Celery is a healthy vegetable, rich in minerals and vitamins that improve health in numerous ways. Megan Ware, a registered dietician nutritionist in Orlando, Florida, explains that since celery is mostly made of water, (almost 95 percent),” it is not particularly high in any vitamin or mineral.”
Yet, it is a rich source of vitamin K, with one cup containing about 30 percent of the recommended daily intake. This crunchy veggie will also satisfy your need for folate, potassium, fiber, and molybdenum.
Celery also contains good amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, and some B vitamins. Its seeds are a natural diuretic, and it is naturally low in calories, carbohydrates, fat, and cholesterol.
Apart from the well-known antioxidants like apigenin, luteolin, vitamin C and flavonoids, scientists have identified over a dozen other types of antioxidant nutrients, including dihydrostilbenoids like lunularin, as well as furanocoumarins like bergapten and psoralen.
The antioxidant support we obtain from celery is largely due to its phenolic nutrients which have been found to protect us against unwanted oxidative damage to our cells, blood vessels, and organ systems.
There are endless options to incorporate it into your daily diet, and we are here to give you several reasons why you should do it:
1. It fights inflammation
Celery is a natural anti-inflammatory, due to luteolin, a phytochemical that has numerous health benefits. It effectively fights inflammation in many parts of the body, including the brain.
2. It improves joint health
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of celery are of great help in the treatment of inflammatory conditions like gout and arthritis.
3. It helps digestion
Celery is high in fiber and water, which ensure the smooth function of the digestive system.
4. It lowers cholesterol
This vegetable contains phthalides which stimulate the production of bile acids, that lower LDL cholesterol in the blood.
5. It provides cancer protection
Studies have shown that celery contains multiple cancer-fighting compounds. Phthalides and polyacetylenes detoxify cancer cells in the body and thus help to prevent several cancer types, including ovarian cancer.
6. It manages blood pressure
The high potassium content of celery manages blood pressure. Additionally, the phthalides also help to relax the muscles surrounding the arteries, helping the blood vessels to dilate, and thus lowering blood pressure.
7. It treats bladder infections
Celery is a powerful natural diuretic, and it flushes gallstones and bacteria out of the body. In this way, celery treats bladder infections, reduces inflammation, and helps digestion.
8. It helps weight loss
When trying to lose excess weight, celery is the ideal snack, as it is packed with fiber which will prevent overeating, and contains very few calories.
9. It relieves stress
Celery is high in magnesium, a powerful mineral, known to naturally calm the nervous system. Therefore, it will relieve stress and anxiety, and help you sleep better.
10. It treats bad breath
Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the oral cavity. Therefore, chewing a stalk of celery will freshen up the breath and dislodge any food stuck between the teeth.
