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While cilantro is safe to eat for most people and has many health benefits, eating too much of it can be bad for you and cause side effects
While cilantro is safe to eat for most people, eating too much of it can be bad for you. Learn about potential side effects and health benefits.
5 potential side effects of cilantro
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to cilantro, and eating the herb could cause symptoms such as:
- Hives
- Facial swelling
- Throat swelling
- Severe diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Darkened skin
- Upset stomach: People who consume more than 200 grams of cilantro extract for a week complain of gas, stomach pain, abdominal cramps, vomiting and, in some cases, diarrhea.
- Flu-like symptoms: According to the FDA, cilantro was blamed for multiple Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States in recent years. The parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis causes the disease, which causes an intestinal illness with flu-like symptoms.
- Bleeding: Cilantro can slow down or inhibit blood clotting. Overconsumption can therefore cause bleeding in people who have bleeding tendencies or clotting disorders.
- Taste: While not a side effect, people who carry the gene OR6A2 may dislike cilantro because it tastes like soap to them.
What are the benefits of cilantro?
Cilantro contains a high concentration of phytonutrients, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Because of the presence of these compounds, cilantro seeds can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol, and the leaves can help cleanse the body of toxins. According to studies, cilantro is high in:
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- Dietary fiber
- Potassium, iron, folic acid, magnesium, and calcium
Cilantro also has a low saturated fat and cholesterol content. Its low caloric value and various health benefits have contributed to the herb's growing popularity.
Benefits of cilantro include the following:
- Rich in antioxidants. Cilantro is rich in terpinene, quercetin, and tocopherols, as well as vitamins A and C. These antioxidants and vitamins boost immunity and are neuroprotectors and anticancer agents. However, this does not mean these can be substituted for conventional cancer treatment or scanning.
- Promotes heart health. According to research, cilantro lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, balances blood sugar levels, and protects against the damage caused by cardiac impairment.
- Promotes digestive health. Drinking cilantro water in the morning can help improve digestion and metabolism throughout the day. Both properties can help with weight loss.
- Supports restful sleep. Cilantro may help regulate sleep and acts as a relaxant, calming the nerves and reducing stress-induced anxiety.
- Fights harmful organisms. Dodecenal, a compound found in cilantro, is twice as effective at killing Salmonella, which is a common and sometimes fatal cause of food-borne illnesses.
- Helps maintain normal fluid balance and urine flow. Studies indicate that cilantro may aid in the removal of toxic metals from the body by assisting the body's natural detoxification processes.
- Helps with anemia. According to studies, including recommended doses of cilantro is beneficial for anemia patients because cilantro is high in iron and folate.
- Aids in bone, skin, and eye health. Vitamins, phosphorus, beta-carotene, and antioxidants in cilantro promote good eyesight, skin, and mucous membranes and help delay the onset of several disorders that are commonly associated with aging.
- Boosts menstrual health. Studies have shown that cilantro seeds help women maintain healthy menstrual function. Cilantro contains compounds that help reduce swelling, cramping, and pain during the menstrual cycle. It also aids in the proper functioning of the endocrine glands and hormones that control the menstrual cycle.
- Boosts skin health. Cineole (one of the essential oils found in cilantro) along with linoleic acid reduces skin inflammation, leaving it soft and smooth.