No spice rack is complete without coriander seeds. It has a vibrant lemon-like flavor, making it an all-time favorite! This culinary staple can do more than spice up your dishes, though.
According to the ancient practice of Ayurveda, coriander seeds can transform your health. It can be found in both whole and powder form, making it extremely versatile to use. Coriander seed essential oil is also available.
To learn how you can find value from this spice, check out these 8 benefits of coriander seeds.
1. Weight Loss
Weight loss can happen if you consume metabolism-increasing and fat-burning food. If you’re trying to lose weight, coriander seed is your new best friend. Boil 3 tbsp of soaked coriander seeds (soaked for minimum 3 hours) in a glass of water till it reduces to half. Strain the water and drink it twice daily. It’ll enhance your digestion and immunity, helping lose weight.
2. Improves Thyroid Conditions
If you have thyroid problems like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, consider eating coriander seeds. Benefits include hormone regulation, thanks to its rich level of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. A coriander tea, smoothie, or water can be a vital part of your diet.
3. Improves Digestion
Have digestive problems? Look no further. One of the best benefits of coriander seeds is its ability to cool down inflammation. This means it can ease gas, bloating, and other symptoms of an irritated digestive system. Your intestines will also be able to absorb nutrients better.
Try making a coriander seed smoothie. Blend a tablespoon of coriander seeds with ice, coconut milk, and other cooling ingredients like cucumber or watermelon.
4. Relieves Allergic Reactions
Thanks to its cooling properties, coriander is great for calming allergies. It can relieve common symptoms like hives, itchiness, and swelling. To use it on the skin, make a paste by combining one teaspoon honey and ½ teaspoon ground coriander seeds. Apply it on the affected area and wash off after 5 to 10 minutes.
A coriander seed tea can also benefit a swollen mouth or throat. Simply boil 1 teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds in 1 cup water. Drink warm and add honey, if you’d like. You can also add coriander seeds to a cooling cucumber or parsley juice.
5. Calms Arthritis
Because of coriander’s anti-inflammatory power, you can use it to relieve arthritis. Make your own ointment by mixing ½ teaspoon coriander seed powder with shea butter, coconut oil, or your favorite unscented lotion.
Coriander seed essential oil can also benefit arthritis. Simply dilute 5 drops of the oil in 1 tablespoon of a carrier like coconut, olive, or grapeseed oil. You can even add other anti-inflammatory oils like frankincense, tea tree, bay leaf, and lemon. Rub this mixture onto your joints whenever you need a pick-me-up.
6. Reduces Heavy Menstrual Flow
Women with excessive menstrual flow can benefit from drinking water with boiled coriander seeds. It will regulate bleeding, making sure blood loss isn’t too high. The high iron content of coriander seeds will also help replenish the blood, therefore improving energy levels.
7. Controls Diabetes
Coriander seeds maintain insulin activity and reduce glucose level in blood. The insulin secretion increases in the pancreas because of stimulating effect of coriander on the endocrine glands. This reduces the chances of sudden drop in blood sugar level to ensure other normal metabolic functioning.1
You can either use powdered coriander seeds or the whole raw coriander seeds in curries, soups, pickles, juices, and gravies. You can also have coriander water – 10 grams of crushed coriander seeds soaked in 10 parts of water overnight.
8. Improves Eye Health
High antioxidant content in coriander seeds reduces itchiness, redness, and inflammation in the eyes.2 Coriander seeds’ anti bacterial properties protect eyes from contagious diseases like conjunctivitis.3
Wash your eyes with decoction of coriander seeds, if you have conjunctivitis (pink eyes). To improve eyesight, use a drop of juice extracted from the paste of soaked coriander seeds. Also, to get rid of various eye problems, consume coriander juice daily on empty stomach.
Coriander seed pairs well with lemon, apples, and pears. If you’re looking for a lively burst of flavor, combine it with tropical citrus like orange or grapefruit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and play around with flavors. The health benefits of coriander seeds will be worth it!
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