Cilantro during pregnancy - benefits and harms

Dill, parsley, basil and cilantro are the most popular herbs that serve as the basis for numerous summer salads. Cilantro stands apart on this list because, due to its very expressive taste, it overshadows all other components. That is why she is loved very much, or categorically avoided. Is it possible to eat cilantro for women in a 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 umbelliferous family and is characterized by the fact that its composition includes 11 unique essential oils. Several types of acids are also present in coriander, including ascorbic acid, which is responsible for healthy immunity.

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

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

Unique features of cilantro

A well-known American researcher specializing in modern methods of detoxification, Dr. Andrew Cutler recommends that all future 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 released several years ago. Cilantro is especially useful for people living in contaminated areas and near large industrial enterprises.

The benefits of coriander for pregnant women

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

1. Vitamin A (beta-carotene). It is necessary to maintain an optimal level of vision, is responsible for the processes of proper cell growth and differentiation. Beta-carotene is highly digestible and its overdose is manifested by yellowing of the skin, which is not dangerous even for pregnant women. In 100 grams of cilantro - 3.93 mg beta-carotene (at the recommended daily dose for pregnant women at 1000 mcg).
2. Folic acid. Without vitamin B9, it is impossible to imagine a healthy pregnancy. He is responsible for the laying of the neural tube of the fetus, so its deficiency can provoke malformations and premature birth. For 100 grams of fresh leaves of cilantro, 62 micrograms of folic acid are present at a daily dose for pregnant women from 200 to 300 micrograms.
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 complex and protracted births. It also has analgesic and antibacterial effects, is involved in protein synthesis. It is 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 metabolic processes occurring in the body are impossible. Its salts are necessary for the optimal functioning of all soft muscles, blood vessels, endocrine glands and brain cells.Pregnant women who experience edema can try adding cilantro to their diet, as the potassium contained in it helps eliminate edema.

The healing properties of coriander

Coriander seeds have a good wound healing, expectorant, antibacterial and choleretic effect. They are often used to improve the digestive tract. Healing essential oils are extracted from coriander fruits, which are used to treat conjunctivitis and repair nipple cracks in nursing mothers. The infusion based on them is highly antibacterial and antispasmodic effective.

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

Contraindications

Do not use coriander in the case of diabetes mellitus, gastritis with high acidity, ischemia, cholecystitis and increased blood coagulation. In some cases, an allergic reaction to cilantro is possible, manifested in the form of redness of the oral cavity and swelling of the nasopharynx.

Coriander in cosmetology

An alternative use of this incredibly beneficial plant is cosmetology. From it you can make a daily wash. 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 using, the resulting infusion must be filtered. They can be washed in the morning and evening, and for greater convenience, you can pre-freeze by rubbing your face with ice cubes. For such purposes, cilantro can be brewed with chamomile. This combination will help relieve skin irritation and oily sheen.

Spicy cilantro makes traditional dishes refined and original, and due to its rich composition it nourishes the body with nutritional components. But during pregnancy, you can not get carried away with her. This is one of the many herbs, the use of which must be very strictly dosed.

Video: healing properties and contraindications of cilantro