Cilantro or dhaniya has garnered attention not just as a culinary herb but also for its potential health benefits. Among its lesser-known virtues is its ability to potentially detoxify the body from metals like lead, mercury, and aluminium from the body.
An Instagram handle posted that Cilantro can remove an average of 87% lead, 91% mercury, and 74% aluminium from the body. But, is this true?
Dr Mikki Singh, a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, a specialist in CoolSculpting, and an architect of Bodycraft Clinic said, “Yes, Cilantro may assist in removing lead, mercury, and aluminium from the body as it can chelate with the heavy metals present in the body that are thrown out through urination. Cilantro also has anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory abilities thus, cilantro becomes a major ingredient to include in detox diets.”
Garima Dev Verman, certified nutritionist and medical content analyst with The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) mentioned, “Studies in animals have shown that certain things in cilantro might grab onto these metals, making it easier for the body to get rid of them. However, we’re not sure if the same happens in people because there haven’t been enough studies. So, while cilantro is healthy to eat, it might not be the best way to detox from heavy metals without more research and advice from doctors.”
The idea that cilantro can help eliminate heavy metals like lead, mercury, and aluminium from the human body has been explored in scientific research, though the evidence remains limited and is more robust in animal studies than in human studies, said Verman.
Potential risks associated with using cilantro as a means of detoxifying heavy metals
There could be potential risks majorly due to a lack of long-term studies on the effects of Cilantro for detoxification and limited scientific evidence for the same, said Dr Singh.
Verman mentioned a few risks associated with using cilantro for detoxifying heavy metals are:
*Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to cilantro, leading to symptoms like skin rashes or anaphylaxis.
*Gastrointestinal Issues: Consuming large amounts of cilantro can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
*Interaction with Medications: Cilantro may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or diabetes medications, affecting their effectiveness.
*Hypotension: Cilantro may lower blood pressure, which could be problematic for individuals taking antihypertensive medications.
Verman recommended that it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using cilantro or any other supplement for detoxification, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Recommended dosage
Dr Singh suggested that if the health care professional allows the usage it can be done through salads and included in everyday meals, cilantro extracts or tea can also be consumed. “However, it is important to monitor the body’s response to the consumption and adjust the dosage accordingly.”
Alternative methods that are more scientifically validated
Yes, there are several other ways to treat and remove heavy metals from the body. Activated charcoal, mineral supplements that bind with heavy metals, dietary modifications, and chelating therapy can be followed, Dr Singh mentioned.
