(NaturalHealth365) Cilantro refers to the leaves of the Coriandrum sativum plant – an annual herb that offers several health benefits.

Packed with delicious flavor, it’s a popular addition to many dishes. However, it’s not just tasty; it’s also packed with phytonutrients, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like vitamin C, K, and A.  Known for aiding in blood sugar control and fighting the production of free radicals within the body, many studies show it can prove quite helpful in reducing your toxic burden of heavy metals.

Many of the everyday things we come in contact with contain toxic metals. They’re in the air, the water, and even the foods we consume.  And, while your body needs trace amounts of some metals (like, copper) – the big concern is often getting too much of the metals that have no biological value like, mercury or lead.

Today, we’ll focus our attention on cilantro – which comes from the seeds of the Coriandrum sativum plant – and how it supports the natural detoxification process of the body.

See how cilantro targets toxins inside the human body

Our bodies are regularly exposed to toxic metals like lead, arsenic, aluminum, and cadmium.  Technically speaking, to be clear, aluminum is not a “heavy” metal – but, still quite harmful to human health.

Unfortunately, those toxins can build up within the bones and muscle tissue.  And, as they often do, when these toxic metals hit dangerous levels, they end up being the cause of chronic inflammation, poor nutrient absorption plus a variety of poor health outcomes like, chronic fatigue and brain fog.

Simply put, most integrative healthcare providers will tell you that the end result of too many metals in the body is oxidative stress – which can lead to impaired organ function, hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular damage and an increased risk of cancer.

Many studies have shown that cilantro works as a natural chelating agent – to help the body to eliminate those toxins from the body.  By the way, other foods to help detoxify the body include: garlic, wild blueberries, lemon water, spirulina, chlorella, barley grass juice powder, Atlantic dulse.

In addition, studies show that people suffering from mercury exposure began to feel clearer headed when they consumed a significant amount of cilantro over time. Other studies have shown cilantro to help protect the body against oxidative stress caused by lead poisoning.

Please note: When dealing with any kind of toxicity issues, it’s best to work with a qualified, integrative healthcare professional.  You don’t want to cause more harm than good – when starting any detoxification program.

Additional protective health benefits

Beyond cleansing toxic metals from the body, cilantro offers many other significant health effects.

For example, this herb helps to prevent damage to the heart, aids in better sleep quality, and reduces the overall risk of oxidative stress – to support healthy cell function.  It also promotes a feeling of calmness, encourages normal blood sugar, supports brain health and, the vitamin K it contains, supports bone health.

Cilantro tea is often used to support good digestive health.  Plus, the nutrients – like vitamin A – boost eye health, and cilantro oil even shows promise in fighting oral forms of candida.

To enjoy the health benefits of cilantro, you can consume it fresh or take concentrated cilantro extracts. While cilantro leaves are a delicious addition to many dishes, the fresh form of this herb goes bad quickly.  So, to best harness the health benefits – cilantro supplements may be the best way to go.

Sources for this article include:

MedicalNewsToday.com
LifeExtension.com
WebMD.com
GlobalHealingCenter.com
NIH.gov