It's not just for salsa and tacos... experts reveal how cilantro could be the key to slashing your blood sugar

Few pantry staples spark as much debate as cilantro. Its bright green leaves add a fresh, citrusy kick to salsa and other dishes. But for millions of Americans with genetic mutations, the refreshing herb tastes more like soap than anything else. Now, cilantro is stirring up another debate on social media, where wellness creators have touted it as a natural treatment for type 2 diabetes, a heavy-hitting detox and an infection-fighting superfood. To separate the hype from the science, the Daily Mail asked two nutrition experts what research says about cilantro's supposed health benefits. Can this everyday herb really live up to the claims? Here’s what the experts say. Cilantro is a famously divisive herb. Now, research suggests it may help lower blood sugar How cilantro may lower your blood sugar Cilantro contains plant compounds that may affect how the body handles blood sugar. Research suggests they could help the body release insulin, use it more effectively and slow the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar, possibly preventing glucose spikes.Dr Ronald R Quinton, medical director of the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine, told the Daily Mail that antioxidants called flavonoids and polyphenols, along with certain essential oils, may help cells in the pancreas release insulin.At the same time, these compounds can show promise in 'improving insulin sensitivity in tissues,' Quinton added. Low insulin sensitivity, for instance, causes the pancreas to produce excess that the body cannot clear out of the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar. To this point, a landmark study published in Phytotherapy Research found that cilantro extracts increased insulin release and lowered blood glucose in diabetic animal models.But there's a catchAnd that's that studies often use concentrated extracts or dried seed powders, not the small amounts of fresh cilantro you're adding to tacos or guacamole. A recent trial published in Research Square found that cilantro seed supplements improved blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes, but researchers used standardized concentrated doses rather than fresh leaves. 'Some research suggests compounds in cilantro may influence insulin and glucose metabolism, but most of that evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies using concentrated extracts,' Caroline Meehan, a registered dietitian and clinical nutrition manager at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, told the Daily Mail. 'There is limited evidence that eating fresh cilantro will meaningfully lower blood sugar. Think of cilantro as a flavorful and nutritious addition to a balanced diet, rather than a strategy for managing blood sugar.'A few sprigs contain only a small amount of these compounds, so cilantro alone is unlikely to have a major effect on blood sugar.Debunking detox myths and antimicrobial hype Cilantro has been gaining a reputation as a detox tool, but experts told the Daily Mail to take it wtih a grain of saltCilantro is also getting plenty of online buzz as a natural 'cleanse' that can flush out heavy metals and fight infections. Lab studies show that it contains germ-fighting compounds, including linalool, which can work against bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. But that doesn’t mean eating a handful of fresh cilantro will detox your body or treat an infection. 'Research confirms cilantro has antimicrobial compounds like linalool effective against certain bacteria and fungi in lab studies, but these effects do not necessarily translate to clinical or food safety benefits from normal consumption,' said Quinton.Meehan agrees. 'Research has shown that certain compounds in cilantro have antimicrobial properties in laboratory settings, but there isn’t strong evidence that eating fresh cilantro has the same effects in the body or can treat an infection,' she told the Daily Mail.And there’s little solid evidence that cilantro detoxes the body. Your live and kidneys are already handling that job naturally - and for those with liver diseases, any dietary changes should be cleared with your doctor.Risks to keep in mind Cilnatro is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, but people on blood thinners and diabetes medications should avoid excess amountsAs a food, fresh cilantro is a nutritious, low-calorie herb with vitamins and antioxidants. It provides vitamin K, which supports blood clotting and bone health, along with vitamin A and beta-carotene. Like parsley, basil and mint, it adds flavor, color and nutrients without extra salt. The bigger concern is concentrated supplements. 'Safety-wise, cilantro is generally safe in food amounts, but large supplement doses could interact with blood thinners due to its vitamin K content or interact with diabetes medications, potentially causing excessive blood thinning or hypoglycemia,' Quinton told the Daily Mail. Meehan echoed that warning, noting that supplements don’t go through the same FDA premarket approval process as medications. 'It’s important to use caution with supplements or concentrated products and discuss them with a healthcare provider, especially when taking prescription medications,' she said.The takeaway Cilantro can be a flavorful, nutritious part of a healthy diet, and while research is promising, it isn’t a cure for high blood sugar or metabolic disease on its own. Add it to home-cooked meals for extra flavor and nutrients without excess sodium or many calories. If you’re managing diabetes or another metabolic condition, stick with proven treatments and talk to your healthcare provider about the best plan for you.