Have you ever wondered why an Indian kitchen is stocked with all the spices and herbs possible at all times? While we do need spices to cook a delectable meal, many people also rely on them for some of the age-old home remedies that find a mention in Ayurveda. An alternative medicine practice with historical roots, Ayurveda has been around for more than 5,000 years. It encompasses diet and nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, relaxation, meditation and an extensive use of medicinal spices and herbs that we can easily include in our daily diet to help cure and manage a number of health woes.
So, all your turmeric, black pepper, cumin, coriander and loads of other spices and herbs in the kitchen pantry that we use in our culinary preparations are there for medicinal purposes besides adding a touch of flavour.
Coriander (dhania) is one such ingredient in our kitchen that we cannot imagine our spice rack without. On top of that, it is immensely popular in Ayurvedic medicine too. Packed with some of the most incredible health benefits, coriander is a must-have in your diet, according to experts. It is one of the oldest spices known to mankind, and also finds a mention in many Biblical texts besides being a popular spice across many cuisines around the world. Ayurveda adopted coriander’s healing benefits and developed many healing concoctions, making coriander even more popular in Indian kitchen cabinets. Coriander water is one such concoction that has proven to be a healing drink.
Image: PIxabay
The ministry of AYUSH too, in their Covid-19 guidelines, advocated coriander water as a healthy detox water. Did you know coriander-infused water has many health benefits? Here are some that would make you include this wonderful remedy in your diet.
1. Aids Weight Loss
Coriander helps facilitate good digestion and a good digestive system is the key to weight loss. Coriander, being a good source of fibre, assimilates and absorbs nutrients well, which leads to faster weight loss.
2. Manages Diabetes
According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, certain compounds in coriander seeds cause anti-hyperglycemic, insulin discharging and insulin like movement when discharged into the blood that keeps one's glucose levels within proper limits.
3. Checks Cholesterol
A compound, called coriandrin, present in coriander is known to control lipid digestion, which in turn brings down our cholesterol levels.
4. Keeps Constipation At Bay
Coriander comes with active compounds that stimulate digestive enzymes and juices, which aids healthy digestion, prevent flatulence, gas production, bloating and nausea. Both coriander leaves and coriander seeds are excellent for digestion and soothing a queasy stomach.
Coriander water can be the best way to consume coriander. To make coriander water, you can simply soak some coriander seeds in water for about 10 minutes. Let it simmer for a while, strain and drink. Alternatively, you can also soak coriander leaves overnight in water and drink it early in the morning.