10 Reasons to Consume Cilantro

Cilantro removes heavy metals from the body like mercury, plus it gives an amazing balance of flavor to all your recipes, especially smoothies.

When I think of cilantro (coriander), my mind automatically goes to Mexican food of all kinds–burritos, tacos, guacamole and salsa. But, I have to remind myself that this is a bit narrow-minded. Cilantro is such an amazing health food and this fragrant herb should not be limited to just Taco Tuesday’s. In fact, cilantro is so healthy, I would go as far to say that one should consume cilantro on a daily basis or at least aim for 3-5 times per week. By understanding the value of this incredible superfood, you will understand the purpose of adding it into your meals. To be more specific, here are ten reasons why you should consume cilantro daily:

10 Reasons to Consume Cilantro …

The ability to remove toxic metals from the body, like aluminum and mercury
Cilantro has a sedative effect, with promotes better sleep and relieves anxiety
Its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties help protect against UTI’s
Helps to protect against cardiovascular disease due to its rich potassium levels
It helps support a healthy menstrual cycle by regulating hormones
Protects and prevents food poisoning because of its antibacterial properties
The essential oils in the seed (coriander) help to reduce gas and bloating
Protects against oxidative stress (better known as free radicals). Read more here.
Helpful to diabetes and has cholesterol-lowering effects; stimulates conversion of cholesterol to bile acids within liver
It is believed to protect against colon cancer, due to its ability to eliminate toxins in the colon

All of these reasons show the incredible value of adding cilantro into your weekly meals and at the same time they highlight the purpose of cilantro in the diet. Below are some meal ideas to add this beautiful herb into your purposed dishes. The best part is, cilantro adds beautiful vibrant color to any meal and creates a stimulating flavor and aroma that is sure to enrich your dish.

Ways to Incorporate Cilantro into the Diet

Juice cilantro with celery, apples and any other veggies/fruits of choice
Cilantro Chutney: combine 1 bunch of chopped cilantro with 1/2 c. shredded coconut, 2 tbs. fresh chopped mint, and 1/2 to 1 diced jalapeño pepper.
Use the seeds (coriander) as an alternative to black pepper
Cilantro leaves can be used in place of basil to make a pesto
Sauté 1 bunch of spinach, 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic, and 1-2 tsp. coriander seeds, mix in 1 cup garbanzo beans, season with ginger and cumin
Dress and garnish your salads with 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro
Add ground coriander to pancake/waffle batters for a Middle Eastern flavor
Tea: add 1/4 tsp. of ground coriander and 1/2 tsp cinnamon to decaf black tea
Include fresh chopped cilantro in your salsa’s such as the recipe here

As you can see, there are many ways to include cilantro and/or coriander into your weekly meals. Cilantro is a powerful superfood that over time can support the body and even work to prevent cancer. So don’t hesitate, get this gorgeous green on your plate! Here is one of my favorite smoothie recipes to help you do just this. Plus, if you don’t care for the taste of cilantro, you won’t even taste it combined with other delicious fruits and vegetables in a smoothie.

Cilantro Powered Smoothie

Ingredients (serves 2-3)

1/4-1/2 cup cilantro
1 cup of wild blueberries or raspberries
1 tsp. of organic green powder or green algae (spirulina or chlorella)
juice of 1 orange
1/4 c. of coconut water
1/2 frozen banana
1 cup spinach
2 tbs almond butter for topping
1/2 papaya (optional)
1 tbs full fat coconut milk for topping (optional)
seasonal fruit for topping (optional)

Directions

Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. For a beautiful breakfast, pour your smoothie into a half papaya. Top with full fat coconut milk, almond butter and fresh seasonal fruit like figs or berries.

*By making your food beautiful, this helps us to slow down and savor each bite. Moreover, by slowing down and chewing your food well, you activate the enzymes in your mouth, which starts the digestion process–this makes it easier on your gut. Enjoy!

In divine health,

Kristin

References:

Axe, Dr. Food is Medicine. “12 Cilantro Benefits, Nutrition & Recipes.” Retrieved from https://draxe.com/cilantro-benefits/

Murray, M. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. “Cilantro.”NY: Atria Books