BENEFITS OF CELERY
By: Natalia Olifer
Celery is an extremely old vegetable, with
records showing that celery leaves were part of the remains found in the tomb
of pharaoh “King Tutankhamun,” who died in 1323 BC. In ancient Greece, celery
leaves were used as garlands for the dead and to make wreaths or crowns that
were given to winners of battles. Celery is even mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and
The Odyssey; horses were said to grow on wild celery that grew throughout Troy.
In the past, celery was grown as a vegetable
mostly during the winter and early spring months. People liked to eat celery to
help with “cleansing” and believed that celery acted as a natural detox tonic
that could prevent sickness. Celery seeds were also used to help relieve pain.
Celery,
which has the scientific name Apium graveolens, is a vegetable in
the plant family called Apiaceae. The benefits of celery begin with it
being an excellent source of antioxidants and beneficial enzymes, in addition to vitamins and
minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin B6.
Top benefits of celery:
1. Helps
Lower High Cholesterol
Eating
celery every day may reduce artery-clogging cholesterol (called LDL or “bad”
cholesterol). The phthalides in this herb also
stimulate the secretion of bile juices, which work 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 it also works to scrape the cholesterol out of the
bloodstream and eliminate it from the body with regular bowel movements, further boosting
cardiovascular health.
2. Lowers
Inflammation
Celery
contains antioxidants and polysaccharides that are known to act as
anti-inflammatories, especially flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants. These
support overall health, especially as someone ages, by fighting free-radical
damage (or oxidative stress) that can lead to inflammation.
3. Weight
Loss
Regular drinking of celery juice before meals may help
reduce your weight. It is very low in calories and is also filling due to its
high fiber content. Therefore, it can help reduce the tendency to overeat and
help you keep the weight down without feeling hungry all the time!
4. Helps
Prevent or Treat High Blood Pressure
Celery seed extracts have
anti-hypertensive properties that help reduce high blood pressure, one of the important risk factors for
coronary heart disease that is the largest cause of mortality in
industrial countries. Benefits of celery seeds include potentially helping
to control chronic elevated blood pressure levels. (3) The blood
pressure-lowering benefits of celery come from its seeds, which contain
hexanic, methanolic, and aqueous-ethanolic extracts that improve circulation,
lower inflammation and help control blood pressure.
5. Helps
Prevent Ulcers
A 2010 study published in the Journal
of Pharmaceutical Biology found that celery contains a special type of ethanol
extract that is useful in protecting the lining of the digestive tract
from ulcers.
Celery extract has the ability to significantly replenish depleted levels of
gastric mucus that is needed in the stomach lining to prevent tiny holes and
openings from forming.
Researchers believe celery nourishes
the stomach, colon and intestines due to the presence of chemical constituents
such as flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils and alkaloids that control the
level of gastric acid released while also improving the level of protective
mucus.
6. Detoxifies the Body
It acts as an antioxidant, and in truth, all parts of
celery, including the seeds, roots, and leaves can be used. Eating
this vegetable regularly helps to avoid diseases of the kidney, pancreas,
liver, and gallbladder.
7. Prevents
Urinary Tract Infections
Celery seeds help in the elimination of uric acid because
it is commonly used for its diuretic properties, meaning that it
stimulates urination. Therefore, it is good for people with bladder disorders,
kidney problems, cystitis, and other similar conditions. The seeds also assist
in preventing urinary tract infections in women.
8. Protects Liver Health
A diet high in celery, as well as chicory and
barley, can be beneficial for people suffering from liver disease.
9. Contains Anti-Microbial Properties
That Fight Infections
Celery seeds have actually been used for
centuries as an herbal medicine with reported antibacterial effects. A 2009
report published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology shows that celery
contains special anti-microbial components found in the seeds of the celery
plant. When extract was taken from celery seeds and combined with harmful
bacteria compounds that cause infection in humans, the celery extract was able
to significantly purify and reduce the bacteria’s growth, suggesting celery can
be used to naturally boost immunity and fight bacterial infections.
10. May Help Protect from Cancer
Another one of the important benefits of celery?
It’s in the same plant family as cancer-protective vegetables like carrots,
celery, fennel, parsley and parsnips, which all contain chemo-protective
compounds called polyacetylenes. Early studies have shown that polyacetylenes
help reduce toxicity and fight against formation,
specifically breast cancer, intestinal cancer and leukemia.
11. Lowers
Arthritis Pain
Celery is great for people suffering from arthritis,
rheumatism, and gout. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce
swelling and pain around the joints. Its sticks also act as a diuretic, which
helps remove uric acid crystals that build up around the body’s joints that can
add to the pain and discomfort. It can also increase the regrowth of tissue
in inflamed joints.
12. Reduces Asthma
Symptoms
Vitamin C present in celery prevents free radical damage
and also has anti-inflammatory properties that lessen the severity
of inflammatory conditions like asthma.
13. Relieves
Migraines
The presence of coumarins in celery 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 causeheadaches and migraines.
14. Treats
Rheumatism
Celery extracts, which contain 85% 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB),
are effective in treating arthritis and muscular pains.
15. Controls
Diabetes
Celery leaves are also eaten for treating various
diabetic conditions. This is because of their high fiber content, which has
been shown to help manage diabetic symptoms.
16. Prevents
Cataracts
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 protect you against
macular degeneration.
17. Nerve Tonic
Celery contains high calcium and due to this, it is commonly used
to calm the nerves.
Risks of eating
celery
Celery belongs to a small group of
foods that can cause a severe allergic reaction, and this can lead to
fatal anaphylactic shock. Those who are allergic to the celery should be
cautious and check food labels, as even small traces of celery can cause a
reaction.Celery also has a relatively high sodium content, at 35
milligrams per stalk. However, this is very little compared with the 1,500
milligrams a day recommended by the American Heart Association, and far
less than the 3,400 milligrams a day consumed by most Americans. It is still a
low-sodium food. The seeds of this vegetable 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!
References:
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| Nataliya Olifer |
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