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Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
In India, although coriander leaves are a part of various cuisines, it is not consumed as much as it should be. They are added to food to enhance its flavour. Coriander leaves have a lot of health benefits.
Coriander is a plant thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region. Its aroma is due to its high content of essential oils rich in flavonoids and terpenes. Coriander contains many terpenes like limonene, citronellol, camphor, borneol, and many more. These terpenes and flavonoids are known to be potent antioxidants and possess many medicinal properties.
Indians frequently consume coriander leaves and coriander seeds powder. Coriander seeds powder has gained more attention from researchers for its health benefits due to its better shelf life. However, coriander leaves are quite different, with higher content of essential oils, vitamins, and other antioxidants.
Good for diabetes
Coriander leaves may benefit in the cases of diabetes. Studies are being done to find out if coriander can improve blood glucose control. Coriander leaves can lower glucose levels, reduce damage to beta-cells in the pancreas, and can also help manage weight. In addition, it appears to help fight visceral fat accumulation. Coriander leaves are also good for the liver.
Additionally, considering that it is rich in antioxidants and is good for improving fat metabolism, it is likely to reduce the risk of diabetes-associated chronic disorders, too.
Potent antioxidant
Coriander leaves contain terpenes, flavonoids, folates, vitamin C, and many other antioxidants. It means that its regular consumption may help protect the liver, kidney, and other organs from damage due to oxidants. It also appears to protect the brain from the toxic effects of heavy metals.
In short, coriander leaves are good for preventing non-communicable chronic disorders. It may also have some anti-aging effects. It is worth understanding that generally, diets like the Mediterranean diet or other diets associated with longevity are often rich in herbs like coriander. Of course, to experience many of these benefits, one may need to consume coriander daily and in more significant amounts.
Mood and brain health
Just add a few coriander leaves to any food, and it will immediately improve its flavor and aroma. Coriander is loved for its mood-elevating properties. However, people often do not realize that this can also help prevent mood disorders and boost brain health.
There are already studies emerging showing that coriander leaves reduce stress. Terpenes in coriander leaves are quite good at influencing the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, lowering cortisol levels, and thus reducing inflammation. It appears that linalool and other terpenes play a significant role in its action.
Not only that, just an aroma of coriander leaves is enough to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Thus, studies show that it can have potent anxiolytic capabilities. Studies show that women are particularly prone to anxiety spectrum disorders. Even inhaling the aroma of coriander leaves is enough to reduce anxiety.
There is even some evidence that coriander can improve focus and learning abilities. Thus, it is also good for young minds.
Heart health
Whatever reduces stress and has antioxidant ability would be good for heart health in the long run. After all, stress and inflammation are the primary causes of worsening heart health.
Studies show that coriander may help in many ways. It can cause vasodilation and thus reduce blood pressure. Additionally, it also has a mild diuretic action. Further, studies reveal that it has a beneficial effect on lipid profile, and thus it may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
These actions are characteristic of both coriander leaves and coriander powder. However, leaves may be better at reducing stress and countering vascular spasms. In addition, coriander leaves may exert a beneficial effect on kidneys and thus also help lower the risk of heart disease.
Boost gut health
Traditionally, people have consumed herbs as they boost appetite and increase the activity of digestive enzymes. However, there are studies showing that coriander leaves are good for improving digestion and thus gut health. It may also promote growth and anabolic processes.
It appears that essential oils in coriander leaves may help in other ways. Like these essential oils are good for microbiota. Some studies show that those who consume coriander regularly have a lower population of harmful gut bacteria. Coriander may also help prevent gastrointestinal infections. Since coriander can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, it may have a much broader role in health.
Antimicrobial properties
Interestingly, new studies suggest that adding coriander leaves to foods may also help preserve them and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections. It appears that essential oils in coriander leaves can suppress the growth of a wide number of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. It means that coriander may also help reduce the risk of food poisoning, some chronic gastrointestinal infections common in rural India.
Good for skin health
Coriander leaves are not just for consumption. Its juice also has many benefits for skin health. It can reduce the risk of infections, suppress acne, and improve skin texture. Studies show that it can also help protect skin from UV rays and slow down skin aging. It can also promote the production of collagen in the skin and thus reducing fine lines and even wrinkles.
Final thoughts
Coriander leaves are often added to various foods in India, and it appears that fresh coriander leaves also have many health benefits. For example, coriander leaves may help preserve food, improve aroma, boost mood, enhance brain health, and be suitable for gut health.
It is rich in many antioxidants, flavonoids, terpenes, and some vitamins. Therefore, regular consumption of coriander leaves can help stay healthy and prevent infections and metabolic disorders. Thus, this amazing herb has a wonderful aroma and is also a medicinal herb.
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