That’s a fact, according to a recent article published in Alternative and Complementary Therapies, which found that people in Middle Eastern countries like India, Pakistan, and Morocco successfully use the herb to treat digestive disorders, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, headaches, urinary tract infections and more. (Suffering from a UTI? Find out how to Banish The Burn.) The conclusions piggyback on earlier research from the University of California, which found that a compound in cilantro, called dodecenal, is nearly twice as effective at killing salmonella bacteria (commonly found in raw meats) compared to commercial antibiotics. That’s not all. Despite a dearth of scientific research, cilantro is widely believed to help rid the body of metals and toxins. “While there is no evidence that coriander leaf has the ability to remove heavy metals already in the human body, there is some preclinical evidence that…cilantro leaf can reduce toxin absorption and toxic effects,” says lead study author Kathy Abascal, BS, JD, RH, executive director of the Botanical Medicine Academy in Vashon, Washington. “[It] suggests that coriander should be emphasized, given the increasing contamination.” (Rest assured, clean eating is simple when you ditch The Dirty Dozen.) And cilantro’s not the only kitchen seasoning that packs a healing punch. Start by stocking up on these six herbs and spices: Parsley Two tables of fresh parsley can provide more than 150% of your daily requirement for vitamin K, which is essential for healthy blood and bones. Plus, the herb’s odor-beating chlorophyll will freshen your breath—which might spice things up in the bedroom: The ancient Greeks actually used parsley as an aphrodisiac. (For more sexy dietary do’s and don’ts, find out how to Eat Your Way Sexier.) Oregano If you use only one herb in your cooking, make it oregano. This potent herb (which some chefs think actually tastes better dried) contains, on average, up to 20 times more cancer-fighting antioxidants than other herbs. It even holds its own against fruit: According to USDA researchers, 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano has the antioxidant potency of an entire apple. Gram for gram, the herb has twice the antioxidant activity of blueberries. Rosemary Rosemary can also boost your performance on speed and accuracy tests, says a study from Northumbria University in the United Kingdom. Plus, researchers from the University of Arkansas, Iowa State University, and Kansas State University found that cooking meats with rosemary can reduce the carcinogenic compounds that form when cooking over high heat, like on a barbecue or grill. Curcumin This antioxidant ingredient is what gives turmeric (often used in curries) a yellow color. Research has already linked the super ingredient to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease—and a study in the journal Gastroenterology finds that it may helps ward off tumors associated with colon cancer. Ginger Not only does Prevention’s deputy editor Siobhan O’Connor swear by the spice, there’s actual data that shows ginger can soothe stomachaches, aid circulation, suppress nausea, decrease blood pressure, curb arthritis pain, even reduce your cancer risk. Plus, we can’t get enough of it in our smoothies! Try one of these 25 Delectable Detox Smoothies to see what we mean. Cinnamon In a study of type 2 diabetics, German researchers found that cinnamon can reduce blood sugar by 10%, possibly because compounds in cinnamon activate enzymes that stimulate insulin receptors. The sweet spice has also been shown to help lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, blood fats that may contribute to diabetes risk. (Looking for other ways to prevent the disease? Join us in our campaign to Outsmart Diabetes—Together.) Questions? Comments? Contact Prevention’s News Team!
