Don’t Like the Taste of Cilantro? You May Have Something Serious Going On!
Don’t Like the Taste of Cilantro? You May Have Something Serious Going On!
by Inci Jones
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an herb that causes polarized reactions from people. Some people are huge fans and love its fresh, zesty flavor, while others think it tastes horrible like eating soap. If you’re not a fan your dislike might be more than just a matter of taste.
Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to Some People?
Did you know the dislike of cilantro can be genetic? Some people have a specific gene that makes them more sensitive to aldehydes, the compounds in cilantro that give it that soapy taste. There’s another interesting twist to the cilantro story—it can be an indicator that you have something brewing that is a little more serious than genetics.
What are Your Taste Buds Telling You?
The soapy taste of cilantro can also be an indicator that you have heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic in your body. They can accumulate in our bodies from various sources such as food, water, and your environment. These metals can mess with our senses, and alter taste and smell. When heavy metals interfere with your taste receptors, they can make certain flavors, like those in cilantro, taste stronger or more unpleasant.
If you’ve liked cilantro in the past, and just recently started disliking the taste, you might consider if heavy metals could be an issue for you. Trying a heavy metal detox can help your body reset your senses and improve your taste and smell.
Natural Ways to Detox the Body of Heavy Metals
Heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic can accumulate in our bodies over time, leading to various health issues. Detoxifying from these metals can help improve overall health and well-being. Here are some natural ways to support heavy metal detoxification.
Increase Hydration
Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins through urine and sweat.
Add Lemon: Lemon water can support liver function and enhance detoxification.
Incorporate Detoxifying Foods
Cilantro: Known for its ability to bind to heavy metals and aid in their removal from the body.
Chlorella: A type of green algae that binds to heavy metals and supports their elimination.
Garlic: Contains sulfur compounds that aid in detoxification and enhance immune function.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts support liver detoxification.
Supportive Supplements
Activated Charcoal: Binds to toxins and helps remove them from the digestive system.
Milk Thistle: Supports liver health and detoxification processes.
Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant that helps detoxify the liver and protect cells from damage.
Probiotics: Support gut health and improve the body's natural detoxification pathways.
Avoid Further Exposure
Filter Your Water: Use a water filter to remove heavy metals from your drinking water.
Choose Organic Foods: Reduce exposure to pesticides and chemicals often found in non-organic produce. Wash fruits & veggies in vinegar or baking soda to reduce levels in non-organic produce.
Avoid Fish High in Mercury: Limit consumption of fish that have high mercury levels, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.
Detoxifying from heavy metals naturally involves a combination of supportive supplements, watching your diet, and healthy lifestyle practices in general. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can support your body’s ability to eliminate harmful heavy metals and improve overall health.
If You’re Still Not A Fan of Cilantro
If you’re not a fan of cilantro’s flavor, don’t worry! You can still enjoy its benefits by incorporating it in ways that mask the taste. Here are a few friendly tips:
Smoothies: Blend a small handful of cilantro into your favorite green smoothie. The sweetness of fruits like mango or pineapple can help hide the soapy taste.
Pesto: Make a cilantro pesto with garlic, lemon juice, nuts, and olive oil. It’s great as a spread or sauce for pasta and veggies.
Salsas and Dips:Mix cilantro into salsas, guacamole, or yogurt-based dips. The combination with other ingredients can help balance the flavor.
Cooking: Add cilantro at the end of cooking soups, stews, and stir-fries to retain its nutrients and reduce the intensity of its taste.
By gradually introducing cilantro into your meals, you can start to enjoy its health benefits without being overwhelmed by its flavor. Over time, as your body detoxifies, you might find that your taste of cilantro changes, making it a tasty addition to your diet.
Benefits of Including Cilantro in Your Diet
Even if you’re not a fan of cilantro’s taste, it’s packed with health benefits that make it worth adding to your diet. Here’s why you should give cilantro a chance:
Natural Detoxifier
Cilantro is great at binding to heavy metals and helping to remove them from your body. This process, known as chelation, can help reduce the toxic load on your system and support better overall health.
Nutrient-Rich
Cilantro is full of vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, potassium, and manganese. These nutrients are vital for keeping your immune system strong, maintaining healthy bones, and repairing cells.
Anti-Inflammatory Powers
The compounds in cilantro have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers.
Antioxidant Boost
Cilantro contains antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol, which help fight oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage. This can slow down aging and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Digestive Health
Cilantro can improve your digestion by boosting the production of digestive enzymes and juices. Its antimicrobial properties also help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, promoting overall digestive well-being.
Even if cilantro isn’t your favorite herb, it has so many good-for-you nutritional benefits and its detoxifying properties make it worth a second look. Use your creativity in the kitchen, and find ways to incorporate cilantro into your diet and potentially improve your taste for it as your body heals and detoxifies.