Cilantro is a common seasoning vegetable. Some people stay away from it because of its unique aroma, but it is very nutritious.
Nutrition of Cilantro
Cilantro is rich in nutrients, including: protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, volatile oil, etc.
Effects of Cilantro
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cilantro is used to treat diseases. Cilantro is pungent in taste and warm in nature, and it affects the spleen and lung meridians. It has the effects of inducing sweat to bring out rashes, promoting digestion, and reducing qi. It can also awaken the spleen and harmonize the middle jiao. In terms of its aroma, it can unblock the heart and spleen, reach the four limbs, and regulate abnormal qi. It is evident that cilantro is an excellent ingredient.
Benefits of Eating Cilantro
1. Stimulates Appetite
The aromatic smell can promote intestinal peristalsis when eaten, making it very effective for stimulating the appetite and awakening the spleen. It is especially good for those with poor appetite, as it can significantly increase it.
2. Removes Gamey and Fishy Smells
When cooking, adding cilantro not only adds a glossy appearance but also provides a unique flavor. For example, adding cilantro when cooking fish can remove the fishy smell; when cooking meat, it can remove the gamey smell. The aroma in cilantro is released through volatile oil, making it more unique and effective.
3. Expands Blood Vessels and Promotes Blood Circulation
Cilantro is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C and potassium can lower blood lipids, expand blood vessels, and promote blood flow, which is very good for preventing atherosclerosis, and in turn, can prevent and treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Recommended Dietary Therapy
1. Cold-dressed Cilantro
Select a bunch of cilantro, wash it clean, blanch it in boiling water, squeeze out the water, chop it, and place it in a bowl. Add vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, etc., and it is ready to eat.
2. Cilantro and Egg Pancake
Mix flour, eggs, and water in a bowl. Wash the cilantro, chop it, and add it to the mixture, stirring to make a thin batter. Add oil to a pan and heat it, then pour in the egg and flour mixture to make a pancake.
Precautions
1. When eating cilantro, if you find any that is rotten or yellow, do not eat it. Such cilantro may contain toxins, which can cause diarrhea.
2. Cilantro has a pungent and aromatic taste. Eating too much may deplete qi and worsen qi deficiency. Generally, people with qi deficiency should not eat too much of it.