Why Cilantro Is More than Just an Herb

Introduction

Wellness queen, Kora Organics founder and former Victoria’s Secret Angel Miranda Kerr recently said in an interview that she adds cilantro to her smoothies as part of her morning routine. She uses the Medical Medium Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie recipe which includes potent detoxifying ingredients like spirulina , Atlantic dulse and cilantro. I’d known that cilantro is a heavy metal detoxing heavyweight, but this was the first time I’d heard of anyone putting it in their daily smoothie.

Being a homemade guacamole lover, I frequently have cilantro in my refrigerator. I have put it in my smoothies a few times to avoid waste. However, now that I know that Queen Miranda does it daily, I’m going to do it more often.

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an herb that makes some of our favorite Mexican, Indian, etc. dishes so darn delicious. Cilantro also has many health benefits that make it an excellent addition to any diet. Below, we will explore some of these health benefits. We’ll also delve into the special properties that make cilantro ideal for heavy metal detoxification.

Why Should We Care About Heavy Metals?

Before we get how cilantro can help the body purge itself of heavy metals, let’s discuss what heavy metals are and why we should care if we’ve been exposed. Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that can accumulate in the body over time. Exposure to heavy metals occurs through exposure to pollution, contaminated food and water, and even certain medical procedures. The buildup of heavy metals can be toxic to the body. Over time, excess exposure can lead to a range of health problems.

Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements but certain ones wreak havoc on our bodies. They can be found in the environment, in food, and in everyday products. Some heavy metals like iron and zinc are necessary for good health. Others, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, are extremely toxic.

Unfortunately, many people are exposed to heavy metals on a daily basis. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the health effects of heavy metal exposure and what you can do to protect yourself.

Sources of Heavy Metal Exposure

As Miranda mentioned in her interview we are all exposed to heavy metals on a pretty regular basis. Here are some of the most common sources of heavy metal exposure:

1. Food and Water: Heavy metals can enter the food chain through contaminated soil and water. Fish, shellfish, and other seafood are particularly prone to mercury contamination. Lead and cadmium can be found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.
2. Industrial Factors: Heavy metals are often used in manufacturing processes. They are released into the environment through air and water pollution. Industrial workers, as well as those living near industrial areas, are at a higher risk of exposure.
3. Consumer Products: Heavy metals can be found in many consumer products, including cosmetics, and jewelry. Women tend to apply and wear more consumer products than men on average, making them more prone to exposure.
4. Medical Treatments: Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can lead to heavy metal exposure. Some dental procedures may involve mercury-containing dental fillings.

Health Effects of Heavy Metal Exposure

While the health effects of daily heavy metal exposure can vary depending on the type of metal and the level of exposure, there are several common health problems that can occur as a result of chronic heavy metal exposure.

1. Cardiovascular Complications: Lead and cadmium have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Scientists speculate that these metals damage blood vessels and disrupt the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.
2. Neurological Issues: Lead and mercury can damage the nervous system, leading to problems with memory, attention, and coordination. In severe cases, heavy metal exposure can cause seizures, coma, and even death.
3. Kidney Damage: Heavy metals can accumulate in the kidneys, causing damage to these important organs. This can lead to problems with fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as a decrease in kidney function.
4. Gestational Risks: Exposure during pregnancy can have a range of negative effects on fetal development, including cognitive and behavioral problems.
5. Cancer: Arsenic and cadmium have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. These metals have been linked to DNA damage and the disruption of proper cell function.

Protecting Yourself from Heavy Metal Exposure

It is impossible to completely eliminate your exposure to heavy metals. However, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from these toxins:

1. Eat a Healthy Diet: Stack your plate with rich, whole, nutrient-dense foods. Our bodies have amazing natural detoxification processes, and high-quality foods support the functioning of these processes. Choose organic whenever possible, and limit your intake of seafood that is high in mercury.
2. Use Non-Toxic Products: Avoid consumer products that are known to contain heavy metals, such as lead-containing jewelry and cosmetics.
3. Keep an Eye Out for Recalls: Occasionally, it is revealed that even organic or otherwise healthy products have unsafe levels of heavy metals. Keep an eye out for any notices posted about unsafe levels found in your favorite products.
4. Reduce Exposure to Industrial Pollution: If you are able, select areas to live and spend time that are far from industrial sites or even highways. Areas in close proximity to highways and freeways have been found to be subject to higher levels of heavy metal pollution.

How Cilantro Helps Detoxify Heavy Metals

Cilantro contains compounds that have been shown to have chelating properties, which means they can bind to heavy metals in the body. The chelation process makes it easier for the body to remove the heavy metals.

The chelating properties of cilantro are due to the presence of a compound called coriandrin. Coriandrin has been shown in studies to have the ability to bind to heavy metals and help to remove them from the body. Cilantro also contains compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which also have chelating properties.

When consumed, cilantro releases these chelating compounds into the bloodstream. These compounds then bind to heavy metals and make it easier for them to be removed from the body.

Studies on Cilantro and Heavy Metal Detoxification

Several studies have been conducted on the use of cilantro for heavy metal detoxification. In one study, researchers found that cilantro was able to reduce the levels of lead in the blood of mice by up to 60% (link).

Other Health Benefits

The chelation effect is benefit enough tbh. But cilantro packs even more of a healthy punch. Read on to discover some of the additional amazing benefits of consuming cilantro.

High in Nutrients

Cilantro is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, which support healthy vision, immune system function, and blood clotting. Cilantro also contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are important for maintaining healthy bones and regulating blood pressure.

Lowering Blood Sugar

Studies have shown that cilantro may be effective in lowering blood sugar levels. This is because cilantro contains compounds that help to regulate insulin, which is the hormone responsible for transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream to our cells. By regulating insulin, cilantro can help to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.

Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Cilantro contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Rich in Antioxidants

Cilantro is a rich source of antioxidants, which are compounds that help to protect our cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which is linked to a range of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. By consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as cilantro, we can help to prevent this damage from occurring and support our overall health.

Digestive Health

Cilantro has traditionally been used in many cultures to aid digestion. This is because it contains compounds that help to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which are necessary for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Additionally, cilantro has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which may help to kill harmful bacteria in the gut and promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

Brain Health

Cilantro contains compounds that have been shown to have neuroprotective properties, which means they can help to protect the brain from damage and support healthy brain function. Additionally, cilantro contains a compound called quercetin, which has been shown to have antidepressant properties and may help to reduce symptoms of depression.

Heart Health

Studies have shown that consuming cilantro may help to reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. Cilantro contains compounds that help to prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels.

Conclusion

Will you be adding cilantro to your next morning smoothie? I did today and the taste isn’t terrible. I will be honest and say it is quite “different.” I noticed the presence of the cilantro. However, the taste can be offset. Especially if you add lots of other yummy ingredients. In my case, adding fruit and cacao helped a bit. It’s definitely a taste I could get used to. Especially if it means receiving so many amazing benefits.

While I was aware of the detoxification benefits, I didn’t know that cilantro has so many other health benefits, as well. Maybe it’s time that we upgrade it from a humble herb to a superfood.