It’s time to celebrate the unsung vegetable: celery. A member of the Umbelliferae family, Celery is known for its ability to grow to the height of up to 16 inches. Its ribs are crunchy and are usually used to make salad or soup. Celery has a salty taste, which means that celery juice is an amazing mix with the sweeter fruit juices. So, let me tell you more about celery and its incredible power!
Nutritional Benefits
The leaves of celery are rich in vitamin A, while its stems are a great source of vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, folate, phosphorus, iron, sodium, and essential amino acids. Celery juice provides a high amount of fiber which aids bowel movements. Celery contains natural organic sodium (salt) which is extremely important for our body. Sodium in celery is completely safe even for people who are salt-sensitive. This salt is not like the table salt which can be very harmful to individuals with high blood pressure.
Health Benefits
Celery has always been related to the lowering of blood pressure. Combined with other juices, celery can provide numerous other benefits and treat various conditions.
According to recent studies, celery can effectively fight even cancer
Some of the health benefits of celery juice:
Acidity: This super-healthy juice contains important minerals that can balance the body’s blood pH, which in turn neutralizes acidity.
Athletes: With its rich minerals, celery replaces lost electrolytes and rehydrates the body, so this juice can be used as a great post-workout drink.
Blood Pressure: Celery contains organic sodium which has the ability to reduce blood pressure. The regular consumption of this juice can lower your blood pressure. This juice contains Phthalides, a compound known for its ability to relax the muscles around the arteries, dilating the vessels and allowing blood to flow normally. In order to obtain the best results, you should drink this juice for 1 week, make a break for 3 weeks then repeat again.
Cancer: Celery contains at least 8 families of anti-cancer compounds, including acetylenic that can prevent the growth of tumor cells. It is packed with phenolic acids which block the action of prostaglandins that encourage the growth of tumor cells. Coumarins are known for their ability to prevent free radicals from damaging cells.
Cholesterol: It is scientifically shown that this juice can lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Colon and stomach cancer: The phytochemical coumarins found in celery can effectively prevent the formation and development of stomach and colon cancer.
Constipation: Celery provides a natural laxative effect and can relieve constipation. Moreover, it relaxes nerves that have been overworked by laxatives.
Cooling: In the hot summer days, drink a glass of celery juice 2-3 times a day, between your meals. This will significantly normalize your body temperature.
Diuretic: As we said before, celery juice is an excellent source of potassium and sodium. This juice can stimulate urine production and regulate body fluid, so it can aid in the eliminating of excess fluid.
Inflammation: Celery is packed with polyacetylene, which can relieve all inflammation, including gout, asthma, bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
Kidney function: Celery can effectively eliminate the toxins from the body, thus improve kidney function. Moreover, it has the ability to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Nervous system: Celery juice contains organic alkaline minerals which have a calming effect on the nervous system. So, it is highly recommended for people who have insomnia.
Weight loss: It is recommended to drink celery juice on a daily basis. This will help curb your cravings for rich food and sweets.
Urinary stones, breaking of: Celery juice has diuretic properties, so it is very beneficial for breaking and eliminating gall bladder stones.
Consumption Tips
If possible, always opt for green celery. The ribs should be still firm, not limp. Keep celery in a plastic bag or a sealed container and store it in the fridge. Make sure not to keep it at room temperature for too long because it can wilt quickly.
Note:
Celery produces its own “pesticide” to protect itself from fungi. This protective layer is known as psoralens. Even though it provides protection to celery, many people will not be able to go so down well with it. If you experience skin problems after eating celery, this may mean that you are sensitive to psoralens. Some individuals with low blood pressure claim that celery makes their blood pressure even lower.
So, if you have low blood pressure, make sure to avoid celery. However, it all depends on the person, so it is very important to listen to your body when you take celery!
Source: Moving To Organic