Its easy to avoid these side issues by not drinking green tea on an empty stomach. Its important to note that the findings in the list above were mainly observed in animal and test-tube studies (1, 5). Unfortunately, cilantro loses most of its peppy flavor when boiled or steamed. So what gives? Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. In fact, they're often loaded with vital nutrients and can be a. If youve ever accidentally grabbed a bunch of parsley instead of cilantro, or vice versa, while grocery shopping, youre not alone. However, this popular herb has divided people into two campsthose who like it and those who do not. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Part of HuffPost Food & Drink. They then compared the DNA of the participants. Eyeing the difference: Cilantro vs.. Some people mistakenly think it is better for their health. Thus, it was concluded that OR6A2 may be the olfactory receptor that contributes to the identification of soapy smell and in turn, serves as the root for the soapy taste of cilantro leaves. These combinations of chemicals do not fit a familiar food experience in the brain but fit into a pattern that involves cleaning agents and dirt, or crawly insects, and signals to the brain that coriander is a food that tastes like soap. Generally, the word taste is used in describing the sensations that arise from the mouth. Why do people hate cilantro? Dr. Bailey recommends boiling or steaming spinach or squeezing some lemon juice on the fresh leaves. It's there, it's not there, I don't notice either way. When the bitter compounds in cilantro hit the taste buds of a supertaster, the result is a soap-like quality. These are antioxidants that can protect your cells and DNA from oxidative damage (1, 2, 4, 5). Of course some of this dislike may come down to simple preference, but for those cilantro-haters for whom the plant tastes like soap, the issue is genetic. Cilantro (also called Chinese parsley) is the leafy green part of coriander, an herb native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. The seeds are coriander spice. In this article, were focusing on flat-leafed parsley since thats the most common supermarket variety. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Meta-analysis shows phytosterol-fortified foods effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels. To others, cilantro is a soapy mess that ruins every recipe it touches. Is this curable? Receiving taste qualities that humans describe as sweet, umami, and bitter involves sensory organs called taste receptors. Cilantro is also known as Chinese parsley or Mexican parsley and is found in many Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian dishes. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Read on for all the deets on organic milk, including. Several studies have been done throughout the world to find out the genetics behind the difference in taste perception of coriander leaves. lordkitty 5 yr. ago. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis. Thats why it complements flavorful Mexican and Indian dishes so well. Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report: Khetrapal, Afsaneh. (2017). While some people may think cilantro tastes bad, it actually has a fresh and citrus-y flavor. [SLS] is a surfactant, or what is known as soap. Hate coriander too? If you wanna incorporate alllll the green goodness into your diet, grab a bunch of both parsley and cilantro on your next grocery run. Well, probably not. Coriander is literally just a different part of cilantro so it's gonna taste pretty much the same as cilantro to you (soapy). In a 2001 paper, University of Otago anthropologist Helen Leach details how cilantro became an unwanted herb in many parts of Europe, beginning in the 16th century when John Gerard called it a stinking herbe with leaves of venomous quality. Other centuries-old documents reveal that many people associated cilantro with bed bugs. Adding them to a recipe that has some fat, such as olive oil, avocado, or coconut milk, increases the amount of vitamin K your body absorbs (8). For those who appreciate it, cilantro tastes like a stronger version of parsley, with a tangy citrus flavor. Imran M, et al. Basically, the two forms of the compound are mirror images of each other. It's like washing your mouth out with soap. Instead, consume green tea during or after each meal, Dr. Bailey continued. Khetrapal, Afsaneh. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. How a Penny Can Make Wine Smell and Taste Better, Why Coffee Doesn't Taste as Good as It Smells, Why Aerate Wine? Organic Milk vs. Its commonly used in Indian cooking, while cilantro is more common in Mexican, South American, and Asian cooking. By Marilyn Medina. During the simulation, the sensory cells transmit the signals to corresponding parts in the brain thus making us conscious of the taste perception. MyRecipes is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. Even though these non-gustatory senses are received by various other cells like olfactory and somatosensory cells, it is often difficult to separate them. Dig in to these dishes: These leafy greens have very different flavors, so a recipe that calls for parsley wont taste remotely the same if you use cilantro (and vice versa). This could be one reason why some people associate the soapy taste with coriander. During her time here her love for neuroscience and scientific journalism only grew and have now steered her into a career with the journal, Scientific Reports under Springer Nature. chopped and sprinkled on your favorite Mexican or Thai food. Special sensory cells that are present in the taste buds detect tastants (food chemicals). It's all about genetics. We spoke with Dr. Jerry Bailey, certified nutritionist and acupuncturist, and chiropractic and functional medicine physician at Lakeside Holistic Health and with Stephanie Klein, a registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist, and clinical director of diabetes prevention and reversal at Simplex Health. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. People in some regions refer to cilantro as coriander or Chinese parsley. Here's what to know, Adults with autism say they always felt 'different' growing up. Parsley is also rich in vitamin K, which improves your bone health by maintaining the calcium level in your body. This includes Barq's beer, though their diet version is. Calcium oxalate is a tiny crystal that doesnt dissolve well in water, which is why many feel this grainy texture in [their] mouths. Stephanie Klein. Eating a variety of whole foods will usually provide all of the essential minerals we need in the right balance, ensuring we maintain a healthy equilibrium in the body, she noted. "The Genetics of Coriander's Soapy Taste". The body needs a happy balance of sodium and water in our blood. Another reason may be that people who are sensitive to certain smells may be more likely to taste soap when they eat cilantro. Parsley gives off a mild grassy smell when you rub it and whiff it and also tastes the same. These include fluoride content and whether or not the American Dental, Sea salt is a natural alternative to table salt. It's uber important you get enough potassium from your diet. 2021. Thats why it complements flavorful Mexican and Indian dishes so well. However, not everyone can or should drink it. The more you know . It's gained such a negative reaction that someone used their time, energy and money to . Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap? Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to Some People? This increase in excess acid can lead to digestive issues, including constipation, acid reflux, and nausea. Dr. Jerry Bailey. So, if you think cilantro tastes like soap, it could be due to your genes! For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. There exist various taste qualities. Its a staple in Middle Eastern recipes like tabbouleh, and it adds a pop of flavor to almost any soup, stew, sauce, or marinade. After eating particularly salty foods, you may have noticed a whiteish ring in the inner parts of your lips or just a general feeling of fullness in your lips. Cilantro has a demonstrable genetic key that makes it taste like soap to people, but I've never heard of this for parsley. News-Medical. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) conducted during the studies found that these genes have a high binding specificity for several aldehydes that give cilantro its characteristic odor. News-Medical. With Latin dishes I would sub oregano for cilantro. Here's what to eat if you're on Team Cilantro. Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap? It puts a little pep in your step while adding explosive flavor to soups, sauces, marinades, salads and homemade guacamole. Fun fact: Researchers are finding that lots of food preferences can be traced to genetics. Offers may be subject to change without notice. This genetic quirk is usually only found in a small percent of the population, though it varies geographically. Of course some of this dislike may come down to simple preference, but for those cilantro-haters for whom the plant tastes like soap, the issue is genetic. Does anyone know whether people with the gene that makes cilantro taste like soap taste culantro like very strong soap? Antioxidant activity of spices and their impact on human health: A review. P.S. However, both are a rich source of several vitamins. East Asians have the highest incidence of this variation, with some studies showing that nearly 20% of the population experiences soapy-tasting cilantro. Robino A, et al. Parsleys vitamin K content is notable. Salty and sweet are obvious. Genetic differences in many of these receptors are also known to play a role in how we perceive tastes and smells. The taste of soap is so strong that even a trace of it can change the taste of food and water. Cilantro has a spicy, zesty kick that some folks say smells like soap. Consuming too much salt leads to fluid retention, which for some can result in unwanted swelling in parts of the body. Good ol Encyclopedia Britannica tells us that parsley originated in Mediterranean regions. The stems are edible, but some people find them tough or bitter and prefer to use only the leaves. Its also just a blend of coriander oil and cilantro oil aka, oils from the whole coriandrum sativum plant. Natural aldehyde chemicals are found in cilantro leaves, and those chemicals are also used during soapmaking. He explains that after conducting a few separate studies, scientists were able to pin down most cilantro haters as people with a shared group of olfactory-receptor genes, called OR6A2, that pick up on the smell of aldehyde chemicals. Coriander seeds, meanwhile, are typically roasted and used whole or ground. Both herbs are low cal, low carb, and low fat. Nowadays, some genetic testing sites even give people the option of seeing whether they are genetically predisposed to dislike cilantro. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap?" Its seeds, on the other hand, are often referred to as coriander, which is a nutty- and spicy-tasting spice. A person who dislikes cilantro would also find lavender lemonade soapy-tasting. Red root has been touted as a treatment for things from respiratory issues to UTIs. What are the benefits of exercise on cardiovascular health. We also have the deets on how long the most, While most root beer doesn't contain caffeine, some brands use it in their sodas. When you use these herbs in recipes, the cooking method and other ingredients used may affect these herbs content of nutrients and other health-promoting compounds. If youre one of the unlucky people who cant stomach the taste of cilantro, all hope is not lost! Read on for storage tips and signs of spoilage. Moderate exposure to sodium fluoride powder or crystals may cause: skin irritation or burning. Another cause of the soapy taste could be the aroma and flavor compound S-linalool, a major component of the oils in this herb, Dr. Bailey explained. We're separating fact from fiction on this homeopathic remedy. What Are Bay Leaves And Do They Really Do Anything? Through these studies, scientists were able to point out the fact that most cilantro haters shared a particular group of olfactory receptor genes called OR6A2 that has the capacity to identify the smell of aldehyde chemicals that are present in coriander leaves as well as soaps. Can I eat parsley raw? Some people describe the smell and taste of fresh cilantro leaves as soap-like. When youre ready for more, check out our best recipes for cooking with fresh herbs. Parsley and cilantro both add flavor and color to recipes, but theyre not interchangeable. News-Medical.Net provides this medical information service in accordance In addition to that, pest professionals use it in the preparation of insecticides. Parsley and cilantro are both very low in calories but rich in certain vitamins, most notably vitamin K. Theyre also a source of antioxidants that can help protect your cells from oxidative damage. These people have a variation in a group of olfactory-receptor genes that allows them to strongly perceive the soapy-flavored aldehydes in cilantro leaves. Cilantro is a green, leafy herb that resembles parsley. I mean can I get back the pleasant smell and the taste of, High-protein diet counters adaptive thermogenesis in prediabetic individuals. A common genetic variation was found among the cilantro haters thats associated with the trait in a subset of people with European ancestry. Cilantro is a great natural source of vitamins and fun flavor. But these potato salad recipes are way healthier, Mustard can last 1 year or longer if stored correctly. Theyre similar nutritionally, although parsley comes out ahead for its vitamin K content. If you simply cant warm up to cilantro, other options exist. Owned and operated by AZoNetwork, 2000-2023. Very informative. At a glance, parsley and cilantro are *almost* twinning. Parsley, on the other hand, smells and tastes lemony and fresh. Learn to concoct simple home remedies with easy-to-grow medicinal herbs, Parsley is a versatile herb that adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to many dishes, but if you've run out, there are plenty of possible replacements. Licareol is found in bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), and lavender (Lavandula officinalis). August 7, 2022. Thanks to a video from SciShow, we finally know why cilantro tastes like soap for some 4-14 percent of the population. Just 28 grams provides nearly 6 times the recommended Daily Value for this vitamin. Thats not a scientific name, BTW. But, parsleys vitamin K content gives it a slight health edge. Before you join the club and publicly announce your aversion to cilantro, you may want to learn why you dont like it. Cilantro (or coriander leaves) is probably the most divisive herb there is. If you love snacking on guac and zesty, cilantro-laden foods, go for it! To avoid that soapy taste in your dishes, we suggest swapping parsley for cilantro. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. All You Need to Know, 10 Delicious Herbs and Spices With Powerful Health Benefits, The 10 Best Herbs to Boost Energy and Focus, Natures 9 Most Powerful Medicinal Plants and the Science Behind Them, inhibiting the growth of some types of bacteria and fungi, reducing blood pressure and kidney stones by acting as a diuretic. The whole love-it-or-hate-it debate involves just the herb (including the leaves and stems), but not the seeds. In addition to their nutrients, both herbs are rich in phenolic compounds. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. At first glance, these two leafy green herbs could be twins. Natural remedies abound, but these are. Afsaneh graduated from Warwick University with a First class honours degree in Biomedical science. The amount of vitamin K you absorb from both herbs can also vary depending on how you eat them. Parsley is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth as medicine, short-term. From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party. (2017). The aroma and flavor compound S-Linalool, a naturally occurring chemical in scented plants, is also a major component of the oils found in coriander. Parsley doesn't contain them, so while it may not taste very good it won't cause the same reaction. A good debate centers around a harmless herbcilantro. Sign up for Yahoo Lifes daily newsletter, Who was Karl Lagerfeld? 01 May 2023. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. She has her M.S. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. What Is Marjoram And What's a Good Substitute? Sreelatha S, et al. Retrieved on May 01, 2023 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Genetics-of-Corianders-Soapy-Taste.aspx. In this interview conducted at Pittcon 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we spoke to Dr. Chad Merkin, Director of the International Institute for Nanotechnology, about his work developing next-generation nanomaterials for medical applications. Here's a, There's no evidence that shows nightshade vegetables are bad for your health. Some people describe the smell and taste of fresh cilantro leaves as soap-like. Bruising the herb through crushing, mincing, or pulverizing (like in this Spicy Parsley-Cilantro Sauce recipe) releases some of the soapy-tasting enzymes. One study found a link between folks who think cilantro tastes like soap and folks who have a variation on olfactory gene OR6A2. You can thank cilantro for that zest in a spoonful of fresh guac (and the tomatoes and peppers and lime juice). You cant go wrong with these. 6 Reasons Why People Are Obsessed With Topo Chico, The Best-Tasting Beers for People Who Think They Don't Like Beer, The Reason Why Tomato Sauce With Vodka Tastes So Good, How to Store and Preserve Cilantro 3 Ways, 10 Easy Tips To Keep Herbs and Spices Fresh and Flavorful. The other isomer is (R)-(-)-linalool, which is also known as licareol. The 7 Best Substitutes for Coriander and Cilantro, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 7 Surprising Benefits of Parsley Tea (And How to Make It), 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Parsley Root, Does Green Juice Have Benefits? Research seems to confirm that your DNA plays a large part in this. Whats the Difference Between Bison and Buffalo? Paprika vs. Smoked Paprika: What's the Difference? So, if you're sensitive to the soapy flavor of coriander, other plants may also smell and presumably taste like a shower stall. This can give you that morning puffiness look, swollen and often described as allergy face. To ensure quality and potency in your herbal remedies, why not grow your own? According to The New York Times, the Oxford Companion to Food notes that the word coriander is said to derive from the Greek word for bedbug. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Heres a head-to-head comparison of parsley and cilantro. Bruising the herb through crushing, mincing, or pulverizing (like in this Spicy Parsley-Cilantro Sauce recipe) releases some of the soapy-tasting enzymes. Here are 7 surprising benefits of parsley tea. (2018). The soap taste is real for some people and there is a scientific reason behind it. So, too much of one will cause an imbalance of the other, Klein explained. Luteolin, a flavonoid, as an anticancer agent: A review. Though cilantro and coriander seeds come from the same plantand the words are often used interchangeablythe flavors and uses couldnt be more different. All rights reserved. The effect of quercetin on inflammatory factors and clinical symptoms in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. For example, cooking parsley and cilantro reduces the amounts of certain antioxidants but increases those of others (11). Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/why-does-cilantro-taste-like-soap-4588073. I have been trying to work out for myself what has happened to my sense of smell since having Covid in March 2020. Scientists think that its possible to overcome the aversion. That's. Its dark-green leaves contain antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins (folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A and C, beta-carotene) and dietary fiber. Coriander also has some aldehydes that are found in soaps, detergents, and lotions as well as the bug family of insects. Technically, parsley comes in three varieties: curly-leafed, flat-leafed, and root parsley. Why does parsley taste like soap? It likely got its culinary start in Roman and Greek kitchens. Cilantro! (2019). Bruising the herb through crushing, mincing, or pulverizing (like in this Spicy Parsley-Cilantro Sauce recipe) releases some of the soapy-tasting enzymes. While some people may think cilantro tastes bad, it actually has a fresh and citrus-y flavor. Here are the 10 best herbs, Meet gingko, grapeseed extract, echinacea, and six more powerful plants with science-backed health benefits. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. It is common for lips to swell upon waking if you have consumed large amounts of salt the prior night, Dr. Bailey told MNT. Parsley root is a beige root vegetable closely related to garden parsley. Its distinctive fresh, spicy-citrusy flavor is a key to transforming mashed avocados into guacamole and diced tomatoes into pico de gallo. Dr. Bailey explained that the tannins in green tea can cause stomach irritation, which could explain the discomfort. In this episode of omg OMx, Bruker's science-driven podcast, Kate Stumpo interviews Daniel Hornburg, the VP of Proteomics at Seer, as they discuss the innovative technologies in plasma proteomics. 16 Best Foods with Potassium for All Diets, Nightshade Vegetables: The Good, the Bad, and the Spusdy, 11 Potato Salads That Put the Salad Bar's to Shame. Its commonly used in Indian cooking, while cilantro is more common in Mexican, South American, and Asian cooking. However, they have very different flavors, so you cant always substitute one for the other in recipes. If you truly cant stand the taste of the controversial herb, try substituting parsley for cilantro. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9" }).render("7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a"); }); If youre team cilantro and enjoy adding it to dishes, good for you! Hops (Humulus lupulus), oregano, marjoram, and marijuana (Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica) are similarly high in linalool and taste like dishwater to some people. A good debate centers around a harmless herbcilantro. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. This perception is believed to be a result of an enzyme that changes the way one senses the taste of coriandera genetic trait that is still being researched upon. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap?" These people arent just mildly averse to the herbthey loathe it. Parsley has a mild, bright flavor thats very versatile, while cilantro has a much stronger, citrusy flavor. Here are the health benefits of these little herbs. Have you ever met someone who complained about cilantro tasting like soap? People either love it and use it in everything from fish tacos to cilantro-lime rice, or they cant stand the taste of it. Most people find it to be an inoffensive, fresh, citrus-y addition to all sorts of Eastern dishes. Where cilantro is popular, 7% of South Asians, 4% of Hispanics, and 3% of Middle Eastern respondents identified a dislike of the flavor. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. More info. Our content does not constitute a medical consultation. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Its often used to round out garlic dishes with a simple note of fresh, herbal flavor. However, some people loathe cilantro. Potassium is an essential nutrient that serves your body in lots of vital ways. Cooking cilantroinstead of eating it rawis also thought to reduce the soapiness. There are many reasons why cilantro may taste like soap to some people. Cilantro (aka the leaves of the coriander plant) is a tasty herb to most people. Understanding the Role of Epigenetics in Cancer, Understanding Chronic Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis, Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised; Differences in the Penile Microbiome, Obesity management: a women's health approach, AI analysis software for Zebrafish you must know, Excessive digital technology use is associated with reduced sleep quality regardless of environmental and genetic factors, study finds. "More than 60% of perfumed cleaning agents. the juice nut. There is a genetic component to coriander taste perception. As it turns out, genetics are to blame. They found that those people who said cilantro tastes like soap share a common smell-receptor gene cluster called OR6A2. "The Genetics of Coriander's Soapy Taste". Science Behind Letting Wine Breathe, The Olfactory System and Your Sense of Smell, Atmospheric Aromatherapy: The Smell of Rain, How to Substitute for Baking Powder and Baking Soda, unsaturated aldehydes contribute to cilantro's aroma and flavor, Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College. In Fruits. The link between genetics and cilantro flavor was first identified when researchers found 80% of identical twins share a like or dislike of the herb. SLS is also linked with skin sensitivity and irritation in people who have skin conditions such as perioral dermatitis. And since not all herbs are created equally, just how different are parsley and cilantro? Indian spices for healthy heart - An overview. However, if cilantro is a popular component of local cuisine, fewer people dislike it. [Expert Review] Parsley juice. A soapy taste in the mouth may happen if a person: eats off dishes they have failed to rinse. irritation of the eyes, throat, and nose . Here's what you need to know to recognize a cilantro allergy. Cilantro has more round-tipped leaves. Keep them in the refrigerator, and they should last at least a week. Klein told MNT that this sensation is more common after eating spinach because the vegetable has such high levels of a natural compound called oxalic acid, or oxalate. My wife dislike cilantro since I married. The hate, it seems, stems from the chemicals inside cilantro and a variation in olfactory receptor genes that some people have. Cayenne Pepper vs. Chili Powder: What's the Difference? Researchers at the consumer genetics firm 23andMe performed a survey, asking about 30,000 people whether they liked cilantro and what they thought it tasted like. One, it suppresses the sweet receptors on the taste buds, thus making you temporarily unable to taste any sweet flavors. In the latter example, the ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, in the juice helps dissolve the oxalic acid. The increase in salt consumption from foods like salted popcorn, sunflower seeds, chips, or other high salt-containing processed foods causes the body to retain fluid, which may also cause swelling in the eyelids and the lips. All rights reserved. They found that those people who said cilantro tastes like soap share a common smell-receptor gene cluster called OR6A2. Or, how many times have you gone to drink some orange juice, only to find that it tastes appalling because you had just brushed your teeth? For some, cilantro tastes like soap, dirt, crushed bugs or metal shavings. Parsley has a fresh, mild herbal scent, while cilantro has a much stronger, spicy, citrusy aroma. This is why you only taste the bitterness and citric acid in orange juice, [not] any sweetness, Klein added. (2012). Others with a coriander aversion report that the herb smells and tastes rotten to them. These people arent just mildly averse to the herbthey loathe it. OR6A2, an olfactory receptor, "codes for the receptor that picks up the scent of aldehyde chemicals" these are chemicals found in both cilantro and soap. Parsley tends to be more versatile, while fresh cilantro brings a strong herbaceous, citrusy flavor to recipes. Umami has to do with the savory taste of protein. Medical News Today looks at why some people have such a strong aversion to cilantro, why we experience the amazing nastiness of orange juice after brushing our teeth, and more. Although cilantro and parsley bear a great resemblance, you can tell them apart by examining their leaves. It may help lower the risk of cancer and reduce blood pressure, among other benefits. Interestingly, places where cilantro is especially popular, such as Central America and India, have fewer people with these genes, which might explain how the herb was able to become such a mainstay in those regions. OR6A2 specifically relates to how you smell a chemical called aldehyde, which is found in cilantro. Here's How to Make It Last Longer. Green tea contains many polyphenols, including flavanols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, catechins, and tannins.