Cilantro is a polarizing herb—some people love its fresh, citrusy flavor, while others claim it tastes like soap.
Whether you’re a cilantro fan or not, this humble herb has a lot more to offer than just its unique taste.
From powerful detoxification properties to surprising health benefits, cilantro is a superfood that deserves a spot in your diet.
After reading this, you’ll never look at cilantro the same way again.
1. Cilantro Is a Natural Detoxifier
Cilantro is often referred to as a powerful natural detoxifier due to its unique ability to bind to heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum, helping to remove them from the body.
This process is known as chelation, and it’s particularly beneficial for those who have been exposed to these toxins through the environment, food, or certain dental fillings.
How It Works:
- Cilantro contains compounds like carboxylic acid and polyphenols, which bind to heavy metals and toxins in the bloodstream.
- Regular consumption of cilantro can help reduce the buildup of these harmful substances, preventing long-term damage to the body.
How to Use:
- Add fresh cilantro to your salads, smoothies, or soups to support your body’s natural detox processes.
2. Packed with Antioxidants
Cilantro is loaded with antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage cells.
This can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. One of the most powerful antioxidants in cilantro is quercetin, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Health Benefits:
- Fights Inflammation: Cilantro’s antioxidants help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can lower the risk of developing chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
- Protects Against Cancer: The high antioxidant content of cilantro may help reduce the risk of cancer by protecting cells from oxidative stress.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top of your meals for a burst of antioxidants, or blend it into sauces and dressings.
3. Supports Heart Health
Cilantro is an herb that can work wonders for heart health. It contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and proper heart function.
Cilantro has also been shown to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL), which can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
How It Helps:
- Regulates Blood Pressure: The high potassium content in cilantro helps relax blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and improving circulation.
- Lowers Cholesterol: Cilantro contains compounds that help lower LDL cholesterol levels, preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
How to Use:
- Add cilantro to your meals or enjoy it in fresh salsas and dips to support cardiovascular health.
4. Aids Digestion and Soothes the Gut
Cilantro has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a natural remedy for digestive issues.
Its natural oils, including linalool, help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and juices, which aid in breaking down food and improving digestion. Cilantro can also help relieve gas, bloating, and nausea.
How It Helps:
- Stimulates Digestion: The essential oils in cilantro promote the secretion of digestive enzymes, improving nutrient absorption and reducing indigestion.
- Relieves Bloating: Cilantro’s natural anti-inflammatory properties help reduce gas and bloating, making it a great herb for gut health.
How to Use:
- Incorporate cilantro into your diet by adding it to salads, soups, or teas to promote healthy digestion.
5. Balances Blood Sugar Levels
For those struggling with blood sugar control, cilantro may offer natural relief.
Research has shown that cilantro can help lower blood sugar levels by improving the function of insulin, the hormone that regulates glucose in the bloodstream.
This makes cilantro an excellent herb for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
How It Helps:
- Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Compounds in cilantro help enhance insulin activity, allowing glucose to be processed more efficiently in the body.
- Lowers Blood Sugar Levels: Cilantro may help reduce blood sugar spikes, making it easier to maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
How to Use:
- Enjoy cilantro as a fresh garnish or in herbal teas to naturally regulate blood sugar levels.
6. Improves Skin Health
Cilantro isn’t just great for your internal health—it can also work wonders for your skin.
Cilantro contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, which help protect the skin from sun damage, reduce signs of aging, and promote a clear complexion. Cilantro’s antibacterial properties can also help prevent and treat acne.
How It Helps:
- Anti-Aging Benefits: The antioxidants in cilantro fight free radical damage, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
- Acne Treatment: Cilantro’s antibacterial properties help clear up acne and prevent future breakouts by removing harmful bacteria from the skin.
How to Use:
- Create a cilantro face mask by blending fresh cilantro leaves with water or aloe vera. Apply it to your face to cleanse and refresh your skin.
7. Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Cilantro has natural calming properties that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Its compounds, such as linalool, are known for their sedative effects, which can help soothe the nervous system and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
How It Helps:
- Calms the Nervous System: Cilantro’s natural oils have a calming effect on the brain, helping to relieve stress and promote a sense of calm.
- Promotes Relaxation: Regular consumption of cilantro may help reduce anxiety levels and improve sleep quality.
How to Use:
- Sip on cilantro tea or add it to your favorite dishes to enjoy its natural stress-relieving benefits.
8. Supports Detoxification of Heavy Metals
Cilantro’s ability to chelate heavy metals makes it particularly valuable in detox programs. It binds to toxic heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum, which can accumulate in the body and cause long-term health issues.
By helping your body eliminate these metals, cilantro supports overall detoxification and improves liver health.
How It Helps:
- Removes Heavy Metals: Cilantro binds to heavy metals in the bloodstream and supports their removal through the body’s natural detoxification pathways.
- Promotes Liver Health: Cilantro’s detoxifying properties help the liver process and eliminate toxins more efficiently.
How to Use:
- Make cilantro smoothies or juice with other detoxifying ingredients like lemon and ginger to support your body’s detoxification processes.
9. Promotes Weight Loss
Cilantro can support healthy weight loss due to its ability to boost digestion, detoxify the body, and balance blood sugar levels.
By improving metabolism and helping your body process food more efficiently, cilantro can be a helpful addition to a weight loss plan.
How It Helps:
- Boosts Metabolism: Cilantro supports the digestive system, helping your body break down food and absorb nutrients more effectively.
- Regulates Appetite: By balancing blood sugar levels, cilantro can help prevent hunger pangs and sugar cravings, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet.
How to Use:
- Add cilantro to salads, soups, and smoothies to support your weight loss efforts and enjoy its many health benefits.
Cilantro is much more than just a garnish or flavor enhancer—it’s a potent herb with impressive health benefits.
From detoxifying heavy metals and supporting heart health to reducing anxiety and promoting glowing skin, cilantro is a true superfood.
Whether you love its flavor or have yet to embrace its taste, incorporating cilantro into your diet can have a profound impact on your health.