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Nutrition

Experts reveal the aromatic herb increasingly used in American cuisine that helps control cholesterol and blood sugar

Put some of this herb in your life to look after your body with a whole host of nutritional benefits.

Put some of this herb in your life to look after your body with a whole host of nutritional benefits.
Pixabay

Eating more healthily is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions around the globe, although many would argue it’s also one of the most challenging ones to stick to. However, one aromatic herb can help you control both your cholesterol and blood sugar, among other benefits, and is being increasingly used in American cuisine: cilantro.

Known in some parts of the world as Chinese parsley, and others as coriander, cilantro is native to the Mediterranean Basin, and is commonly used in North Africa, Greece and Turkey as a result. However, it is also typically used to flavour Mexican dishes, which is thought to be the reason the Spanish word ‘cilantro’ has entered US English.

Cilantro can be most found in salsas and sauces, soups, chutneys and dressings, although there are any number of dishes out there that you could add it to.

The numerous benefits of cilantro

Studies have shown the herb possesses a whole host of nutritional benefits that can help you look after your body. Its flavonoids give it anti-inflammatory power, while it acts as a diuretic, which helps the body get rid of extra fluid (principally urine) and salt, and lowers blood pressure.

Cilantro also regulates both bad cholesterol and controls blood sugar levels. It contains vitamins A, C and K, with the latter’s high concentration in cilantro seeds helping prevent cell oxidation, blood clots and osteoporosis.

According to a report conducted by Kathleen M. Zelman, director of nutrition at WebMD, the fact cilantro contains dodecenal, an antimicrobial compound, means it also fights against infection and diseases caused by spoiled food, including salmonella.

With the herb containing rich amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, there’s nothing not to like about cilantro, from a nutritional point of view. Whether you are a fan of its strong taste, however, is another matter…

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