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Commonly called as Dhaniya, coriander is packed with a bundle of nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium sodium, vitamin A, B, C, and K. A member of the plant family Apiaceae, coriander has multiple uses since both it’s leaves and seeds are used in cooking.
Be it soups, dal, or curries, Indian recipes are almost incomplete without coriander leaves. In fact, isn’t coriander chutney our forever favourite food and snacks accompaniment? These green and aromatic leaves not just make the dish more appealing and tempting but also make it healthy. So without any delay, let’s tell you all about how beneficial this herb can be to your body.
Here are the 7 surprising health benefits of coriander:
1. Control blood sugar levels
If you are at risk of diabetes, including coriander to your diet can keep your sugar levels in check. Dr Divya Dhawan, Senior Clinical Nutritionist, Apollo Specialty Hospitals, Nehru Enclave, New Delhi tells HealthShots, “Various studies have confirmed that coriander leaves are packed with activated enzymes that help manage glucose levels in the blood by removing sugar from the blood. Thus, you will be able to control diabetes.”
2. Ease digestion process
Coriander leaves are dense in fiber and antioxidants. That enhances digestion, spikes metabolism, and helps you to manage bloating and constipation. It makes you feel fuller and prevents overeating, and also keeps your gut healthy.
3. Manages stress
These magical leaves can also lower your stress levels. “Coriander leaves ease digestion and lower physical stress in the body. These leaves enhance the mood by keeping the digestive system clean, healthy, and reduce oxidative stress,” says Dr Dhawan.
4. It enhances heart health
Coriander is also heart-friendly! Dr Dhawan explains that it is considered a diuretic, and flushes out extra sodium from the system by lowering blood pressure. Moreover, it is also rich in antioxidants and fibre so it cuts down the risk of heart disease, and keeps cholesterol levels in check.
5. It strengthens the immune system
Coriander contains antioxidants like terpinene, quercetin, and tocopherols that fight cellular damage and strengthen your Immune System. According to the research, these antioxidants reduce inflammation and have anti-cancer and neuroprotective effects.
6. Good for your eyes
Coriander contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and carotenoids that keep your vision intact and delay age-related macular degenerative disorders of vision.
7. It improves bones health
Dr Dhawan says, “Coriander has vital minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium that can increase bone density and protect you from aching joints. So if you want strong bones, it can be a good option for you.”
Ways to consume coriander
You should include coriander leaves in your daily diet. You can garnish your soup, sabzi, lentils, salad, or salsa dipping with coriander. Plus, as the expert suggests, you can also make coriander rice, use it in marinating, pickles, curries, pancakes, chutneys, and sauces. Here’s another suggestion – try drinking coriander water or juice to reap its many benefits.
