There are a wealth of health benefits of celery that many
people are not aware of, including the fact that it is rich in vitamin C, it
lowers cholesterol, prevents cancer, manages pain from arthritis, helps weight
loss attempts, detoxifies the body, reduces high blood pressure, and promotes
overall health in a vast number of ways.
Celery is a plant of the Apiaceae family, and is a plant,
consumed as a vegetable, that can be found throughout the world, and as an
integral part of certain culture’s cuisine. Its origins most likely trace back
to the Mediterranean and North African areas, since what is believed to be a
rudimentary variety of species of celery was found in King Tut’s tomb, and a
plant closely resembling celery is reference multiple times in Mediterranean
myth and history. The plant is now cultivated globally and is a part of every
cuisine from America and Ireland to Japan and Australia.
For culinary use, it is most commonly found in soups and
salads, or as a garnish to certain dishes. Also, it is commonly eaten as a
snack, since it is quite filling, but not fattening.
Nutritional Value
Celery contains minerals such as calcium, sodium, copper,
magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium. It
contains fatty acids and vitamins including vitamin A, C, E, D, B6, B12 and
vitamin K. It also contains thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid and fiber.
Health Benefits of Celery
Its health benefits
include the following:
Reduced blood
pressure: Celery contains pthalides, which are organic chemical compounds
that can lower the level of stress hormones in your blood. This allows your
blood vessels to expand, giving your blood more room to move, thereby reducing
pressure. When blood pressure is reduced, it puts less stress on the entire
cardiovascular system, and reduces the chances of developing atherosclerosis,
or suffering from a heart attack or a stroke.
Reduced cholesterol:
Eating celery every day may reduce artery-clogging cholesterol (called LDL or
“bad” cholesterol). The phthalides in this herb also stimulates the secretion
of bile juices, which works to reduce cholesterol levels. Less cholesterol
means less plaque on the artery walls and a general improvement in heart
health. The fiber that is found in celery also works to scrape the cholesterol
out of the bloodstream and eliminate it from the body with regular bowel
movements, further boosting cardiovascular health.
Antiseptic:
Celery seeds help in the elimination of uric acid because it is commonly used
for its diuretic properties, meaning that it stimulates urination. Therefore,
celery is good for people with bladder disorders, kidney problems, cystitis,
and other similar conditions. Celery seeds also assist in preventing urinary
tract infections in women.
Healthy joints:
Celery is great for people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism and gout. It had anti-inflammatory properties that help
to reduce swelling and pain around the joints. Celery sticks also act as a
diuretic, which helps to remove uric acid crystals that build up around the
body’s joints that can add to the pain and discomfort of frequent joint use. It
can also increase the regrowth of tissue in inflamed joints.
Prevents cancer:
Celery contains phthalides, flavonoids, and polyacetylenes. These
cancer-fighting components detoxify carcinogens. Celery also contains coumarins
that enhance the activity of certain white blood cells, which can effectively
stave off cancer as well. These
antioxidant components seek out free radicals floating in the body and damaging
organs and neutralize them before they can result in the development of serious
conditions like cancer.
Improved immune
system: Celery is rich in vitamin C, which greatly boosts the strength of
the immune system. Stimulated by the activity of other antioxidants in celery,
it becomes more active and efficient. Because of the high content of vitamin C
in celery, eating it regularly can reduce your risk of catching the common
cold, as well as protecting you against a variety of other diseases.
Reduces Asthma
Symptoms: Vitamin-C prevents free radical damage and it also has
anti-inflammatory properties that lessen the severity of inflammatory
conditions like asthma.
Cardiovascular
health: The notable presence of vitamin C, fiber, and other organic
chemicals in the roots of celery promotes cardiovascular health.
Diuretic activity:
Celery is rich in both sodium and potassium, and both of these minerals help to
regulate the fluid balance in the body. Potassium also acts as a vasodilator,
reducing blood pressure.
Relief from
migraines: The presence of coumarins can provide relief from migraines. The
exact mechanism isn’t completely understood, but research points to a suppression
of Nitric Oxide release in the brain which can cause headaches and migraines.
Treats rheumatism:
Celery extracts, which contain 85% 3nB, are effective for treating arthritis
and muscular pains.
Diabetes Health:
Celery leaves are also eaten for treating diabetic conditions, particularly
because they are high in fiber, which has been shown to help manage diabetic
symptoms.
Relief from
ophthalmological diseases: Dripping celery tea drops on eyelids is good for
certain ophthalmological conditions, and can improve your eye health, reduce
your chances of developing cataracts, and protects you against macular
degeneration.
Nerve calming
properties: Celery contains high calcium and due to this it is commonly
used to calm the nerves.
Weight loss: Health
benefits of celery include weight management. Regular drinking of celery juice
before meals may help you to reduce your weight. This is because celery is very
low in calories, but it is very filling because of the fiber content.
Therefore, it can help reduce the tendency to overeat and help you keep the
weight down without feeling hungry all the time!
How to select and store?
It is easily available in markets all over the world. Choose
the celery which is green in color, has no discoloration, has fresh and crisp
leaves. Store it in refrigerator and use in 5-7 days. Make sure you do not
freeze it.
Quick serving ideas
Salad: Add
chopped celery leaves to vegetables or meat of your choice. Add salt and
crushed pepper to the salad. For dressing, drizzle lime juice and olive oil.
Fruit salad: Mix
a sliced apples, nuts such as peanuts raisins etc with chopped celery leaves in
a bowl. Mix orange juice with mayonnaise and drizzle it over the mixture.
Soups: Add celery
stalks and leaves to soups, gravies etc.
Word of caution:
The seeds contain volatile oils, flavonoids, coumarins and linoleic acid and
are therefore not good for pregnant women because they may cause contractions
in the uterus. Other than that, eat as many of those crunchy, green, and
healthy stalks as you can!
To know more details visit https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-celery.html
