Health benefits of cilantro

We have so much cilantro growing and the plants are beginning to bolt so I cut a lot of it today and made a big bowl of pesto from it.

The good thing about cooking with cilantro is that the stems have the same taste as the leaves, so when you have a lot, you don't have to worry about pulling off all the leaves from the stems - just use the whole lot.

I made up my own pesto recipe, using walnuts, cilantro, olive oil, a little lemon juice and some water.

Gosh it tastes so vibrant. The way I eat it most is as a dip or spread for crackers.  When you make a large quantity as I have, you can freeze it in little muffin molds then pull one or two out as you need.

There are many so health benefits of cilantro, that it'll make you want to make some pesto too. Here they are:

• powerful anti-inflammatory effects that may help symptoms of arthritis
• protective against bacterial infection from salmonella in food products
• increases HDL cholesterol and reduces LDL cholesterol
• relief of stomach gas and a digestive aid
• wards off urinary infections
• helps reduce feelings of nausea
• eases hormonal mood swings associated with menstruation and reduces cramping
• good source of fiber for the digestive tract
• gives relief from diarrhea
• helps promote healthy liver function
• reduces minor swelling
• good antioxidant properties
• disinfects and helps detoxify the body - especially good as a chelating agent to remove heavy metals, such as mercury
• helps with insulin secretion and lowers blood sugar
• acts as a natural antiseptic and anti fungal agent for skin disorders like fungal infections and eczema
• boosts the immune system
• acts as an expectorant
• helps ease conjunctivitis, as well as eye-aging, macular degeneration and other stressors on the eyes
• good source of minerals potassium, calcium, manganese, iron and magnesium
• rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, beat carotene

Phew - after reading all that, I should be planting some more so the next batch is ready in a few weeks!

What's your favorite recipe for cilantro (or coriander as we call it in England)?