Cilantro is not a spice most people fall in love with the first time they try it. Its potent peppery flavor makes it more of an acquired taste, but it has a lively flavor enhancing effect when added to your favorite recipes and dishes. It's a spice that has the ability to bring out and subtly enhance the other flavors in a dish. There's lots of variation in the flavor of cilantro with some types being milder in flavor and others more pungent. No matter which type you choose, the health benefits of cilantro make it an excellent choice all around.

One of the compelling health benefits of cilantro is the fact that this herb may have the ability to destroy Salmonella. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that's been implicated in a variety of cases of food poisoning, some of which have proven fatal. It appears that cilantro has an ingredient known as dodecenal in its leaves that's thought to account for its ability to kill bacteria that can cause food borne illness.

Another health benefit of cilantro that's widely touted is its ability to remove heavy metals such as mercury from the body. Although there are no mainstream studies documenting cilantro's metal reducing capacity, it's often promoted as a panacea for people who have mercury fillings in their teeth. The concern is that mercury can be gradually released into the bloodstream when people with mercury based fillings chew, which could theoretically allow build up harmful levels of mercury in the body. The belief is that cilantro reduces mercury levels by acting as a chelating agent. This is all still very much theoretical but intriguing.

It's also claimed that cilantro can help to control blood sugar levels
in diabetics. One study documented that coriander, the seed component of cilantro has hypoglycemic effects, possibly by stimulating the secretion of insulin.

If you're a fan of Mexican food, chances are you're getting cilantro in your diet already. This herb is a staple of Latin American cuisines. You can easily add cilantro to your own home recipes. It's easy to mix fresh cilantro into salads, salsas, and homemade pesto. Try making a delicious cilantro butter to serve on fish or chicken. When you prepare a recipe that requires heat, always add the cilantro last because heat can destroy the flavor.

You can discover more clever ways to add this potent herb to your recipes by scouring the internet for ideas. You, too, can get the health benefits of cilantro by enjoying this versatile herb.