Cilantro, while a member of the carrot family, closely resembles parsley and is often referred to as “Chinese parsley”. In ancient Greece it was used to treat mental stress, digestion, cramps, intestinal gas, improve circulation, and much more. Cilantro has been used as an herbal medicine for centuries. You may want to note that there is no clinical evidence that cilantro lives up to the claims. One such claim is that cilantro supports weight loss.
Can cilantro really help me lose weight?
Limonene is the hormone that helps reduce belly fat. Cilantro is a natural source of this hormone. It is said that the limonene in cilantro will stop the stomach from absorbing fat. Belly fat being a problem for many, this may be good news.
Cilantro is low in calories and a small amount has a strong taste. This can help you reduce other high calorie methods of seasoning for flavoring your food.
Below is a recipe which highlights cilantro. You will find many ways to use cilantro such as adding it to soups, salads, salsas and more!
Fabulous Cilantro Pesto
By: Gena Urias
Printed on All Recipes
Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package farfalle pasta
1 bunch fresh cilantro
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
salt to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and return water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain well.
In an electric food processor or blender, blend cilantro, garlic, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, nuts, and salt. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil, and blend the pesto. Add more olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Pour pesto in a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until pesto begins to simmer. Pour over cooked pasta and toss.