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| English: Fresh Cilantro (Coriander) Deutsch: Verkaufsübliches Bund frischer Koriander (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Coriander or Chinese parsley is commonly found in Asian markets. The leaves are apple green and delicate. The shape of the leaf is bi or tri-lobed. With a lightly fresh aroma, the leaves and stems can be eaten raw, add to salads, soups and stir-fried vegetables. I alway chop a handful and throw it into salads for that fresh minty flavor.
The seeds of coriander is usually used as a spice for cooking as well as a herbal remedy. It will grow to a height of only 2 feet, with brancing stems. Its flowers are small and light pink that subsequently turn into globular or oval shaped fruits(seeds). The seeds measure about 4-6 mm in diameter. The center is a hollow cavity containing two vertical vittae which has some important essential oil.
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| Coriander seeds (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
The seeds are ready for harvest when the plants turn brown, leaves begin to dry and fall. Immature seeds are light green in color and taste bitter. To harvest, the crop is cut, tied in small bundles, and dried under the sunlight for several days. To separate the seeds, either the bundles beaten with stick or a lightweight roller used to wear off the pods.
Health benefits of coriander seeds
- Cilantro or coriander is a herb that contains no cholesterol. However, it is rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber that can help to reduce LDL bad cholesterol and at the same time raise level of HDL good cholesterol.
- Essential oils such as borneol, linalool, cineole, cymene, terpineol, dipentene, phelladrene, pinene and terpinolene are found in the leaves and seeds.
- It is also rich in several anti-oxidant polyphenolic flavonoids such as asquercetin, kaempferol, rhamnetin and epigenin. These are found in the leaves and stem tips.
- This herb is also a good source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Our cells and body fluids need potassium to control heart rate and blood pressure. Iron is needed to produce red blood cells. Manganese acts as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzymem superoxide dismutase.
- Coriander is also full of vital vitamins which include folic-acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-A, beta carotene, vitamin-C. These vitamins are important for optimum health.
- Per 100 g, it provides 6748 IU of Vitamin-A. That's about 225% of recommended daily intake. Vitamin-A, a fat soluble vitamin and antioxidant, is required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. It is also good for our eyes. By consuming foods that are rich in vitamin-A and flavonoids(carotenes) will prevent lungs and oral cavity cancers.
- Cilantro has the highest source for vitamin K which plays an important role in bone mass building by promoting osteotrophic activity in bones. It is also used to treat Alzheimer's disease by limiting neuronal damage to the brain.
- Oil made from coriander seeds are used in many traditional medicines such as analgesic, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, deodorant, digestive, carminative, fungicidal, lipolytic(weight loss), stimulant and stomachic.
15% of folates
11% of vitamin B-6(pyridoxine)
45% of vitamin C
225% of vitamin A
258% of vitamin K
22% of iron
18% of manganese
Let's take a short break from spices. My next topic for discussion is, "32) Makeup Tips For Women Over 50."
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