Coriander, which goes by the botanical name Coriandrum sativum, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Parsley family and is native to Southern Europe, North Africa and West Asia. The leaves of the plant are known by different names such as cilantro leaves or Chinese parsley. While the fresh leaves are used for garnishing or added directly to curries, the small round yellowish-brown seeds are either used as whole or grounded into powder for cooking. The unique lemony citrus flavour of the seed powder comes from the essential oils that are present in the hollow cavities of the plump brown seeds.
Although its unique taste enhances the flavour of several cuisines, know that these tiny seeds of wonder, offer a plethora of health benefits and increase the nutritional value of the food.
The holistic science of Ayurveda preaches the use of coriander seeds or seed powder to cure stomach related ailments like constipation, indigestion, abdominal pain etc. Ayurvedic scriptures of Charaka Samhita categorises coriander as a Trushnaprashamana (that which relieves excessive thirst) and Sheetaprashmana (that which relieves excessive cold) herb. Regular use of this super seed powder by infusing it in lukewarm water can even provide relief from abdominal cramps during menstrual flow. The hypoglycemic property of coriander powder plays a crucial role in reducing the blood sugar level of the body. Presence of volatile oils and essential nutrients strongly inhibits the release of sugar into the blood and increases the insulin levels in the body. Thus, it converts starch into energy and reduces the symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination, fatigue, sudden hunger pangs, etc.