Why Is Cilantro Bad for You? Side Effects & Benefits (2024)

FAQs

Who should not eat cilantro? ›

Bleeding disorders: Cilantro might slow blood clotting. There is concern that cilantro might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders when eaten in large amounts. Surgery: Cilantro might slow blood clotting.

Potential health benefits of cilantro include improved heart health, decreased anxiety, lower blood sugar levels, protection against oxidative stress and more. It is also low in calories but high in antioxidants, along with vitamin K and vitamin A.

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.

Anti-convulsant Properties

Specifically, researchers report cilantro to be a highly potent activator of the voltage-gated potassium channel subfamily Q, referred to as the KCNQ channel. Dysfunction of the channel can cause brain damage, disease, or malfunction due to an epileptic seizure.

Cilantro occasionally has problems with aphids and whitefly, wilt, or mildew. For the insects, use insecticidal soap. To prevent or control wilt and mildew, make sure you clean up spent cilantro plants at the end of the season, and remove any infected plants as soon as possible.

Cilantro is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts. However, some people might experience food allergies after eating cilantro. There is one report of hives, facial swelling, and throat swelling in a man who ate cilantro.

Ginger soothes painful joints by increasing blood flow as well as fighting inflammation. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties which help decrease swelling and inflammation caused by arthritis. Cilantro leaves have many of the same benefits of the coriander seed including anti-inflammatory properties.

As mentioned, cilantro is also packed with quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that can help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, balance your gut microbiome, and promote longevity.

Including cilantro in a meal is a great way to add flavor to a dish or beverage without adding extra calories, fat, or sodium. Cilantro is a tender herb that has gentle leaves. These are best to add either raw or near the end of the cooking process. This helps them maintain their flavor and texture.

Chop it like salad and eat a whole bunch! John Bagnulo recommends eating cilantro in higher amounts (tasty with chopped peanuts, mango, and crisp green lettuce) to boost gastrointestinal processes.

Why do Mexicans eat so much cilantro? ›

Cilantro has found its home in Mexican cuisine. Its bright, fresh flavor blends perfectly with the bold flavors of popular Mexican dishes. Mexican dishes are often associated with spice, turning up the heat to provide an unmatched flavor profile. Cilantro turned out to be the best herb to pair with these bold flavors.

Stalks should be crisp and the leaves should not be dried out. Avoid leaves that are yellow or brown or have black spots. Fresh herbs should be stored unwashed in the refrigerator.

Cilantro is also a potent antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory herb. All of these “antis” amount to a huge “pro” for skin health. It is especially effective for treating serious skin conditions and infections like rosacea and almost any skin issue that stems from inner inflammation.

Of course some of this dislike may come down to simple preference, but for those cilantro-haters for whom the plant tastes like soap, the issue is genetic. These people have a variation in a group of olfactory-receptor genes that allows them to strongly perceive the soapy-flavored aldehydes in cilantro leaves.

Applying coriander to your scalp will also increase blood circulation that will promote healthy hair growth. Scalp massages with coriander oil or even a hair rinse with cilantro leaves and warm water (allow the rinse to cool before applying to your hair”> can help promote a healthy scalp.

According to a 2012 study published in the journal Flavour, the aversion was determined to be most common among East Asians (21 percent), followed by Caucasians (17 percent), those of African descent (14 percent), South Asians (7 percent), Hispanics (4 percent) and Middle Eastern study subjects (3 percent).

If you feel sick after eating cilantro, it could be due to a food allergy. Symptoms of a cilantro allergy include digestive problems, skin rashes, respiratory issues, or even anaphylaxis in severe cases. It's crucial to seek medical advice if you suspect an allergy.