Cilantro is a popular herb popular around the globe that resembles flat leaf parsley at first glance, but at first sniff, transports you to the Mediterranean, Mexico, Asia, and India. Cilantro gives a fresh boost of flavor, without the addition of sea salt or other seasonings.

This versatile herb is used in everything from guacamole and salsa, to curries, noodle dishes, and chimichurri sauces of Argentina. Not only does this flavorful, bright herb have unlimited culinary applications, but surprisingly to many people cilantro benefits the body and has many known healing properties.

Health benefits of Cilantro:

1. Rids the Body of Heavy Metals

2. Protects Against Oxidative Stress

3. Lowers Anxiety and Improves Sleep

4. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

5. Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease

6. Prevents Urinary Tract Infections

7. Settles Digestive Upset

8. Protects Against Food Poisoning 

9. Supports Healthy Menstrual Function

10. Prevents Neurological Inflammation

11. Protects Against Colon Cancer

12. Soothes Skin Irritations

Cilantro Benefits in Leaves & Seeds

One of the reasons that cilantro is so unique is due to its versatility. While green and leafy, it brings a fresh, nearly citrusy flavor to foods. Once it flowers, it produces the seeds, and the flavor of the leaves intensify, plus the coriander seeds that it yields contain their own health benefits. While still citrusy in nature, coriander has a warm, almost nutty flavor, making it the perfect complement for pickling, sausages, breads, and it is one of the central spices in Garam Masala.

Cilantro Nutrition Facts

Cilantro is rich in phytonutrients, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.

Vitamin A: 270 IU

Vitamin K: 12.4 mcg

Folate: 2.5 mcg

Potassium: 20.8 mg

Cilantro is very low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and the caloric value is nearly nonexistent. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Just a ¼ cup of fresh cilantro provides 270 IU of Vitamin A, and 16% of the daily value recommended of vitamin K.

The vitamin K and calcium content of cilantro help to build strong bones, teeth, and hair. Cilantro is considered the “anti-diabetic” plant in some parts of Europe, and research shows that it helps to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, supports healthy cardiovascular function, and much more.