You may use cilantro to flavor your salsa or shrimp, but you may not know that it has potential health benefits. It can potentially help to remove, or chelate, heavy metals from your body. You are exposed to toxins every day; in the air, in water and in chemical cleaners. Over time, these metals can accumulate and may disrupt the natural flow of your body's systems. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about heavy metals, and ask what kind of treatments may be right for you.
Botanical Information
Also known as Coriandrum sativum and Chinese parsley, cilantro is a fresh, zesty herb that frequents summertime foods and latin dishes. It grows easily, and can be found near kitchen windows all across the world. It is related to coriander and parsley, although its flavor is slightly different.
Chelation
Chelation is a term that describes a procedure for removing heavy metals from the human body. According to the American Cancer Society website, chelation is often performed using a substance called ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, or EDTA, which binds heavy metals. It is typically given intravenously over the span of two to four hours, states the website, and can be used over a span of several years. According to an article written by Ronald Hoffman, M.D. for the American College for the Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) website, other substances can be used to chelate metals. Garlic, selenium and vitamin C have been used, although some can cause allergic reactions. Talk to your doctor before trying chelation, and find an experienced practitioner to administer it.
Cilantro and Lead
An article by M. Aga, et al, published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in October of 2001, investigated the effects of cilantro on mice with high levels of lead in their bodies. Another chelating agent, DMSA, was used as a control to validate the results of the experiment. After 25 days levels of lead were significantly decreased by the cilantro, suggesting that cilantro has lead suppressive activities.
Cilantro and Mercury
An article written in the "Journal of Hazardous Materials" in February of 2005 discussed cilantro and methyl mercury deposits in water. Ground water samples were spiked with methyl mercury, and cilantro was found to be effective in removing the deposits of the metal. The researchers at the Department of Atomic Energy, lead by D. Karunasagar, suggest that it is the carboxylic acid groups in the herb that bind the mercury. Although promising, this study was conducted on water, which does not mean that cilantro can be used as a treatment for mercury poisoning.
Another study was conducted by Y. Omura and S. L. Beckman of the Heart Disease Research Foundation of New York and published in "Acupuncture and Electrotherapy Research" in August of 1995. The researchers found that cilantro accelerated the excretion of lead, mercury and aluminum from the human body through the urine.
Use
You can add cilantro to many different dishes, including soups. It is also available at health food stores and online in capsules. Follow the advice of your physician or the indications on the bottle. The herb is not regulated by the FDA, so check on the source and the quality of the capsules before buying.
References
- "Acupuncture and Electrotherapy Research"; Role of mercury (Hg) in resistant infections & effective treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis and Herpes family viral infections...; Omura, Y and Beckman, SL; August 1995
- The American Cancer Society Website: Chelation
- American College for Advancement of Medicine: Chelation
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Preventive Effect of Coriandrum Sativum (Chinese Parsley) on Localized Lead Deposition in ICR Mice; Aga, M et al: October 2001
- "Journal of Hazardous Materials"; Removal and Preconcentration of Inorganic and Methyl; Karunasagar, D et al; February 2005
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