Health Benefits Of Cilantro (Coriander)

Cilantro, otherwise known as coriander, is a herb commonly used in hundreds of dishes across cultures all over the world. It can be a flavorful part of curries, salads, and soups. Some individuals even use cilantro as a garnish on mashed potatoes, steaks, and other dishes. Culturally in the United States, cilantro is the term for the leaves of the plant, while coriander is the term used for the seeds. This plant has a wide variety of nutritional benefits thanks to its many health-boosting compounds. Every part of the plant is technically edible, but the seeds and leaves are the most commonly used components in recipes. The plant is rich in antioxidants and other vitamins, so it can help an individual's body maintain equilibrium.

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Lowers Blood Sugar

Coriander seeds and cilantro have both been shown to have some effect on an individual's blood sugar. Namely, they may be able to moderately reduce their blood sugar. This is true even in individuals who don't have diabetes or prediabetes. Some foods can protect diabetes patients against blood sugar spikes by slowing the amount of sugar released into the blood over time. However, cilantro works differently. Rather than affecting the speed of digestion, the cilantro plant is thought to increase the body's production of enzymes that remove blood sugar. In an animal study, the animals that had a dietary supplement of coriander seeds were also shown to have significantly lower blood sugar. Another animal study indicated in animals with diabetes, the leaves of the cilantro plant had nearly the same efficacy at blood sugar reduction as prescription diabetes medication. With all of that said, there haven't been many conclusive human studies done to date. More research needs to be compiled and published regarding human participants before a definitive statement can be made regarding the efficacy of cilantro on blood sugar management.

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