Kitchen Remedies - Coriander

Coriander holds a prominent position in the Indian kitchen. Coriander leaves are used to garnish various lentils and curry preparations. Coriander seeds, too, flavor many an Indian recipe with their richness.

Properties

Coriander fruits contain volatile oil, lipids, starch, pectins and mineral substances. In fact, coriander's flavor comes from the etheric oil contained in proportion of 1,5% - 2,0% . This oil contains linalool (60% - 80%), pinene, dipentene, etc. The fruits contain fatty acids like petroselinic acid, proteic substances, amino-acids, sitosterols, tocopherols, cumarins, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. The aromatic contained substance - coriandrol - is a very good adjuvant in the treatment of liver cancer. At the same time, coriander leaves represent a powerful source of vitamin A, C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin K, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. In small quantities it contains also niacin, vitamin B6, phosphor and zinc.

Source of dietary fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants:

Coriander is a rich source of dietary fiber and nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. In addition, it supplies antioxidants that assist the body in various ways. In what ways, did you ask? Well, it boosts your immunity, fights aging, counters health-damaging free radicals, and much more. (I’m sure my grandma said the same things; the only problem was her vocabulary wasn’t as sophisticated.)

Anti-diabetic and anti-cholesterol properties:

Coriander is known to lower blood sugar by stimulating the secretion of insulin. As a matter of fact, in Europe it is called an "anti-diabetic" plant. It also helps the heart by lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. Readers, do take this to heart.

Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties:

Coriander’s anti-inflammatory properties are used in treating arthritis. Here’s a remedy you can use to get relief from the ailment. Boil ground coriander seeds with water and drink the concoction. Feel a lot better? Well, I told you so. Coriander can also be used to treat bacterial and fungal infections.