In Africa, as well as in many other cultures, coriander is a food decoration component. The kind that generously announces that something good is cooking in a kitchen nearby. What is interesting to note is that the fragrant odor and taste is actually brought about by some essential oils contained in both the tender leaves and the dry seeds.
Coriander is used to flavor foods like pickles, sauces and confectionery, so for example as seasonings in curries, soups, sauces and chutneys. But besides this fairly common use and unbeknownst to many people, the product carries medicinal value. As mentioned above, it has some essential oils, about eleven in number, as well as vitamin C and some minerals. Without going into the scientific jargon, the value that these components add to someone that consumes coriander include:
Coriander is great with the mouth! Before the invention of toothpaste, people chewed it to avoid bad breath. And to this day, it is still used as an ingredient in toothpastes.
It’s also a great relief for mouth ulcers, besides also helping to increase the healing process
Improvement of skin health and skin appearance, by removing dryness as well as fungal infections. It also cures smallpox.
Fresh coriander leaves are known to be a great appetizer.
Reducing the level of bad cholesterol layering in the inner walls of blood veins and arteries, therefore reducing the risks of such conditions as heart attacks and strokes.
Coriander is rich in iron, so it also prevents anemia
Some essential oils in the product also help to aide digestion and therefore prevent such digestive conditions as diarrhea.
Reduced swelling caused by such conditions as anemia and kidney malfunctions
Such benefits among many others like preventing allergies and improving bone health, eye health and menstrual health as well as controlling diabetes make coriander a great product.
