Coriander is an herb that is commonly use to flavor international dishes. It comes from the Coriandrum sativum plant and is related to parsley, carrots, and celery.
Many people use coriander in dishes like soups and salsas, as well as Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian meals like curries and masalas. Coriander leaves are often used whole, whereas the seeds are used dried or ground.
Coriander seeds are plump and brown in colour, have a hollow cavity which bears essential oils that lend to the flavour of the dishes when used in cooking.
Apart from being a popular spice in the kitchen, coriander seeds are also known for their medicinal properties. Here are some of the health benefits of coriander seeds:
1. Beautiful skin
Coriander seeds are quite effective in curing different skin ailments like eczema, itchy skin, rashes and inflammation as they have antiseptic properties. They are known to cure mouth ulcers and sores as well. The seeds contain linoleic acid that also has pain relieving properties to diminish irritation.
2. Helps tackle diabetes
Some ancient practices claim that regular usage of coriander seeds help in keeping a check on blood sugar. In a study, it was found that the extracts from coriander seeds have certain compounds that when discharged into the blood caused anti-hyperglycaemic, insulin discharging and insulin like movement that held one’s glucose levels within proper limits.
3. Facilitates hair growth
Hair loss can come about because of debilitated hair follicles, hormonal imbalance and stress, in addition to an improper diet. Coriander seeds are known to prevent hair fall and invigorate the roots for the development of new hair. They fortify the hair follicles and initiate further development, in this way keeping under control your hair fall issue.
4. Keeps a check on cholesterol
Cholesterol levels or your lipid profiles are regularly a state of worry during check-ups. Furthermore, if you need to bring down your cholesterol levels and keep a check, coriander seeds could help you. Coriander seeds contain a compound called coriandrin that controls the process of lipid digestion, as a result bringing down our cholesterol levels. As per Ayurveda, the seeds have potent effect on the way the body digests food and absorbs fat, making it a common recommendation to keep cholesterol levels under control.
5. Cure for cold and flu
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is crucial for a sound body and beautiful skin. Coriander seeds have numerous key vitamins like folic acid, vitamin A and beta-carotene, and most importantly, vitamin C. Coriander leaves and seeds contain nearly 30% of the everyday suggested measure of vitamin C, which helps in curing cold and flu.
6. Prevents menstrual irregularities
Women who suffer from heavy menstrual flow should include coriander seeds in their regular diet. Coriander seeds contain natural stimulants that stimulate your endocrine glands to secrete and maintain proper hormonal balance, which ensures that the associated pain with the cycle is reduced, and excess flow is alleviated. They also help prevent menstrual irregularities.
