Coriander: Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications

It relieves headaches and stomach pain. It has a sedative effect and promotes sleep. Culinary uses and a recipe for an infusion.

di |
coriander benefits

Il coriander, whose scientific name is Coriandrum sativum, is a plant of the Apiaceae family which has many qualities, especially in natural cosmetics: it is antiseptic, anti-aging and stimulates skin circulation.

Coriander is an aromatic herb with a rather pungent smell, as the meaning of its name suggests. “koris”, which means "bug." This is an annual herbaceous plant that grows in the Mediterranean. Its fruits are small and hard, spherical in shape, yellow, and resemble peppercorns. These are the ones used in the kitchen to flavor dishesIts leaves are similar to those of parsley, have a spicy flavor, and can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. Coriander's origins date back to ancient times; it is mentioned in the Bible, and its fruits are depicted in Egyptian pyramids. Its medicinal properties were also known to the ancient Romans.

Nutritional properties

To understand the nutritional properties of coriander, let's refer to 100 grams of dried fruit, which contain:

In 100 grams of dried leaves, however, we find:

  • 7 g of water
  • 21 g of protein
  • 5 g of lipids
  • 52 g of carbohydrates
  • 10 g of fiber
  • 7 g of sugars
  • 1246 mg of Calcium
  • 42 mg of iron
  • 694 mg of magnesium
  • 481 mg of phosphorus
  • 4466 mg of potassium
  • 211 mg sodium
  • 4,7 mg of zinc
  • 566 mg of Vitamin C
  • 1252 mg of Thiamine (vitamin B1)
  • 1500 mg Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
  • 10,7 mg Niacin (vitamin B3 or vitamin PP)
  • 0, 6 mg of Vitamin B6
  • 274 µg of Vitamin B9 or folic acid
  • 293 µg of Vitamin A retinol eq.
  • 1,03 mg ofVitamin E
  • 1359 µg of Vitamin K

Parts used

Coriander's fruits, leaves, and flowers are used. The seeds (which are the fruits) are used to prepare sausages and, especially in the East, are ground and used to make curryIn other parts of the world, these are used to flavor desserts. The whole seeds are also often used to flavor liqueurs. Their consumption is recommended for those suffering from celiac disease, since they do not containthey contain gluten.

The leaves, which can be used fresh, dried, or frozen, often replace parsley. They are consumed mainly in the Americas and Eastern countries.

Flowers are used a lot in Asian, Latin and Indian cuisineThe petals have a flavor that blends sweetness with a hint of citrus. Coriander should be dried and stored in a shaded, ventilated, and dry place.

What does coriander taste like?

Coriander has a bitter, pungent aftertaste. It is widely used to flavor soups, legumes, broths, meat, fish, and vegetables. Coriander is also excellent with cheese and salads, to which it adds an inviting flavor. It's also perfect with grilled dishes, also because it appears to counteract the carcinogenic substances released during this type of cooking.

Benefits

Coriander provides numerous benefits to the human body. Let's explore the most important ones.

  • Coriander helps fight themigraine, has analgesic and antiseptic properties and helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). It also combats nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion.
  • Calm down stomach pains, It has digestive and antispasmodic properties and is also considered a natural remedy for gastrointestinal spasms.
  • It is a good source of fiber, contains vitamins A, C, E, K, calcium, magnesium and iron.
  • Lower the level of sugar in the blood and is considered excellent for those suffering from diabetes.
  • It is used as an effective remedy for skin irritations, such as hives. If chopped, coriander can be rubbed, along with oil, onto areas damaged by sunburn or affected by allergies.
  • It has antibacterial properties and, for this reason, is excellent for eliminating urinary tract infections. For the same reason, it also combats oral health problems, such as thrush, ulcers, sores, and bad breath.
  • Coriander has a natural sedative effect, calms the nervous system and promotes sonno.
  • It binds to toxic heavy metals and helps the body get rid of them.
  • It is an excellent remedy against conjunctivitis
  • It is a galactogenic agent, which means it stimulates the production of breast milk.
  • It relieves menstrual cramps

Coriander infusion

Coriander tea is very easy to make and also has digestive properties. It's made with the dried fruits of this plant.

Required product

  • 1 teaspoon dried fruits
  • 1 dl of water

Method

  • Infuse the teaspoon of dried fruit in 1 dl of water
  • Let it rest for 15 minutes
  • Filter and drink slowly as needed.

For a greater effect, you can also add lemon balm, mallow or mint to the coriander.

Controindicazioni

Coriander should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women. If consumed in large doses, it can cause kidney and nervous system problems. Furthermore, it should never be taken concomitantly with medications that have neurostimulant effects, as it tends to increase their effects. It should not be taken if you have kidney stones, ulcers, or gastrointestinal conditions. It should be avoided if you suffer from diarrhea.

Read also:

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date. Click here!

Want to see a selection of our news?

Don't Waste