Coriander Benefits, Plant Description, Various Names, Classification, Nutritional Value, Beneficiary Uses, Side Effects and FAQ
What is Coriander?
Coriander is an aromatic herb with medicinal properties. It is an annual herb of the ‘Apiaceae‘ plant family. Leaves are aromatic and placed alternatively on the stem, and thin in flower stems. It is a soft, hairless plant. Flowers are small white or very pale pink in color. The plant produces an oval-shaped fruit that is yellow-brown in color and contains two seeds. The seeds have a mild aroma. Coriander is an annual plant, surviving only one growing season and grows up to 50cm (19.7 inches).
Coriander is native to areas stretching from southern Europe and North Africa to southwest Asia. The herb is widely cultivated in many places across the world for consumption purposes.
Health Benefits and Uses of Coriander
Coriander leaves are an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Along with these nutrients, coriander leaves are also a source of nutrients such as dietary fiber, iron, manganese, calcium, vitamin K, phosphorus etc. Consuming coriander can have multiple benefits for the entire body. From lowering blood sugar levels to boosting immunity, from hair rejuvenation to skin cleansing, the potential health benefits of coriander are endless.
This article describes the health benefits of coriander and other related important facts you must know.
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Nutritional Value of per 100g of Coriander
- Energy: 95 kJ (23 kcal)
- Carbohydrates: 3.67 g
- Sugars: 0.87
- Dietary fiber: 2.8 g
- Fat: 0.52 g
- Protein: 2.13 g
- Vitamin
- Vitamin A: 337 μg
- Beta-Carotene: 3930 μg
- Lutein zeaxanthin: 865 μg
- Thiamine (B1): 0.067 mg
- Riboflavin (B2): 0.162 mg
- Niacin (B3): 1.114 mg
- Pantothenic acid (B5): 0.57 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.149 mg
- Folate (B9): 62 μg
- Vitamin C: 27 mg
- Vitamin E: 2.5 mg
- Vitamin K: 310 μg
- Minerals
- Calcium: 67 mg
- Iron: 1.77 mg
- Magnesium: 26 mg
- Manganese: 0.426 mg
- Phosphorus: 48 mg
- Potassium: 521 mg
- Sodium: 46 mg
- Zinc: 0.5 mg
- Other constituents
- Water: 92.21 g
Different Regional Names of Coriander
- Assamese: Dhonia
- Tamil: Kothamalli Ilai / Malli Ilai
- Malayalam: Kothamalli Ila / Malli Ila
- Telugu: Kothamalli Kooraku
- Kannada: Kottambari Soppu
- Hindi: Hara Dhania Ke Patte / Dhania Patha
- Bengali: Dhonay Patha
- Gujarati: Kothmir / Dhana
- Marathi: Kothimbir
- Odia: Dhania Patra
- Punjabi: Hara Dhania
Scientific Classification of Coriander
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Asterids
- Order: Apiales
- Family: Apiaceae
- Genus: Coriandrum
- Species: C. sativum
- Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum
Health Benefits of Coriander
- Improves Vision
In addition to vitamin C coriander leaves contain a lot of vitamin A, vitamin E and carotenoid antioxidants, which improve vision. These are also effective in curing Conjunctivitis and age-related macular degeneration.
- Manages Diabetes Symptoms
Dietary fiber and protein in coriander leaves help in controlling blood sugar levels. Eating a glass of coriander juice with some lemon and honey can control appetite, lose weight and reduce diabetic symptoms.
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- Treats Liver Dysfunction
Coriander leaves are rich in alkali and flavonoids, so it helps in curing liver diseases such as jaundice and bile disorders. Furthermore, they provide useful Hepatoprotective properties, enhance liver function and ensure proper discharge of toxins from the body through the kidneys.
- Fortifies Bone Density
Coriander leaves contain generous amounts of connective tissue that enrich minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Eating these leaves with lentils and salads greatly increases bone density and soothes the aching joints due to arthritis and osteoporosis.
- Remedy for Stomach Problems
Anthocyanin present in coriander leaves enables anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in curing stomach ulcers and indigestion. Moreover, eating coriander leaves increases the level of gastric mucus secretion, which protects the stomach walls from strong acids, thereby increasing intestinal health.
- Lower Bad Cholesterol
In today’s lifestyle, every third person is suffering from high cholesterol problems. Regular consumption of coriander leaves can help in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and improving good cholesterol (HDL).
- May promote Skin Health
Being a powerhouse of iron, vitamin E and vitamin A, coriander fights free radicals that can harm the skin. Coriander also acts as a remedy for oily skin for its ability to absorb excess oil. It is an antimicrobial, antiseptic and antifungal agent that can help calm and cool the skin.
- Supports Immunity
Coriander leaves are rich in vitamin C and vitamin E and these two nutrients with vitamin A can help in gradually improving your immune system. Vitamin C can effectively work with white blood cells and help in iron absorption.
Also Read: Immune System of Human Body
- Fights against Free Radicals
Coriander is full of antioxidants, which is important for fighting free radicals in your body. Free radicals are loose oxygen molecules that can damage your cells, leading to cancer, heart disease and more. Coriander antioxidants help remove free radicals from your body, reduce your risk of some cancers and even reduce signs of aging.
- Improves Brain Functioning
Brain disorders such as Parkinson, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis are associated with inflammation. Anti-inflammatory properties of coriander caused by anthocyanin can protect against these disorders.
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Uses of Coriander
Coriander is often used in Spanish, Mexican, Latin and Indian cuisine. It is a common spice ingredient in merined, chili paste or sauce, soup and curry, chutney. Coriander leaves are an essential part of Indian cuisine, so are used by adding them to soups, salads, rasams, curry and lentils.
Side Effects of Coriander
Coriander is safe in food content and probably safe for most people when consumed orally in appropriate quantities. When inhaled, coriander can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms of such reactions may include asthma, swollen nose, hive, or swelling inside the mouth. In some people when coriander comes into skin contact, it can cause skin irritation and inflammation.
Special Precaution and Warning
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking coriander if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid overuse.
Allergic Reaction: People who have allergic reactions to mugwort, aniseed, caraway, fennel, dill and similar plants may also have an allergic reaction to coriander.
Diabetes: Coriander can reduce blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and take coriander, keep monitoring your blood sugar levels.
Low Blood Pressure/hypotension: Coriander can reduce blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure or are taking medications for it then discuss with your doctor before consuming coriander.
Surgery: Coriander can reduce blood sugar. There is some concern that it may interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. It is recommended to stop consuming coriander at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Also Read: Abnormal Blood Pressure – Symptoms, Causes and Remedies
Conclusion
The above article lets you know what are the benefits and concerns of consuming or using coriander. Information provided in the article is based on trusted sources and only for educational purposes and not intended to replace expert’s advice. Please consult your doctor if you face any health issues after consuming the herb or if you are curious to know more about its health impacts.
FAQ
Q: What is the most common use for coriander?
A. Coriander is often used in Spanish, Mexican, Latin and Indian cuisines. It is a common ingredient in all spices, merined, chili, sauce, soup and curry.
Q: Who is the largest coriander producer?
A. India is the largest producer of coriander.
Q: What is the specialty of Coriander?
A. Coriander is a wonderful source of dietary fiber, manganese, iron and magnesium. In addition, coriander leaves contain vitamin C, vitamin K and protein. They contain a low amount of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, niacin and carotene.
Q: What is the scientific name of Coriander?
A. Coriander’s scientific name is ‘Coriandrum sativum’.
Q: What are the conditions needed to grow coriander?
A. The best way to grow coriander is to put in well drained soil with frequent watering and adequate fertilizers, plenty of sunlight and a little shade during the hottest time of the day.