Health Benefits of the Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds and leaves (commonly referred to as cilantro) contain many essential vitamins and minerals that can aid in improving digestion, reduce bloating and promote heart, brain and skin health. Furthermore, their high antioxidant levels protect your body against free radical damage.
Coriander seed extracts have been shown to effectively lower blood sugar in diabetic patients. As they contain natural insulin-like agents, coriander extracts have the power to lower your levels by activating enzymes which break down glucose.
Traditionally used as a diuretic
Coriander seeds from the Coriandrum sativum plant, more commonly known as coriander, can be used both as a spice and herb. Their leaves and seeds possess distinct flavors while providing numerous health benefits. Coriander is packed with essential oils, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more, making it a delicious way to add nutritional value and add flavor. Including them into smoothies or juices as a delicious boost in terms of both taste and health benefits is another way of using this versatile seed variety; whole, ground or infusing water can aid digestion, detoxification or blood sugar regulation.
Regular consumption of coriander seeds has been shown to accelerate metabolism and contribute to weight loss, while also helping promote satiety and curb cravings, helping individuals control both their appetite and caloric intake. They may even trigger liver cells to secrete more bile for improved digestion and quicker food passage through the gastrointestinal tract.
Coriander seeds can help alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain by providing antispasmodic properties which relax digestive muscles and can reduce intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, these seeds promote better digestion by stimulating production of bile and increasing enzymes that break down fatty tissue.
Coriander seeds can help strengthen immunity and lower cholesterol, as well as provide an abundance of essential vitamins such as C. This vitamin plays an integral part in supporting a robust immune system.
Traditionally used as a sedative
Coriander seeds have long been used as an Ayurvedic medicine sedative and hypnotic agent, insecticidal agent, poultry food additive, as well as being abundant with vital nutrients that benefit our bodies. Coriander seed oil helps regulate blood lipids, can alleviate arthritis symptoms, as well as provide anticonvulsant support and can even help prevent seizures and insomnia. Furthermore, its antidepressant components linalool and camphor make coriander seed oil an invaluable ally. Coriander seed powder was shown to significantly decrease liver lipid peroxidation and activity levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; all markers of oxidative stress. Coriander’s antioxidant properties may account for this hepatoprotective benefit.
Coriandrum sativum seeds possess a distinct scent due to various aldehydes in their essential oils, but these elements typically disappear upon ripening. Furthermore, Coriandrum sativum seeds provide essential vitamins, fatty acids, minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus magnesium zinc as well as dietary fiber (Kandlakunta et al. 2011 >). They contain low amounts of saturated and unsaturated fats while being a great source of essential dietary fibers (Kandlakunta et al. 2011 >).
Coriander seed’s sedative effects can be attributed to both its volatile components and benzodiazepine receptors, with one major odor component known as (R)-(-)-linalool being shown to produce profound sedative effects in animals – similar to diazepam which is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia.
Traditionally used as a diaphoretic
Coriander seeds can act as diuretics to flush kidneys of excess fluid. As natural laxatives, coriander seeds have also been proven to lower high cholesterol levels and support healthy digestion and metabolism – properties which make coriander an invaluable addition to any diet. Its versatility includes whole seeds or ground powder being added directly into recipes; commonly included in spice blends like garam masala; soups stews curries as well as pickles and chutneys (when toasted to enhance flavor).
“Clickpoint: Coriander is rich in essential vitamins, including A and C. Vitamin A helps nourish the retinas of your eyes to keep them moist, while vitamin C plays an integral part in immune function. Coriander seeds contain linoleic acid, which promotes hair growth while decreasing early greying—this could potentially promote hair regrowth as well as lower blood pressure or balance blood sugar.”
Coriander seeds may also help treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Their antimicrobial properties help alleviate symptoms like bloating and pain; however, it should be noted that they do not constitute a cure. Drinking coriander seed water or concoction made from them may relieve your symptoms temporarily, although excessive consumption could result in diarrhea or stomach cramps.
Traditionally used as a stimulant
Coriander seeds are small yellowish-brown or green seeds with an irresistibly citrus flavor, popular in various cuisines worldwide and widely recognized for their health benefits, from supporting heart health to soothing itchy eyes. Integrating coriander into your diet is simple – simply drink or make tea out of its seeds.
Ayurved practitioners have long used coriander seeds to stimulate digestion and detoxify their bodies. Their mildly pungent taste makes coriander seeds ideal for stimulating digestive juices without overheating the body; thus balancing Pitta, one of three major energies believed to govern physiological activity and which can often cause inflammation and acidity issues in excess.
Coriander seeds contain essential oils with digestive stimulant properties that may help lower cholesterol levels and enhance digestion, including cineole, borneol, and linalool compounds that stimulate digestive enzyme secretion for improved digestion. Furthermore, these essential oils may relieve stomach pain as well as ease menstrual discomfort while inhibiting platelet aggregation which could otherwise lead to heart disease and strokes.
Ayurvedic practitioners rely on coriander seeds as an effective remedy against anemia, a condition marked by low levels of hemoglobin. Their rich iron content encourages the body to produce more blood, alleviating symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
Read also:Coriander Seeds – Also Known As Cilantro