Wansoy: 11 Health Benefits of Coriander, Description, and Side Effects

July 3, 2024 by Lauro Braganza

Welcome to our blog post all about the incredible herb known as coriander! Whether you call it coriander, cilantro, or even wansoy, this vibrant green plant holds a wealth of health benefits that are sure to pique your interest. From its unique flavor and appearance to its numerous medicinal properties, we’re here to uncover all there is to know about this versatile herb. So sit back, relax, and prepare to delve into the medicinal and health benefits of coriander and also its side effects and disadvantages.

What is Coriander

Coriander, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum, is an herb that goes by many names around the world. In some regions, it’s called cilantro or Chinese parsley, while others refer to it as wansoy (Tagalog) or dhania. This aromatic plant is a member of the Apiaceae family and is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia.

With its feathery leaves and delicate stems, coriander boasts a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other herbs. The leaves are bright green and have a unique shape reminiscent of parsley but with a more rounded edge. The plant can grow up to 20 inches in height, featuring clusters of small white flowers when it reaches maturity.

benefits-of-coriander-wansoy — Coriander (English), Wansoy (Tagalog)

Regarding taste, coriander offers a flavor profile like no other. Some describe it as fresh and citrusy with hints of lemon and lime zest. Others find its taste slightly peppery or even soapy due to genetic factors that affect how individuals perceive certain flavors.

In terms of physical characteristics, coriander has been valued for centuries not only for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties. It contains essential oils such as linalool and terpinene, which contribute to its distinctive scent and potential health benefits.

This versatile herb thrives in temperate climates with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. While coriander can be grown outdoors in gardens or pots on sunny windowsills year-round in some areas, it tends to prefer cooler temperatures during spring and autumn.

Coriander Nutrition Per 100g

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown of coriander per 100 grams:

Calories: 23 kcal
Protein: 2.13 g
Carbohydrates: 3.67 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.8 g
- Sugars: 0.87 g
Fat: 0.52 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.03 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.18 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.16 g
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 6748 IU (135% DV)
- Vitamin C: 27 mg (45% DV)
- Vitamin K: 310 µg (258% DV)
- Folate: 62 µg (16% DV)
- Potassium: 521 mg (15% DV)
- Calcium: 67 mg (7% DV)
- Iron: 1.77 mg (20% DV)
- Magnesium: 26 mg (7% DV)

Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors like growing conditions and measurement methods. Coriander is often used in small amounts for flavoring, so the actual nutritional impact of a typical serving size might be lower than what’s listed here.

Health and Medicinal Benefits of Coriander

Coriander offers a range of potential health benefits due to its nutrient content and certain bioactive compounds. Some of the potential health benefits of coriander include:

Rich in Nutrients: Coriander is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Antioxidant Properties: Coriander contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other flavonoids that help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Digestive Health: The compounds in coriander may help promote digestion by stimulating enzymes and supporting proper bowel movements. It can also help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and discomfort.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Some compounds found in coriander have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help in reducing inflammation and potentially providing relief from conditions like arthritis.
Cholesterol Management: Coriander has been suggested to have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. It might help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, contributing to heart health.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Certain compounds in coriander may have a hypoglycemic effect, helping to lower blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
Bone Health: Coriander contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Immune System Support: The vitamin C content in coriander can boost the immune system’s function, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.
Skin Health: Some traditional practices suggest that coriander can help alleviate skin conditions like acne and dermatitis when used as a topical treatment.
Detoxification: Coriander may aid in detoxifying the body by supporting the removal of heavy metals and toxins.
Anti-Microbial Properties: Certain compounds in coriander have shown antimicrobial properties that could help combat foodborne pathogens and prevent spoilage.

It’s important to note that while coriander offers potential health benefits, it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Suppose you have specific health concerns or conditions. In that case, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or incorporating large quantities of any particular herb or food.

Side Effects and Disadvantages of Coriander

While coriander is known for its various health benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and disadvantages. Here are five things you should keep in mind:

1. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may have allergic reactions to coriander, especially if they have a history of allergies to other plants such as celery or carrots. Symptoms can range from mild itching and skin rashes to more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.

2. Digestive Issues: For some people, consuming coriander can lead to digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. This could be due to the presence of certain compounds that might not agree with their digestive system.

3. Interaction with Medications: Coriander contains compounds that may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners like warfarin. It’s advisable for individuals taking medication regularly to consult with their healthcare provider before adding coriander supplements or large amounts of the herb into their diet.

4. Sun Sensitivity: Some studies suggest that applying coriander topically on the skin combined with exposure to sunlight may increase sensitivity and risk of sunburns.

5. Potential Toxicity: While rare, excessive consumption of coriander seeds has been associated with liver damage in isolated cases due to the high levels of coumarins present in these seeds.

It’s important always to listen to your body and pay attention to any adverse reactions when introducing new foods into your diet.

How to Prepare and Cook Coriander

Coriander can be used in various parts of its plant: the leaves (often called cilantro), the stems, and the seeds. Each part has its unique flavor and culinary uses. Here’s how you can prepare and cook with coriander:

1. Using Coriander Leaves (Cilantro):

Washing: Wash the leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt and any impurities. Pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
Chopping: Once dry, chop the leaves finely or coarsely, depending on your recipe. Chopped cilantro is commonly used as a garnish in many dishes.
Adding to Dishes: Add the chopped cilantro to salads, salsas, guacamole, curries, soups, and many other dishes just before serving to retain its fresh flavor.

2. Using Coriander Stems:

Washing: Like the leaves, wash the stems well and pat them dry.
Chopping: Chop the tender parts of the stems finely and use them in cooking. They can add a mild coriander flavor to your dishes.
Cooking: Add chopped coriander stems to the base of curries, soups, stir-fries, and sauces to infuse their flavor into the dish as it cooks.

3. Using Coriander Seeds:

Toasting: To enhance their flavor, you can dry-toast coriander seeds in a pan over medium heat until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Grinding: Once toasted, you can grind the seeds using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to create ground coriander. Freshly ground coriander has a more potent flavor.
Cooking: Ground coriander can be added to spice blends, marinades, rubs, and various dishes like curries, stews, and roasted vegetables.

Cooking Tips:

Balancing Flavors: Coriander has a distinct citrusy, slightly peppery flavor. It pairs well with other spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili powder.
Temperature Sensitivity: The flavor of coriander is delicate and can diminish with prolonged cooking at high heat. It’s often best added towards the end of cooking or used as a garnish.
Cilantro Allergies: Some people have an aversion to the taste of cilantro due to genetic factors that make it taste like soap to them. If you’re serving cilantro to guests, asking about any allergies or aversions beforehand is a good idea.

Coriander is incredibly versatile and can be used in cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re making Asian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, or other dishes, coriander can add a wonderful depth of flavor. Experiment with different parts of the plant to find what works best for your recipes.

The Bottom Line

Coriander, also known as wansoy or cilantro, is not just a flavorful herb that adds a burst of freshness to your dishes. It also offers numerous health benefits that make it worth adding to your diet. From its impressive nutritional profile to its potential medicinal properties, coriander has proven itself to be more than just a culinary herb.

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, coriander can help support overall health and well-being. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties may aid in fighting infections and promoting healthy digestion. Additionally, coriander has been linked to reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and even potentially helping with diabetes management.

However, like any food or herb, coriander consumption has some potential side effects and disadvantages. Allergies to coriander can occur in some individuals, resulting in symptoms such as skin rashes or difficulty breathing. Excessive intake of coriander seeds may interfere with blood clotting for those taking certain medications.