Coriander, an herb widely used as a cooking spice, has health benefits such as helping to control cholesterol, preventing anemia and improving digestion.
In addition to being able to add flavor and smell to culinary preparations, coriander can also be used to increase salads, green juices and teas. Its main benefits are:
- Prevent cancer, as it is rich in carotenoids, substances with high antioxidant power; Protect the skin against aging, as it is rich in carotenoids and reduce the damage caused by UVB rays; Help control cholesterol, as it has unsaturated fats and vitamin C, which help to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL); Improve digestion as it regulates the functioning of the liver and helps fight intestinal infections; Help control blood pressure, as it is rich in calcium, a nutrient that helps to relax blood vessels and lower pressure; Help detoxify and eliminate heavy metals from the body, such as mercury, aluminum and lead. See more here; Prevent anemia, as it is rich in iron; Fight intestinal infections, as its essential oil has antimicrobial properties and its nutrients help to strengthen the immune system.
In addition, using coriander in the preparation of meat causes a reduction in the production of heterocyclic amines, substances that are formed during cooking and that, when consumed in excess, increase the risk of cancer.
Nutritional information
The following table provides nutritional information for 100 g of coriander.
| Raw coriander | Dehydrated coriander | |
| Energy | 28 kcal | 309 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 1.8 g | 48 g |
| Protein | 2.4 g | 20.9 g |
| Fat | 0.6 g | 10.4 g |
| Fibers | 2.9 g | 37.3 g |
| Calcium | 98 mg | 784 mg |
| Magnesium | 26 mg | 393 mg |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 81.4 mg |
Coriander can be eaten fresh or dehydrated, and can be added as a culinary spice in juices, salads and teas.
How to plant
Coriander can be grown all year round, growing easily in small pots inside or outside the house, but always in places that receive plenty of sunlight.
To plant, you must have a soil rich in nutrients and moist, where the coriander seeds are placed at a depth of about 1.5 cm, at least 3 cm apart from each other.
The seeds should be watered frequently and usually germinate after about 1 to 2 weeks. When the plant is 15 cm, its leaves can be harvested weekly, and the plant will no longer need as much water, only moist soil.
How to use
In addition to being used as a fresh or dehydrated herb, coriander can also be used in the form of tea and essential oil.
Coriander tea
Coriander tea can be used to improve digestion, fight intestinal gas and relieve migraines, and should be prepared in the proportion of 1 tablespoon of the seeds for every 500 ml of water.
The seeds must be added in water and taken to the fire. After boiling, wait 2 minutes and turn off the heat, letting the mixture rest for another 10 minutes. Strain and drink warm or ice cream. See How to use coriander to avoid gases.
Essential oil
Coriander essential oil is made from the seeds of the plant and is used to improve digestion, flavor drinks and flavor perfumes.
Coriander Sauce Recipe
This sauce can be used to accompany red meats and barbecues.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of coarsely chopped cilantro 1 clove of garlic 2 tablespoons of lemon juice 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 1 shallow teaspoon of salt ½ cup of water¼ cup of cashews
Method of preparation:
Beat all the ingredients in the blender until it becomes a uniform paste.
