Celery is undoubtedly one of the most commonly recognized vegetables in the world and it is in fact one of the healthiest vegetables you can consume. Celery is believed by many to be calorie deficient – which means that you burn more calories consuming it than it contains. However, it is not entirely the case.
Celery is native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean, but it is consumed throughout the whole world.
Unlike many other vegetables, celery can be consumed from the seeds to the leaves. Every part of this plant can be used and consumed, and this beneficial vegetable, due to its salty flavor, can be used in different ways to enhance food.
Apart from its taste and its role in the kitchen, celery is in fact a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. Celery is high in folic acid and potassium that your body uses to perform at its optimal level.
However, its most important features are the staggering amount of vitamin C that it contains, which can help boost your body’s resistance to disease.
It is one of the least known superfoods out there, but definitely one that you should include in your diet in order to enhance your condition and lead a healthy lifestyle.
This article lists the 15 most important reasons why you should regularly consume celery:
Treats Bladder Infections
Celery is helpful in flushing gallstones from the body and treating bladder infections, as a result of its strong anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Joint Health
Research has discovered that celery is able to aid in inflammation-based ailments such as gout, arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties which deal with the swelling and pain in the joints of people suffering from these issues. In order to treat these diseases, the treatment should include a glass of celery juice a day.
Reduces Inflammation
As previously stated, this vegetable contains multiple anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain caused by inflammation. The most impressive is luteolin, which reduces inflammation in the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with memory.
Manages Blood Pressure
Celery is abundant in potassium which is helpful in lowering blood pressure. Moreover, it contains phthalides which help to relax the muscles surrounding the arteries. This helps the blood vessels dilate, lowering blood pressure further.
Reduces Cholesterol
Phthalides are also responsible for its properties to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in a person’s body. They trigger the production of bile acids that work to reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood. In order to enjoy its benefits, you only need to consume two sticks of celery every day.
Cancer Protection
The multiple compounds celery contains aid in the fight against multiple types of cancer. The flavonoid luteolin works to obstruct the growth of cancer cells. Phthalides found in celery, as well as polyacetylenes, detoxify cancer cells in the body, and help prevent cancer, specifically ovarian cancer.
Aids In Weight Loss
Celery is a fantastic item which should be a regular part of your diet, especially if you want to lose weight. Namely, a stalk of celery on average has only 15 calories in it. You can munch on a whole bunch of celery without being concerned about the calories, and the fiber in it will keep you fuller, for longer.
Natural Diuretic
The level of potassium and sodium found naturally in celery makes it a potent diuretic. It is especially helpful in flushing harmful toxins from the body, as well as regulating fluids.
Alleviates Menstrual Symptoms
There are 50 other compounds in celery that deal with menstrual symptoms like bloating, headache, and abdominal pain. The phytochemical anethole in celery helps to deal with hot flashes that can occur during menstruation.
Relieves Stress
You can deal stress in a natural way using celery. It contains magnesium which works to calm down you nervous system. Furthermore, you can improve your sleep by eating some at dinner.
Treats Bad Breath
Poor oral hygiene, bacteria, food stuck in the gums and teeth, cause bad breath. Chewing on a piece of celery works to dislodge food and refresh your breath at the same time.
Digestion Help
Celery has one of the highest percentages of water in it, as well as being packed with insoluble fiber, in fact, it is basically water and fiber with a crunch. Due to that, it plays a big role in keeping you regular and dealing with constipation.
Eye Health
Many nutrients found in celery helps to protect your eyes from macular degeneration. Also, a single large celery stalk has can contain at least 10% of your daily recommended dosage of vitamin A, perfect for the health of your eyes.
Anti-aging Properties
This favorable vegetable contains potent antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, C, E and other essential nutrients. The vitamin E in it helps keep skin nourished and moisturized, and the antioxidants in celery help protect skin from dangerous substances that can lead to aging skin.
Boosts Libido
Celery aids in a healthy sex drive, for it contains two known as androstenol and androstenone, which have been found to help bolster sex drive.