Green cilantro looks like parsley, but in reality it is a completely different plant with its own specific smell and taste. It is necessary to learn about what useful properties and what effect cilantro has on the body, and how to properly apply this product, as well as contraindications for use.
Table of contents
Cilantro or coriander - description and characteristics
Herb plant belongs to the family of coriander. His homeland is Eastern Mediterranean. Today cilantro can be found in almost every corner of the globe.
It blooms with small pink flowers, gathered in bunches, resembling an umbrella. The fruits have a brown-yellow color, and in shape look like balls. But the foliage falls on the table. It is added to salads, hot dishes, used as a seasoning, as well as for the preparation of vitamin drinks.
Grass flavor plays an important role in the creation of dishes, sometimes the leaves are added solely for its sake. Although this smell is not pleasant to everyone, many people compare it to bedbugs.
-
- Cilantro foliage
-
- Seeds
Dried seasoning loses this aromatic propertyas the substance possessing it in its raw form disappears.
Useful properties of cilantro for the human body
Substances that positively affect the human body are contained both in green leaves and grains. These include trace elements, salts, oils, vitamins.
- Provitamin A;
- Vitamins B, B1;
- PP;
- WITH;
- Folic acid;
- Riboflovin;
- Pectin;
- Rutin;
- Potassium;
- Calcium;
- Choline;
- Sodium;
- Phosphorus;
- Iron;
- Copper;
- Essential oils.
The caloric value of a product per 100 grams is only 23 kcalthat speaks of him as a good option for diet food.
In addition, the grass has the property remove excess fluid and toxins. The plant, added to food in fresh form, improves appetite and digestion.
Separately, it is worth looking at it to men who want to increase the potency, as in the composition there is androsterone. This component is also called natural testosterone. The use of this hormone is an active agent and preventive measure against the occurrence of prostatitis.
Harm plants for health and contraindications to use
These include idiosyncrasy component. Allergic reaction to coriander is manifested in the form of rashes and redness on the skin, nausea, vomiting and relaxation of the chair, abdominal pain.
Presence of disease heart or blood vessels is also a contraindication to the use of this seasoning. It stimulates the circulatory system and can complicate the course of diseases such as hypertension and tachycardia and harm the body. For people who have suffered a stroke or heart attack, adding this seasoning to food is not recommended.
The consumption rate of this spice per day is 35 grams. A larger amount can cause insomnia, weaken memory, disrupt the course of a woman's menstrual cycles, and lead to over-stimulation of the nervous system.
Dishes with this plant should be limited to patients with diabetes and having problems with the intestines or stomach. Enter cilantro in the baby's diet is recommended not earlier than 1.5 years.
Use in traditional folk medicine
The plant element is also used for cosmetology purposes. Masks for hair and face are made of it. Essential oil of coriander, added to the nourishing cream, mattes the skin and relieves acne. Fresh juice is good for vision. It is also used in small quantities for the treatment of nervous disorders and depression.
In Europe, cilantro was grown only in the 19th century, and its use for medicinal purposes is not very popular. In India, it has long been known about the possibilities of using the seeds of this garden herb in medicine.
It is added to the menu if ordinary human food is overloaded with animal fats. The plant quickly restores balance, lowers cholesterol.
Unlike parsley, cilantro is not considered toxic. Broths and tea made from fresh foliage, allowed to drink daily.
There are medical drugs, which include this herbal component. They are prescribed for bloating, colitis, heaviness in the stomach, bowel pain.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding women
Observing moderation, a pregnant woman is allowed to add this seasoning to food. The main condition that must be met: the expectant mother should not have an individual intolerance to this product.
In the period of lactation from the use of plants should refrain because deterioration of the taste of milk. The child may not like the specific taste, and therefore he can refuse the breast.
Cilantro Recipes
Even in ancient times, people noticed the healing properties of this plant and began to use it for treatment. Broths are used with reduced appetite, cystitis, hemorrhoids and other diseases.
It is necessary to prepare the tincture of fresh, chopped foliage: dry grass will not work. Content is filled with boiling water and infused during the day. For one glass there is one teaspoon of dry mix. Accepted such a composition for half an hour before meals 3 times a day. They also rinse gums if they bleed.
An interesting option is considered cutlets with this green seasoning. It gives the meat a refined taste and makes the dish much healthier.
Ground dried seeds go well with other spices, such as black pepper, hops-suneli and others. Their addition to meat and fish dishes improves and harmonizes the taste of the protein product.
Despite its taste specificity,cilantro has become widespread in various cuisines of the world and traditional medicine.