10 Health Benefits of Celery
The scientific name of celery is Apiumgraveolens. This green vegetable belongs to the Apiaceae plant family. The health benefits of celery are due to the excellent sources of beneficial enzymes and antioxidants. Celery is loaded with essential minerals and vitamins such as folate, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
The nutritional values and health benefits of celery have been well studied and this vegetable has been used in culinary and folk medicine for centuries. Regular consumption of celery can help protect cardiovascular health. Moreover, inflammation-reducing and antioxidant properties of celery make it become an ideal food for patients with high cholesterol levels and blood pressure, as well as heart disease. Celery also has numerous amazing benefits for skin, liver, eye, and cognitive health.
Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Celery
Every part of celery, including the stalks, seeds, and leaves are edible and are rich in nutrients. Celery leaves are often added to soups and stir-fries. Celery seeds present in different forms such as whole seed, ground, and extract can give you beneficial health benefits. Crushed celery seeds can be used as a spice. Apiol, an oily compound in celery seeds, contributes to a distinctive flavor and many medicinal uses. Celery is loaded with vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin A, folate, vitamin K, fiber, and protein. Here are 10 health benefits of celery:
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Celery Lowers Inflammation
Celery is loaded with polysaccharides and antioxidants. The antioxidants have the ability to cure free-radical damage that contributes to inflammation. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, or arthritis are caused by inflammation.
Celery has a dozen types of beneficial antioxidants such as ferulic acid, caffeicacid, and quecetin. Celery is an effective home remedy for a wide range of inflammatory conditions, including liver and kidney infections, bout, joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome, skin disorders, and urinary tract infections.
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Celery can Reduce High Cholesterol
Regular consumption of celery is effective in reducing high cholesterol. You can add celery to your diet to help protect and improve heart health. 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh), a unique compound present in celery, has alipid-lowering effect. Taking celery supplements can reduce lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration.
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Celery Supports Healthy Blood Pressure
High blood pressure may increase the risk of coronary heart disease that results in mortality. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies and natural treatments for high blood pressure. Celery seed extracts can treat high blood pressure because of their anti-hypertensive properties. Celery is loaded with potassium and calcium. And the muscle relaxant effect of celery can help to control blood pressure. Celery extract can improve your overall heart health.
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Celery Can Help Prevent Liver Diseases
Celery is an ideal liver cleansing food. Regular consumption of celery can help protect kidney health and prevent liver diseases. Celery is high in vitamin C, B, and A and iron. Containing diuretic properties, celery can remove toxins, wastes, and contaminants from your body.
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Celery Aids in Weight Loss
Celery is included in a list of foods for weight loss because it’s low in calories. Regular consumption of celery, one of my superfoods can provide essential minerals, vitamins, and vital nutrients. It boosts lipid metabolism and is rich in electrolytes, antioxidants, potassium, B vitamins and vitamin C.
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Celery can help Fight Infections
Celery seeds contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and has been used to fight infections for centuries. The use of celery extract fights bacterial infections, improves the immune system and inhibits bacterial growth.
The diuretic effect of celery brings a number of digestive benefits. Eating celery can treat water retention, relieve bloating and boost digestion. Celery is effective in reducing blood pressure because it contains anti-hypertension properties.
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Celery Reduces the Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
Celery has the ability to boost urine production and decrease uric acid; therefore, eating celery on a regular basis can help prevent bacterial infections within the digestive tract and reproductive organs. Like cranberries, celery is an effective home remedy for bladder disorders, urinary tract infections, kidney problems and cysts on the reproductive organs.
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Celery can Assist with Keeping Cancer at Bay
Celery is one of the cancer-protective vegetables that also include fennel, carrots, parsnips, and parsley. Celery contains polyacetylenes that are chemoprotective compounds. Polyacetylenes can remove toxins and help prevent cancer formation, especially intestinal cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia.
Polyacetylenes boost the immune system and inhibit the growth of cancer tumor. Moreover, polyacetylenes are well-known for its bioactivities such as antiplatelet-aggregatory, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial and cytotoxic properties.
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Celery helps to Prevent Ulcers
Regular consumption of celery can help prevent and treat painful ulcers. A special type of ethanol extract in celery is effective in preventing the formation of ulcers in the lining of the digestive tract.
Celery contains tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and volatile oils that are beneficial chemical constituents in celery. These chemical constituents have the ability to nourish the colon, stomach, and intestines.
3 Ways To Eat Celery/Celery Recipes
Here are some of my favorite recipes that include celery:
Fresh Apple-Celery Energy Juice
Ingredients
- 3-4 celery stalks, including leaves
- 1/2 green apple
- 1 inch ginger root
- 1/2 bunch parsley, including stems
- 1/2 lemon, including skin
Instructions: Feed all ingredients into a juicer. Drink immediately.
Celery -Parmesan Salad
Source: Food Network
Ingredients
Instructions
- At least 1 hour before you plan to serve the salad, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, the shallots, celery seed, celery salt, anchovy paste, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.
- Place the celery in a mixing bowl and toss it with the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. (Even though these ingredients are in the dressing, believe me-this step makes a difference.)
- Add enough dressing to moisten well. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the celery to crisp and the flavors to develop.
- When ready to serve, arrange the celery on a platter, shave the Parmesan onto the celery with a vegetable peeler, then sprinkle with walnuts, parsley leaves, salt, and pepper and serve immediately.
Tropical Smoothie With Celery
Source: Real Simple
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen pineapple
- 2 cups peeled cucumber
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 1 cup water
- pinch salt
- 1/2 cup ice
Instructions: Blend all ingredients in a high power blender until smooth. Serve immediately.
For more recipes:
HEART SMART CELERY JUICE
CELERY SMOOTHIE
SOOTH YOUR STOMACH WITH CELERY JUICE
Frequently Asked Questions About Celery
Q. Will celery lower blood pressure?
A. There are several studies that show celery may help to lower blood pressure. In clinical trials, celery leaf extract helped to lower cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL levels in participants. Several animal studies also show celery, celery seed, and celery leaf extract to have a positive impact on blood pressure. (1, 2, 3)
Q. Will celery cause gas?
A. Raw celery may cause some excess gas. Cooking it slightly as well as chewing thoroughly may help to reduce this effect.
Q. Will celery help me poop?
A. Celery contains a good amount of insoluble fiber which helps to keep things in the digestive system moving along. Celery will most likely help you poop if you are struggling with constipation, as well as other fiber-rich foods.
Q. Can celery be frozen?
A. Celery can be frozen but it will likely not be as crisp as fresh celery when thawed. If you want to save celery for cooking in soups, this is a good option. If you want crispy raw celery than you should buy it fresh.
Q. Are celery leaves edible?
A. Yes, celery leaves are edible. In fact, they have many health benefits people don’t know about. Celery leaves contain good amounts of calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, and iodine. If you consume the leaves as well as the stock you will be getting significantly more nutrients than if you only eat the stalk.
Q. Where is celery grown?
A. Celery grows wild in wet climates like Europe. It is also farmed throughout the world and grows well in many different warm climates as long as it has rich soil, plenty of water, and shade from the sun. You can even grow celery in pots on a patio or porch as long as they stay moist.
Q. Which part of celery do we eat?
A. The entire celery plant is edible, although most people only eat the stalks.
Q. Will celery grow back?
A. You can grow new celery from the base of a used stalk. Simply put the base in a shallow cup of water and put it on a window seal, adding more water as needed. Within a few days, you should see new celery stalks begin to grow from the base.
Q. Can celery be eaten raw?
A. Yes, celery can be eaten raw. Raw vegetables can be more difficult to digest for some people, so if you experience excess gas or digestive discomfort try cooking them slightly before consuming.
Conclusion
Celery is a simple and affordable vegetable that comes with a plethora of health benefits. Healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. I hope you enjoyed our post about celery. Comment below if you have any questions or comments!
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4469955/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23735001
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4717468/
