Coriander is more than a fragrant herb for your curry. Both the leaves (cilantro) and the seeds are packed with antioxidants that help protect your body from cellular damage. Traditional medicine has used coriander for centuries to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and lower blood sugar. Modern research now backs up many of these claims.
A 2022 randomized controlled trial published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that taking 500 mg of coriander seed powder twice daily for eight weeks significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Another study in the Journal of Food Science demonstrated that coriander has antimicrobial properties effective against food-borne bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli, thanks to compounds like linalool and geraniol.
Coriander is also good for your heart and brain. Research suggests it may help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while supporting healthy blood pressure. To enjoy these benefits, add ground coriander to soups, stews, curries, or meat rubs. You can also steep coriander seeds in hot water for a soothing tea.
Sources: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2022), Journal of Food Science, Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine (2018)
