Cilantro's Health Benefits

Recently, I've been cooking a few different recipes that call for cilantro. I love the taste of it anyway, but after reading about its health benefits, I love it even more! If you google "the health benefits of cilantro," a variety of sites pop up. It has a variety of health benefits, from helping prevent and treat nausea, to treating the symptoms of arthritis, to its anti-flammatory benefits. In some parts of the world, it's the "anti-diabetic plant," as it has been shown to lower blood sugar. It also can lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, and is a good source of iron, magnesium and dietary fiber. In addition to all of the above, it may assist in taking heavy metals out of the body (chelation). It's best when eaten raw- and for less than $2 a bunch- it's easy on the budget!

Add it to soups, salads and sandwiches! Or make a cilantro pesto (taken from www.simplerecipes.com) if you like a little spice!

Cilantro Pesto

INGREDIENTS

2 cups, packed, of cilantro, large stems removed
1/2 cup blanched almonds
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 teaspoon chopped and seeded serrano chile
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil

METHOD

In a food processor, pulse the cilantro, almonds, onion, chile, and salt until well blended. With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream.

Add more oil as needed for your use.

Makes about 1 cup.

Whatever you don't use, you can freeze. Line a ice cube tray with plastic wrap and fill in the individual cube spaces with the pesto. Freeze and remove from the ice tray, put in a sealed freezer bag for future use.