Cilantro

spices

Cilantro

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 4.9

Rated by 11 diets

9 approve1 caution1 avoid
Is Cilantro Healthy?

Yes — Cilantro is broadly considered healthy. 9 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
23kcal
Protein
2.1g
Carbs
3.7g
Fat
0.5g
Fiber
2.8g
Sugar
0.9g
Sodium
46mg

Diet Ratings

Keto10/10APPROVED

Fresh cilantro contains negligible net carbs (<1g per ounce) and is a keto-friendly herb with no metabolic impact.

Vegan10/10APPROVED

Pure plant-derived herb in whole form. No animal products or animal-derived ingredients. Minimal processing.

Paleo9/10APPROVED

Fresh herb, unprocessed and available in nature. Antioxidant properties and potential heavy metal chelation. No antinutrients of concern at typical culinary doses.

Mediterranean6/10CAUTION

Cilantro is not traditionally Mediterranean but appears in some modern Mediterranean interpretations and in Mediterranean cuisines influenced by Middle Eastern and North African traditions. Acceptable but not core.

iStrict traditional Mediterranean diet does not include cilantro. It is more prominent in Latin American, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Some modern Mediterranean chefs incorporate it for flavor diversity.

Carnivore2/10AVOID

Fresh cilantro is plant-derived herb with higher water and carbohydrate content than dried spices. Violates carnivore plant exclusion rules. Greater carbohydrate density than dried herbs.

Whole309/10APPROVED

Fresh cilantro is a whole herb with no excluded ingredients. It is explicitly allowed as a compliant seasoning on Whole30.

Low-FODMAP9/10APPROVED

Cilantro (fresh coriander leaves) is low-FODMAP at standard culinary serving sizes. Monash University rates cilantro as low-FODMAP. It is suitable for the elimination phase.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Fresh herb with zero sodium and negligible calories. Contains antioxidants and supports flavor enhancement without salt. Ideal for DASH meals to improve palatability and adherence to low-sodium guidelines.

Zone8/10APPROVED

Fresh cilantro is a zero-calorie herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Supports Zone's anti-inflammatory approach. Negligible macronutrient impact.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Cilantro contains polyphenols and antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Supports detoxification and digestive health. Fresh herb provides maximum bioactive compound retention. Well-tolerated in culinary amounts.

GLP-1 Friendly9/10APPROVED

Fresh cilantro is essentially zero-calorie with high water content and micronutrients. Does not trigger GI distress. Enhances protein-rich meals (fish, chicken, legumes). Supports hydration. No fat, no carbs, no protein needed from herbs. Excellent flavor addition without drawbacks.

Controversy Index

Score range: 210/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus4.9Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Cilantro

Keto 10/10
  • Virtually zero net carbs
  • Whole food herb
  • Minimal portion sizes typical
Vegan 10/10
  • whole plant herb
  • fresh/minimal processing
  • no animal derivatives
Paleo 9/10
  • unprocessed herb
  • antioxidant-rich
  • potential detoxification support
  • minimal antinutrients at typical doses
Mediterranean 6/10
  • not traditional Mediterranean
  • regional variation
  • minimal processing
  • antioxidant properties
  • modern culinary expansion
Whole30 9/10
  • Whole herb
  • No additives
  • Explicitly allowed
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • Low carbohydrate content
  • Used in small quantities
  • No significant FODMAP compounds
DASH 9/10
  • Zero sodium
  • Antioxidant content
  • Enhances flavor without salt
  • Supports low-sodium adherence
  • No caloric impact
Zone 8/10
  • Antioxidant compounds
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Negligible macronutrient impact
  • Supports detoxification pathways
  • Polyphenol content
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Detoxification support
  • Digestive enzyme stimulation
  • zero calories
  • high water content
  • hydration support
  • no GI triggers
Last reviewed: Our methodology
Is Cilantro Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai