Coriander is a type of aromatic vegetable that can be consumed directly or used as an ingredient in most dishes. It is rich in nutrients and has the effects of stimulating appetite and promoting digestion. However, despite its many benefits, there are some precautions to be aware of when consuming coriander. Let's take a look at whether it is okay to eat coriander when you have a cold.
Nutritional Value of Coriander
Coriander is warm in nature, with a spicy taste and a fragrant aroma. It is rich in nutrients, with a high water content. It contains vitamin C, carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, as well as abundant minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and potassium citrate. It has excellent effects in promoting digestion, dispelling wind and toxins, and reducing swelling and blood pressure.
Therapeutic Effects of Coriander
Boosting Immunity
Coriander contains a large amount of carotene, which can effectively protect the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal mucosa, urinary system, and eyes, helping the body to prevent bacterial and viral infections and improve immune function.
Protecting Blood Vessels
Coriander is rich in vitamin C and potassium, which have the functions of lowering blood pressure, dilating blood vessels, increasing coronary blood flow, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, and softening blood vessels. It can effectively prevent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Protecting Eyes
The vitamin A and vitamin C in coriander can help regulate the synthesis of photosensitive substances in the retina, relieve eye fatigue, and effectively prevent dry eye syndrome and night blindness.
Promoting Appetite
Coriander contains various volatile oil substances such as mannitol and cineole, which can help increase saliva secretion, accelerate gastrointestinal peristalsis, and promote appetite. Adding coriander as a seasoning in certain dishes can also have the unique effects of removing fishy and gamey odors and enhancing flavor.
Can You Eat Coriander When You Have a Cold?
It is best not to eat coriander when you have a cold, especially for those who frequently suffer from colds. This is because this group of people often has varying degrees of qi deficiency, and coriander's spicy taste can deplete the body's essence and qi when consumed in large quantities or over a long period of time. This can exacerbate or worsen the symptoms of qi deficiency, leading to more frequent colds. Qi-deficient individuals may also experience symptoms such as excessive sweating, fatigue, and lethargy. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, it is better to avoid eating coriander.
Using Coriander to Prevent Colds in Healthy Individuals
Although it is recommended for individuals with qi deficiency to stay away from coriander, healthy individuals can use coriander to prevent colds, especially wind-cold type colds. Boiling 9 grams of coriander and 10 grams of scallion whites in water and adding sugar to taste is a good way to consume it. Alternatively, adding some orange peel with digestive and qi-regulating properties and warming the stomach, as well as ginger to dispel cold, when cooking porridge, and adding some coriander at the end can also have excellent therapeutic effects.
