The healing benefits of fresh coriander

Coriander is an amazing herb with so many health benefits that is pack full of anti-oxidants which we all need to fight off many types of infections and physical ill-health.

It has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer effects from the medical news today website.

Great for frequent migraine complaints, physical pain, good youthful skin, has anti-fungal properties such as; to aid the healing of the common vaginal thrush because it has;

Folate.

Potassium.

Manganese.

Chloline.

Beta-carotene.

Beta-cryptoxanthin.

Lutein.

Zeaxanthin.

Coriander is used mainly in many Asian cuisines and has a rather pungent flavour, so it takes some getting used to consuming. But after a while of consuming this herb, you get used to the taste, making your Oriental foods blend in well. When fresh coriander is eaten on a regular basis, you are less likely to become unwell and is great for lowering blood sugars too, especially if you are a diabetic like I am. I incorporate this herb into all my Far Eastern savoury dishes and I don't mind the taste at all, because I was brought up eating healthy Asian cuisines on a daily basis. So it's taste is completely natural to me and I happen to enjoy eating it when blended in with good nutritious food.

This herb is widely available to buy from any supermarket. When grown in your garden; ensure it is watered regularly and exposed to plenty of sunlight for it to flourish and bloom. It is a very hardy plant so, needs plenty of water, rain-water and sunshine is best for herbs and plants to sustain its growth.

It is very beneficial in treating Alzheimers disease, as it is packed full of vitamin K, vitamin A for treating lung and cavity cancer and antiseptic properties for protecting against mouth cancer. It promotes good memory, boosting good immune system to your central nervous system, regulating female menstruation cycles, preventing osteo-porosis and anaemia because, coriander is also packed full of iron. This herb is also good for those who suffer from hair loss or hair thinning problems, fertility issues and fights body odour.

Here is a sample recipe which contains this Asian herb:

GLASS NOODLES WITH COCONUT CREAM

SERVES 4 PORTIONS

PREPARATION TIME: 15 minutes. COOKING TIME: 30 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

3/4 Pint coconut milk.

11oz glass noodles.

11oz king prawns.

1oz fresh ginger root.

2 sticks lemongrass.

2 cloves garlic.

A handful of Thai basil.

A handful of fresh coriander leaves.

4-5 tablespoons olive oil.

4 tablespoons cornflour mixed in with water to make a smooth thick paste.

1 tablespoon light soya sauce.

A pinch of salt and black pepper. (Adjust according to taste).

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak the glass noodles in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes. Then, drain thoroughly in a colander.

2. In the meantime, peel and finely chop the ginger. Remove the top and ends of the lemongrass. Finely chop the rest of the lemongrass.

3. Peel and crush the garlic cloves.

4. Wash the Thai basil and fresh coriander leaves, shake and dry. Chop these finely.

5. Now, heat the oil in a wok over a medium heat setting. Saute the ginger and half the garlic until it turns golden yellow.

6. Add the coconut milk and bring to the boil.

7. Add the prepared herbs and simmer over a low heat for 20 minutes.

8. After 15 minutes heat the remaining olive oil in another pan and add the remaining garlic.

9. Fry the king prawns for 1-2 minutes.

10. Add the glass noodles, stir fry well, season with salt and black pepper.

11. Stir in the cornflour paste until liquid has thickened. Usually takes 5 -10 minutes.

12. Whisk the coconut sauce until frothy and pour over glass noodles mixture.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Scatter some of the chopped coriander leaves on top of each serving bowl. Best eaten piping hot with your favourite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. Voila! Bon Appetit! Enjoy!!!!