Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Coriander is one of the controversial Indonesian herbal plants. People like it or hate it. For many people, a coriander can add a taste that is needed to your own salad or guacamole. Others, namely certain genes, are not suitable.
“It is estimated that four to 14 percent of the US population has this genetic variation, which makes coriander feel like soap,” said Brooke Baevsky, a private chef and CEO in the Kitchen with Chef Bae, to marthastewart.com. “For others, these green leaves feel like fresh herbs.”
Reported by independent, consuming coriander leaves can provide some surprising health benefits. One of them, adding it to the food menu can help reduce inflammation that can cause autoimmune, neurodegenerative, gastrointestinal, and heart diseases, and certain cancers.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, inflammatory disease contributes more than half of death in the world.
Rich in vitamin C, plants that also produce coriander have compounds that according to researchers act as antioxidants.
“Thanks to the bioactivity of coriander extract, this herb can be considered a valuable functional food to fight obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes,” Italian researchers said in a 2023 study.
Ketimbar can also fight high blood sugar, which is one of the causes of inflammation. If you suffer from diabetes, high blood sugar can trigger immune responses that damage tissue, nerves, and heart.
“Type 2 diabetes and inflammation are closely related, with each condition worsening other conditions,” explained the University of Utah.
Other studies have shown that coriander leaves are effective for delaying epilepsy seizures.
“Specifically, we find a coriander leaf component, called dodecal, binding to certain parts of the potassium channel to open it, thereby reducing cellular exitability. This specific discovery is important because it can lead to the use of coriander leaves that are more effective as anticonvulsants, or dodecnal modification to develop anticonvulsant drugs that are safer and effective,” explained Dr. Geoff Abbott, a professor at UC Irvine.
Although coriander leaves are beneficial for the brain, coriander leaves also have the potential to have a positive effect on mental health.
An animal study shows that coriander may be as effective as valium in reducing the symptoms of anxiety. However, further research is needed to understand how it can happen to humans.
Coriander has been consumed for at least 8,000 years, and was found in the tomb of the King of Egypt Tutankhamun. As one of the oldest herbs known, coriander is used in Chinese herbs, which is believed to be able to provide eternity, according to the University of Wisconsin.
Although eating coriander leaves may not make you eternal, Abbott said that coriander leaves are also reported to have antibacterial effects.
“And, the best part is that it tastes good!” he exclaimed.
(Haa/Haa)
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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