Cilantro (Coriander) nutrition facts

Cilantro is a popular Mediterranean herb commonly recognized in Asia as coriander. It is widely employed in particularly savory dishes all cultures both in modern as well as traditional cusines.The herb contains many notable plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health-promoting properties. It is quite similar to dill in utility terms of its leaves and seeds which can be used as seasoning.

Botanically, the herb belongs to the family of apiaceae, of the genus: Coriandrum. Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum .

Cilantro herb is native to Mediterranean and Asia Minor (Turkey) regions. This perennial plant requires well-draining fertile soil supplemented with warm summer climates to flourish. It grows 1 to 2 feet in height and features dark green, hairless, soft leaves that are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on near the flowering stems. The leaves and stem have slightly citrus flavor. It bears umbels of small white or light pink flowers in midsummer, followed by round-oval shaped aroamtic seeds.

Coriander seeds, used as spice, are round to oval in shape, yellowish brown in color with vertical ridges and have flavor that is aromatic, sweet and citrus, but also slightly peppery.

Health benefits of cilantro (coriander)

• Cilantro herb contains no cholesterol; but is rich in anti-oxidants and dietary fiber which help reduce LDL or "bad cholesterol" while increasing HDL or "good cholesterol" levels.

• The leaves and seeds contain many essential volatile oils such as borneol, linalool, cineole, cymene, terpineol, dipentene, phellandrene, pinene and terpinolene.

• The leaves and stem tips are also rich in numerous anti-oxidant polyphenolic flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, rhamnetin and epigenin.

• The herb is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Iron is essential for red blood cell production. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

• It is also rich in many vital vitamins including folic-acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-A, beta carotene, vitamin-C that are essential for optimum health. Vitamin-C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Cilantro leaves provides 30% of daily recommended levels of vitamin-C.

• It provides 6748 IU of vitamin-A per 100 g, about 225% of recommended daily intake. Vitamin-A, an important fat soluble vitamin and anti-oxidant, is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin-A and flavonoids (carotenes) helps body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

• Cilantro is one of the richest herbal sources for vitamin K; provides about 258% of DRI. Vitamin-K has potential role in bone mass building by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has established role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in their brain.

• The coriander seeds oil have found application in many traditional medicines as analgesic, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, deodorant, digestive, carminative, fungicidal, lipolytic (weight loss), stimulant and stomachic.

Just imagine! Cilantro leaves provides only 39 cal/100 g, but their phyto-nutrients profile is no less than any high calorie food source; be it nuts, pulses or cereals or meat group.

This humble backyard herb provides (% of RDA/100g)-
15% of folates,
11% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
45% of vitamin C,
225% of vitamin A,
258% of vitamin K,
22% of iron and
18% of manganese.
(Note: RDA-Recommended daily allowance)

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ee the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), Fresh,
Nutrient value per 100 g
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)

Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	23 Kcal	1%
Carbohydrates	3.67 g	3%
Protein	2.13 g	4%
Total Fat	0.52 g	2%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	2.80 g	6.5%
Vitamins
Folates	62 mcg	15.5%
Niacin	1.114 mg	7%
Pantothenic acid	0.570 mg	11%
Pyridoxine	0.149 mg	11%
Riboflavin	0.162 mg	12%
Thiamin	0.067 mg	5.5%
Vitamin A	6748 IU	225%
Vitamin C	27 mg	45%
Vitamin E	2.50 mg	17%
Vitamin K	310 mcg	258%
Electrolytes
Sodium	46 mg	3%
Potassium	521 mg	11%
Minerals
Calcium	67 mg	7%
Iron	1.77 mg	22%
Magnesium	26 mg	6.5%
Manganese	0.426 mg	18.5%
Phosphorus	48 mg	7%
Selenium	0.9 mg	2%
Zinc	0.50 mg	4.5%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-?	36 mcg	--
Carotene-ß	3930 mcg	--
Crypto-xanthin-ß	202 mcg	--
Lutein-zeaxanthin	865 mcg	--

Selection and storage

Fresh cilantro leaves as well as seeds are available in the markets and herb stores all around the year. Whenever possible, buy fresh leaves over dried ones since they are superior in flavor and rich in many vital vitamins and anti-oxidants like beta carotene, vitamin-C, and folates. While buying, look for vibrant green color leaves and firm stems. It should be free from any kind of spoilage or yellowing.

Try to buy that has been organically grown since this will give you more assurance that the herb is free from pesticide residues.

Once at home, wash in clean water, discard roots, old or any bruised leaves. Fresh cilantro (coriander) should be stored in the refrigerator in a zip pouch or wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. Use as early as possible since it loses flavor and nutrients quickly if kept for longer periods. Coriander seeds as well as its oil are available in the markets. The seeds basically used as spice.

Medicinal uses

• The leaves of the cilantro (coriander) plant have anti-septic and carminative properties.

• The herb contains many phytochemical compounds; phenolic flavonoid antioxidants like quercitin and essential oils have found application in many traditional medicines as analgesic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, deodorant, digestive, carminative, fungicidal, lipolytic, stimulant and stomachic.

Culinary uses

Fresh leaves should be washed thoroughly in the water in order to remove sand and dirt and to rid off any residual pesticides. While in the kitchen, it is generally used just before preparing recipes in order to keep the fragrance and aromatic flavor intact.

• Cilantro (coriander) leaves has been used in preparation of many popular dishes in Asian and east European cuisine since ancient times. When added in combination with other household herbs and spices, it enhances flavor and taste of vegetable, chicken, fish and meat dishes.

• The herb has also been used in the preparation of soups, and sauces. Popular Mediterranean cilantro pesto, prepared using fresh cilantro, red pepper, garlic cloves, olive oil, pumpkin seeds with slight lemon twist, is a great addition on pasta, in sandwiches or as a marinade to fish, poultry...etc dishes.

• Freshly chopped and sauteed coriander leaves are a great addition to green salad.

• Cilantro or Coriander seeds powder is one of the main ingredients used in the preparation of curry powder.