The Herb You Hate Most Might Have Slimming Superpowers — But Only if You Consume It Like This
A few years ago, if you asked me to eat or cook with cilantro, I would’ve rejected the suggestion because I thought it tasted bad. Cilantro (sometimes called coriander) is an herb that most people love or hate. The divide is largely due to an olfactory gene called OR6A2, which gives cilantro an unpleasant “soapy” flavor for some people.
But now, I’ve fully embraced this health-boosting herb as a garnish for rice and salads. I’ve also been looking for new ways to use cilantro, and found a unique one: enjoying it in a fresh and healthy green juice!
Does cilantro juice help burn fat?
Despite cilantro’s potentially off-putting taste, it’s worth considering (if you can tolerate it!) in juice form. You’ll get key nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Plus, you can add other ingredients to the juice, such as citrus or ginger, for extra flavor and to help eliminate any soapy taste.
A 2012 scientific review published in Phytotherapy Research reveals that the nutrients in coriander give the herb antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These nutritional properties are necessary for avoiding weight gain.
Similar research published in the International Journal of Agriculture and Biology looked at the weight loss benefits of consuming coriander seeds for obese rats. Researchers found that cilantro’s nutrients have been linked with the following benefits:
- Reduced cholesterol
- Decreased oxidative stress (related to diabetes)
- Stabilized metabolism
As a result, rats who consumed the seeds experienced a boost in their liver health and a decrease in their visceral (or abdominal) fat. So, whether you call it coriander or cilantro, this herb has indisputable health advantages — and there’s no better way to get them than from making a tasty juice.
How do I make cilantro juice at home?
To make cilantro juice at home, follow this quick and easy recipe from Elana’s Pantry. The recipe uses ingredients like ginger, lime, and lemon to give the juice a zingy kick.
Ingredients (Makes 1-2 servings):
- 1 bunch cilantro, stems intact
- 2 finger-sized pieces ginger, skin-on
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 lime, halved
- 3 large cucumbers, roughly chopped
Directions:
- Push cilantro through juicer.
- One at a time, push ginger, lemon, and lime through juicer.
- Push cucumber pieces through juicer.
- Pour into pitcher and serve.
Can I drink coriander juice daily?
A glass of cilantro juice definitely beats a sugary soda or juice for a refreshingly healthy sip. If you’re looking to maximize the weight loss benefits of this beverage, consume it daily as part of a juice cleanse.
Be sure, though, to consult with your doctor before starting a dietary regimen like a juice cleanse. This will ensure that it works with your individual health needs and does not exacerbate pre-existing conditions.
Even if you’ve never been cilantro’s biggest fan, the slimming benefits of cilantro juice might cause a change of heart, especially with the hot days of summer to come!
