Earlier this week I saw a friend’s Facebook post, which was a short little blurb advising to use cilantro to rid the body of mercury. This was of particular interest to him, and me, because mercury is sometimes found in greater quantities in the bodies of people with autism. So, because I am a research junkie, I decided to do a little investigating…
Mercury, a heavy metal neurotoxin, has been shown to cause conditions such as autoimmune disorders (multiple sclerosis…which my mom was diagnosed with 20 years ago), Alzheimer's, thyroid dysfunction, fertility problems (including polycystic ovary syndrome) and kidney dysfunction.
What is the major cause of mercury toxicity in the body?…Amalgam fillings, which are 50% mercury! These are the silver fillings, which so many of us have(I counted 4 in my mouth…and I have had some removed, due to age of the filling, and replaced with composite fillings). AND, over the life of the filling, they continue to release harmful chemicals that settle in the brain and spinal cord.
Another common source of mercury…fish! Virtually all fish have trace amounts of mercury, and some have more than others. The cause…oceans and lakes that are contaminated with mercury.
So, getting back to the original reason for my research, I found studies of the blood mercury levels of autistic and non-autistic children. The most conclusive study found that the levels were virtually the same in both groups. BUT, there was no conclusion as to whether mercury actually causes autism. This research is very controversial, as most of us know, because thimerosol (a form of mercury) is a common additive of vaccines…and people have stopped vaccinating their children.
Here is my personal take, which is not based on any science, just common sense…My son’s autism was not caused by a vaccine. He was born missing a piece of his 22nd chromosome. I am NOT saying that this may not be the case in some instances…but in Gabe’s, it is not. I do, however, believe that something environmental that I was exposed to caused his genetic disorder. A mouth full of mercury…maybe. But it could be any number of things…pesticides, environmental pollutants, food additives…You get the picture.
So…
Even if I found no real, scientific study (and yes, I know that the government funds a lot of those…hmmm) that proves higher blood mercury levels in the autistic population…Mercury is BAD!
Cilantro, an herb commonly used in Latin dishes, HAS been scientifically proven to rid the body of mercury! It does this my mobilizing the neurotoxin from the brain and spinal cord, and depositing it in the connective tissues, where it can then be eliminated from the body (I won’t go into how…you get the picture).
Pretty AWESOME…huh?
Yesterday afternoon, Lily and I did a bit of cilantro experimentation. Smoothies seemed to be the best way to get the tastiest bang for our cilantro buck.
We created two. They were both highly drinkable, but in my opinion, the first was the best. Also…if you hate cilantro, these are NOT for you! Cilantro has a strong flavor and is the definite star in both of these.
IMPORTANT INFO: Use organic cilantro! Cilantro is at the top of The Dirty Dozen. This means it is the most contaminated with pesticides! Do not trade in one contaminant for another
How to grow your own cilantro.
First…
Here’s my little trick to freezing bananas. Essential to any good smoothie…at least in my opinion.
Place three or four ripe bananas in a plastic freezer bag. Force the air out of the bag and separate the bananas.
Seal the bag.
Roll the bananas over top of each other (keeping the plastic in between them).
Store in the freezer until ready to use (up to a month).
Now your frozen bananas won’t stick together!
Pineapple Coconut Lime Cilantro Smoothie
1 cup frozen pineapple
1 banana, frozen
3 tablespoons coconut milk (full fat, canned)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 – 1/2 cup almond milk (you can use diary milk, soy milk, or whatever you wish)
1 handful (around 1/2 cup loose packed) fresh ORGANIC cilantro
Put all ingredients in a blender or processor. Blend on high for 45 seconds, or until smooth, adding more almond milk as needed.
Yum.
Berry Watermelon Cilantro Smoothie
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup watermelon chunks
1 banana, frozen
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 cup 100% berry juice (I used Bolthouse Farms )
1 handful (1/2 cup loose packed) ORGANIC cilantro
Place all ingredients in a blender or processor. Blend on high for 45 seconds, or until smooth, adding more juice as needed.
Love bonding with my girlie over a healthy smoothie!
Here are two other recipe I have posted in the past that also contain cilanbtro…
Mexican Bean Salad
Pioneer Woman’s Restaurant Style Salsa
I hope you will try these! Personally, if I were thinking of (which I am SOOOOOO NOT) becoming pregnant, I would be downing these puppies like cilantro was never gonna grow again!
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
And don’t forget…”like” me on
! When I get to 500…I am doing a giveaway of 5 of my favorite healthy products!Jessie
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