Celery is a plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsnips, parsley and celeriac. Its crunchy stalks are popular as a low-calorie snack and provide a number of health benefits. With its taste, it greatly contributes to soups and stews, as well as to homemade dry spices. It is full of nutrition and has excellent medicinal properties.
Nutritional Content of Celery
Celery is rich in vitamins K, A, C and folate. It also contains a smaller amount of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium and sodium. Celery contains a large amount of fibre and is a great source of water. Celery is a good source of antioxidants like phytonutrients and flavonoids, and is rich in electrolytes. Electrolytes are chemicals in the water that are essential for the body to maintain hydration, maintain healthy blood pressure, repair tissue damage, and help muscles and nerves work properly.
Health Benefits of Celery
- Digestive system health – Fibre in celery can improve the health of the digestive and cardiovascular system.
- Can be useful for treating stomach ulcers – Researchers suggest that consumption of celery extract can have a positive effect in treating stomach ulcers.
- Improves the immune system – A good amount of antioxidants in celery contributes to a strong immune system and disease prevention.
- Cancer treatment – The herbal compound apigenin has a role in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant agent. It has been shown to contribute to programmed cell death, which can make it beneficial in the treatment of cancer.
- May help prevent the spread of cancer cells – Celery contains the flavonoid luteolin, which may have anti-cancer properties, according to a study.
- Can reduce brain inflammation – A 2008 study suggests that luteolin in celery can reduce brain inflammation, and may have the potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
- May reduce inflammation linked to chronic disease – Celery seed extract has anti-inflammatory properties, according to research. Research also shows that celery seed extract is as effective as medications in treating arthritis symptoms. It may also have pain-reducing effects.
- Can reduce blood pressure – Some Chinese medicine practitioners use a mixture of celery juice and honey to reduce blood pressure. Some researchers suggest that people who follow a high-fibre diet have lower total and LDL cholesterol levels. Celery may lower blood pressure, even if it contains sodium.
- May improve heart health – Studies have found that consuming celery extract for 60 days can lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Can improve sperm count – Celery can have a protective effect on the body against substances that can damage sperm count.
- Can reduce cholesterol levels – A study suggests that celery extract reduced LDL cholesterol levels in rats fed a high-fat diet.
Some researchers suggest that celery extracts may prevent
- Rheumatic disorders
- Urinary tract obstruction
- Gout
- Liver disease
Celery can also help treat bronchitis, asthma, vomiting, fever, and skin diseases.
Potential side effects and disadvantages of consuming celery include
- Allergic reaction
- May cause gas, bloating and loose stools if consumed in large quantities, due to high insoluble fibre content
- Celery pesticides – Celery is listed on the EWG Dirty Dozen list of contaminated produce. To be safe, soak celery in a baking soda solution, or buy organic if possible
*People on a low-sodium diet for medical reasons, such as fluid retention or high blood pressure, should limit their consumption of celery.
There are many Health Benefits of celery, so introduce it to your diet today!
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➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.