hormonal imbalance, stress, and improper dieting habits. Coriander seeds are known to prevent hair fall and revitalize the roots for the growth of new hair. They reinforce the hair follicles and initiate further development, keeping your hair fall issues under control. Coriander seeds also promote hair regrowth and delay the premature greying of the hair.
Coriander seeds are enriched with vitamin K, C, B, along with antioxidants and a wealth of other minerals, which are good for skin and hair health. You can obtain glowing skin by adding coriander into your daily diet as it delays the aging process.
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