Cilantro, popularly known as coriander, has a long history of safe and healthy use. It is mainly used in Asian and Mexican cooking for its fragrance and fantastic flavor. However, the best thing about a sprig of cilantro is that it comes packed with lots of nutrients, which contribute to our health considerably. To top it all, it aids in weight loss, which is one of the biggest concerns of today’s world. (1)
A Little Bit About Cilantro
Cilantro belongs to the carrot family and resembles another well-known herb called parsley. In ‘The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies,’ it is mentioned to be a native to India that reached China nearly 2,000 years ago. Hence, it is often referred to as ‘Chinese Parsley.’ Cilantro sprigs have flat, light green leaves that taste like anise. Apart from its worldwide use in cooking, the herb also has some excellent medicinal benefits. In ancient Greece, cilantro was used to treat indigestion, abdominal gas, bloating, inflammation (both internal and external), cramps, nausea, poor blood circulation, constipation, mental stress, and so forth. Though there is no clinical evidence that cilantro can aid in weight loss, the herb is believed to help us shed excess body fat and avoid obesity.
Cilantro, popularly known as coriander, has a long history of safe and healthy use. It is mainly used in Asian and Mexican cooking for its fragrance and fantastic flavor. However, the best thing about a sprig of cilantro is that it comes packed with lots of nutrients, which contribute to our health considerably. To top it all, it aids in weight loss, which is one of the biggest concerns of today’s world.
It’s Family
Cilantro belongs to the carrot family and resembles another well-known herb called parsley. In ‘The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies,’ it is mentioned to be a native to India that reached China nearly 2,000 years ago. Hence, it is often referred to as ‘Chinese Parsley.’ Cilantro sprigs have flat, light green leaves that taste like anise. Apart from its worldwide use in cooking, the herb also has some excellent medicinal benefits. In ancient Greece, cilantro was used to treat indigestion, abdominal gas, bloating, inflammation (both internal and external), cramps, nausea, poor blood circulation, constipation, mental stress, and so forth. Though there is no clinical evidence that cilantro can aid in weight loss, the herb is believed to help us shed off excess body fats and avoid obesity.
Why Cilantro For Weight Loss?
As we’ve said earlier, cilantro is supposed to promote human weight loss, but scientific data do not back the claim. However, several studies have been conducted to understand how the herb can impact our body weight and how it can be a natural remedy for weight management. Based on those findings, we can say that cilantro is a good choice for supporting weight loss. Want to know more? Here we go:
Hormonal Effects
Cilantro is an excellent natural source of ‘limonene,’ a highly active hormone causing a significant reduction in our belly fat. According to scientists, limonene plays a crucial role in keeping our stomachs flat by inhibiting the absorption of saturated fats. It essentially stops the fats from bulging around the belly and dissolves the already accumulated fats, thereby promoting weight loss to a great extent.
Low In Calorie
It is already proven that a weight loss diet needs an intake of fewer calories. While kick-starting a perfect diet for weight loss, one should ensure that it is considerably low in calories and contains highly nutritious foods (vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients) to keep the body healthy. Studies have revealed that cilantro is a sure bet for it as (1/4) the cup of the herb surprisingly holds only one calorie. It is also quite rich in vital vitamins (A, C, E, K, pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, niacin) as well as minerals (copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, manganese).
Digestive Aid
When it comes to treating digestive issues, cilantro is considered a super effective natural remedy. It stimulates our digestive tract to release enough digestive juices, promoting digestion and keeping problems like flatulence, intestinal gas, etc. away. It facilitates the peristaltic action of our gastrointestinal tract, which is required for smooth bowel movement and curing constipation. Moreover, the herb can significantly help our body assimilate essential nutrients from ingested foods to feel fuller for an extended period. All of these are important for shedding excess pounds and preventing weight gain.
Heavy Metal Detoxifier
If you want to lose your extra body weight successfully, you must make it a point to help your body eliminate toxic heavy metals like mercury, aluminum, led, etc. As a ‘chelation agent,’’ cilantro acts as a whole-body detoxifier for us needed for metal elimination. It loosens the intracellular deposits of heavy metals from tissues by transforming them from charged to neutral states. This averts the possibility of hormonal imbalances and ensures no weight loss resistance.
How To Consume Cilantro For Weight Loss?
Here are some ways to include cilantro in your weight-loss diet:
- Juice up cilantro sprigs with cold water, add a pinch of salt and drink it.
- Increase the strength of your cilantro juice by adding more green fruits or veggies.
- Add cilantro to your soups, stews, salads, and curries for extra flavor.
- Prepare ayurvedic tea by using cilantro and sip it hot.
Cilantro has a powerful aroma; only a tiny amount of the herb can add great flavor to your dishes. Hence, ensure you consume it in moderation, even when trying to lose additional body weight. Apart from this, cilantro is safe and healthy for our body. So, give it a try today.
Summary
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a versatile herb with a rich history of culinary and medicinal use. While it lacks clinical evidence for weight loss, it is believed to aid in shedding excess body fat. Cilantro is low in calories, high in nutrients, and may impact weight through hormonal effects, acting as a digestive aid and serving as a heavy metal detoxifier. Including cilantro in juices, soups, salads, or ayurvedic tea can be a flavorful and healthy addition to a weight-loss diet.
