Detox with Cilantro: Health Benefits + A Delicious Chicken Tacos Recipe

By Diane Angela Fong, ND

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a versatile herb that not only adds a burst of fresh flavor to a variety of dishes but also packs a powerful punch when it comes to supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes. This humble herb has been used for centuries in various cultures, not just for its culinary appeal but also for its medicinal properties. If you’re looking for a simple way to enhance your meals while supporting your health, cilantro is the perfect addition to your kitchen.

The Detoxification Power of Cilantro

One of the most notable benefits of cilantro is its ability to support the body in detoxifying heavy metals. Heavy metal exposure is more common than many people realize, and it can occur through various sources such as contaminated water, certain foods, and even the environment. Over time, these metals can accumulate in the body, potentially leading to a range of health issues, including neurological problems, digestive disturbances, and a weakened immune system.

Cilantro contains compounds that bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream, a process known as chelation, and help facilitate their removal from the body. This makes cilantro an excellent herb for anyone looking to support their body’s detoxification pathways naturally.

Nutrient-Rich and Flavorful

In addition to its detoxifying properties, cilantro is packed with essential nutrients. It’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, all of which play crucial roles in maintaining healthy skin, supporting the immune system, and promoting proper blood clotting. Cilantro also contains small amounts of essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which contribute to overall health and well-being.

The bright, citrusy flavor of cilantro makes it a perfect complement to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re adding it to salsas, salads, soups, or tacos, cilantro brings a fresh, vibrant taste that can elevate even the simplest meals. Its versatility in the kitchen means you can easily incorporate it into your daily diet.

Incorporating Cilantro into Your Meals

Adding cilantro to your meals is as simple as chopping a handful of fresh leaves and sprinkling them over your favorite dishes. Here’s a quick and delicious recipe that showcases cilantro’s flavor and health benefits:

Cilantro-Mango Chicken Tacos

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Chicken:

2 tsps Avocado Oil

1 1/4 lbs Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless, diced)

1 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Paprika

3/4 tsp Sea Salt

Topping:

1/4 cup Red Onion (diced)

1 Mango (diced)

4 tbsps Cilantro (minced)

1 lime juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

8 Corn Tortillas

Directions:

1. Add the diced chicken to a bowl, mix in all of the Chicken ingredients, then toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the mixture.

2. Add the chicken to an air fryer and cook at 400 F for 10 mins.

3. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine the red onion, mango, cilantro, lime, salt and pepper. Mix well.

4. Heat the corn tortillas on a skillet.

5. Fill each tortilla with the sliced chicken and cilantro-mango topping. Enjoy!

Notes:

• Leftovers: Store the taco components separately. The chicken will keep well in the refrigerator for three to four days. The mango slaw is best enjoyed within one to two days.

• Serving Size: One serving size is equal to two tacos.

• No Chicken Breasts: I use chicken breasts since they are leaner. You can also substitute chicken thighs or ground chicken.

• Make It Spicy: Add sliced jalapenos.

• No Corn Tortilla: Use a cauliflower or jicama tortilla or lettuce/collard green wrap instead.

This recipe is a great example of how you can incorporate cilantro into your meals to boost both flavor and health benefits. By making cilantro a regular part of your diet, you’re not only adding deliciousness to your dishes but also supporting your body’s ability to detoxify and stay healthy.

Final Thoughts

Cilantro is more than just a garnish; it’s a powerful herb with the ability to enhance your health through its detoxifying properties. Whether you’re looking to support your body’s natural detox processes or simply want to add a fresh, zesty flavor to your meals, cilantro is a must-have in your kitchen. So next time you’re cooking, don’t forget to sprinkle some cilantro on top—it’s a small step with big benefits.

Want more of these recipes?

Join our one of our Support or Complete memberships and you will get access to our database of over 1400 Cleanbody Approved Recipes. Learn more about these memberships here.

About the Author:

Dr. Diane Angela Fong, ND, is the CEO and founder of Cleanbody, a wellness company dedicated to treating and preventing chronic disease. She is the creator of the Cleanbody Method, which follows a three-step process: Evaluate (digging into the root causes of chronic disease using lab testing and other evaluation tools), Optimize (enhancing health foundations by addressing nutrition, lifestyle, and toxic exposures), and Support (optimizing organ functions through healing protocols).