Cilantro during pregnancy - the benefits and harm

Dill, parsley, basil and cilantro are the most popular herbs that form the basis of numerous summer salads. Separately in this list is cilantro, because, because of the very expressive taste, it overshadows all other components. That is why her love is very much loved, or categorically avoided. Is it possible to eat cilantro women in position, and how is it useful?

General information

Cilantro (or coriander) is a popular spicy plant widely used in many cuisines of the world. It belongs to the umbrella family and is characterized by the fact that it contains 11 unique essential oils. Coriander also has several types of acids, including ascorbic acid, which is responsible for healthy immunity.

Homeland cilantro is considered the Mediterranean, where it was cultivated, but today it grows around the world.Initially, it was used exclusively as a medicine, but gradually it became popular in cooking. Fresh leaves are used as a supplement to vegetable salads. And the seeds are found in bakery products, sausages, cheeses. They also help to reveal the taste of meat or marinade.

Cilantro has a unique spicy flavor and bright aroma, which is why it is often used as the dominant note of the dish. But coriander is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals necessary for the body.

Unique features of cilantro

A well-known American researcher specializing in modern detoxification methods, Dr. Andrew Cutler recommends that all expectant parents add coriander to their diet. The uniqueness of this spice is that it helps the body get rid of heavy metals, which lead to such malformations as cerebral palsy and autism. This statement is based on official Western studies published a few years ago. Especially useful cilantro to personsliving in polluted areas and near large industrial enterprises.

The benefits of coriander for pregnant women

The composition of cilantro leaves includes the following vitamins, macro- and microelements:

1. Vitamin A (beta carotene). It is necessary to maintain an optimal level of vision, it is responsible for the processes of proper cell growth and differentiation. Beta-carotene is characterized by good digestibility and its overdose is manifested by yellowing of the skin, which is not dangerous even for pregnant women. 100 grams of cilantro - 3.93 mg of beta-carotene (with the recommended daily dose for pregnant women in 1000 mcg).
2. Folic acid. Without vitamin B9, it is impossible to imagine a healthy pregnancy. He is responsible for laying the neural tube of the fetus, so its deficiency can provoke malformations and premature birth. For 100 grams of fresh leaves of cilantro, 62 mcg of folic acid are available at a daily dose for pregnant women from 200 to 300 mcg.
3. Vitamin K (phylloquinone). The main task of this vitamin is to regulate the process of blood coagulation, preventing bleeding. In some cases, it is given to women during difficult and protracted labor. It also has an analgesic and antibacterial effect, is involved in protein synthesis.Enough to eat only 50 grams of cilantro to provide a daily dose of this vitamin for pregnant women (140 mcg).
4. Potassium. Without potassium, most of the metabolic processes occurring in the body are impossible. Its salts are necessary for the optimal functioning of all the soft muscles, blood vessels, endocrine glands and brain cells. Pregnant women who are faced with edema, you can try to add to your diet cilantro, because it contains potassium helps to eliminate edema.

Medicinal properties of coriander

Coriander seeds have a good wound healing, expectorant, antibacterial and choleretic effects. They are often used to improve the digestive tract. Healing essential oils are extracted from the fruits of coriander, which are used to treat conjunctivitis and eliminate nipple cracks in nursing mothers. Infusion based on them has a high antibacterial and antispasmodic efficacy.

In folk medicine, cilantro is often used as an antihelminthic. Chewing fresh leaves strengthens the gums, eliminating bleeding, and also relieves pain.

Contraindications

You can not use coriander in the case of diabetes, gastritis with high acidity, ischemia, cholecystitis and increased blood clotting. In some cases, an allergic reaction to cilantro is possible, manifested as redness of the mouth and swelling of the nasopharynx.

Coriander in cosmetology

An alternative use of this incredibly useful plant is cosmetology. From it you can prepare a means for daily washing. To do this, you need to grind 30 grams of fresh leaves of cilantro, pour 200 ml of boiling water and set aside for 25-35 minutes. Before you use, the resulting infusion must be drained.They can wash in the morning and evening, and for greater convenience, you can pre-freeze, rubbing his face with ice cubes. For such purposes, cilantro can be brewed with chamomile. This combination will help relieve skin irritation and shine.

Spicy cilantro makes traditional dishes exquisite and original, and at the expense of the richest composition it nourishes the body with nutritious ingredients. But during pregnancy she can not get involved. This is one of the many herbs, the use of which must be very strictly dosed.

Video: medicinal properties and contraindications of cilantro