Cilantro: Why This Zesty Little Herb Deserves a Spot on Your Plate

Let’s Talk Cilantro—Love It or Hate It?

Cilantro might be one of the most polarizing herbs out there. Some people can’t get enough of its fresh, citrusy flavor—others say it tastes like soap (blame your genes for that one). You might know it as cilantro, coriander, or even Chinese parsley. Just to clear things up: “cilantro” usually refers to the leaves and stems, while “coriander” is what we call the seeds. But depending on where you are in the world, the names might get swapped around.

A Tiny Herb with Global Flavor

Cilantro is a superstar in kitchens around the globe—Indian curries, Mexican tacos, Thai soups, Mediterranean salads, and beyond. This little green leaf has been flavoring food and supporting health for over 8,000 years (yep, they found ancient cilantro remains in Israeli caves!).

It’s not just delicious—it’s also incredibly nutritious. Like many leafy greens, cilantro is packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, plus minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It’s loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds too. So go ahead, toss it into soups, stews, smoothies, salads, and salsas.

Detox Power: Bye-Bye Heavy Metals

Here’s something pretty wild: cilantro can actually help detox heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum from your body. These toxins can build up over time thanks to things like polluted air, water, and certain seafood. Cilantro contains natural compounds that bind to these metals and help flush them out. So maybe sprinkle a little extra on your tuna salad—not just for flavor, but for a detox boost.

Naturally Supports Blood Sugar & Fights Diabetes

Cilantro has earned a rep as a bit of a natural blood sugar balancer. Studies show it helps lower blood sugar, boost insulin sensitivity, and improve cholesterol levels. Some researchers even believe regular consumption could play a real role in diabetes prevention (of course, as part of an overall healthy lifestyle). Not bad for a humble herb, right?

Feeling Anxious? Cilantro to the Rescue

Feeling stressed or having trouble sleeping? Cilantro might help calm your nerves. One study found it had similar anti-anxiety effects to Valium—without the sketchy side effects. Granted, you’d need to eat a lot of it to feel those sedative benefits, but hey, it’s nice to know your taco topping is working overtime.

A Natural Shield Against Food Poisoning

Here’s one reason cilantro might show up in so many traditional dishes around the world—it helps fight off foodborne bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. Cilantro contains compounds that are as effective as some antibiotics at killing these nasty bugs. So if you’re a fan of street food or picnic lunches, you might want to pile on the cilantro for a little added protection.

Happy Gut, Happy You

Got bloating, gas, or tummy troubles? Cilantro might help with that too. It supports digestion, stimulates digestive enzymes, and can even ease cramping and nausea. It’s also helpful if you’re dealing with IBS or just had a little too much spicy food—cilantro to the rescue!

Heart Health Hero

Cilantro doesn’t stop there—it’s also a heart-helper. It can lower total cholesterol and triglycerides (those can turn into LDL, the not-so-great kind of cholesterol). It also contains compounds that help reduce cholesterol buildup in the arteries, which can protect against heart disease and strokes. Plus, its potassium content can help regulate blood pressure.

And since it’s rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, cilantro helps fight oxidative stress—the kind that’s linked to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and even aging.

Even More Reasons to Keep It in Your Kitchen

Cilantro may:

• Help prevent colon cancer

• Reduce risk of UTIs

• Support regular menstrual cycles

• Soothe irritated skin like hives or poison ivy

• Strengthen bones, teeth, and hair (thanks to vitamin K)

Pro Tip: Eat It Raw

Cilantro is at its most powerful when eaten raw. That’s when you get the full flavor and all the nutrients. So toss it into guac, salsa, gazpacho, or smoothies—or sprinkle generously over finished dishes.

Try This: Lime Cilantro Coleslaw (from Dr. Josh Axe)

This refreshing slaw is crisp, creamy, and zesty. Plus, it’s packed with digestion-friendly fiber and, of course, the magical power of cilantro.

Ingredients:

• 1 head Savoy cabbage

• 4 scallions

• ½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 cup avocado oil mayo

• 1½ tablespoons honey

• 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• Sea salt & black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Shave the cabbage into thin ribbons.

2. Slice scallions lengthwise to match.

3. Combine cabbage, scallions, and cilantro in a big bowl.

4. In another bowl, mix mayo, honey, and lime juice.

5. Season with salt and pepper, toss everything together—and enjoy!

Perfect as a side dish with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even tucked into a burger.