The diets react (see scores below)
Diet Ratings
Cilantro has ~0.1g net carbs per tablespoon. Essentially carb-free fresh herb. No impact on ketosis at any reasonable serving size.
Pure plant-derived fresh herb. No animal products or derivatives. Whole food form with maximum nutritional value.
Fresh herb available to Paleolithic humans. Unprocessed, no grains, legumes, dairy, or refined ingredients. Culinary herb with no compatibility issues.
Cilantro is a fresh herb with minimal processing and nutritional benefits. While not traditionally central to Mediterranean cuisine, it aligns with plant-based emphasis and is increasingly used in modern Mediterranean cooking.
Cilantro is more prominent in Latin American and Asian cuisines. Some Mediterranean diet purists may prioritize traditional herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil over cilantro.
Fresh plant herb. Contains plant compounds and carbohydrates. Strictly excluded from carnivore diet.
Fresh herb with no excluded ingredients. Whole30 explicitly allows all herbs and spices.
Cilantro is a pure herb with no significant FODMAP content. Monash University confirms cilantro is low-FODMAP at typical culinary serving sizes.
Sodium-free herb with antioxidants. Supports DASH by enabling flavorful preparation of vegetables, beans, and whole grains without added sodium.
Cilantro contains polyphenols and has anti-inflammatory properties. Minimal macronutrient impact at typical serving sizes. Supports Zone anti-inflammatory strategy without affecting macronutrient ratios.
Cilantro contains polyphenols and antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests potential heavy metal chelation benefits. Generally recognized as anti-inflammatory, though less extensively studied than other herbs.
Some authorities note cilantro's benefits are modest compared to other herbs. Heavy metal chelation claims lack strong clinical evidence, though antioxidant properties are established.
Negligible calories, high water content supports hydration, potential heavy metal chelation properties. Mild flavor, excellent digestibility. Enhances nutrient-dense meals without adding fat or calories.
Nutritional profile
Six traits that cut across every diet.
Fiber & Plants
How much whole-plant food and fiber it delivers.
Healthy Fats
The quality of its fats (unsaturated, omega-3).
Whole / Unprocessed
How close it is to its natural, unprocessed form.
Gut Gentle
How easy it is on digestion (low FODMAP, few irritants).
Low Glycemic
How little it spikes your blood sugar.
Protein Density
How much protein it packs per calorie.
Controversy Index
Score range: 1–10/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.
Diet-Specific Tips for Cilantro
Keto — 9/10- Negligible net carbs
- Minimal calories
- Fresh herb, no processing
Vegan — 10/10- 100% plant-based
- Fresh whole food
- No processing
Paleo — 9/10- Unprocessed plant-based herb
- No additives or fillers
- Minimal caloric impact
Mediterranean — 7/10- Fresh whole food
- Minimal processing
- Plant-based emphasis
- Modern Mediterranean adaptation
Whole30 — 10/10- Fresh herb
- Whole food
- Explicitly allowed category
Low-FODMAP — 9/10- Pure fresh herb with negligible fermentable carbohydrates
- No fructans, GOS, lactose, or polyols
- Standard serving sizes are very small
DASH — 9/10- Zero sodium
- Antioxidant compounds
- Supports diverse cuisines
- No added sugars
Zone — 8/10- Polyphenol content
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Negligible macronutrients
Anti-Inflammatory — 7/10- Polyphenol content
- Antioxidant compounds
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Potential detoxification support
GLP-1 Friendly — 8/10- negligible calories
- high water content
- supports hydration
- no GI triggers