Did you know that celery is one of the healthiest veggies out there? You probably hear a lot about spinach, kale, apples and lemons but this green vegetable is often forgotten and little spoken about.
Not only does celery have plenty of health benefits but it’s also very versatile! It can be eaten both raw and cooked. You can add it to vegetable juices, smoothies, stir-fries, raw and cooked soups, steamed or baked veggie dishes and salads.
Here are 20 health benefits of this universal and healthy vegetable.
1. It is very hydrating.
Celery is high in water content (95% water) and electrolytes, which are vital for proper hydration and cellular functions. For a super re-hydrating drink (e.g. after a long flight or after having food poisoning), mix freshly pressed celery juice with coconut water, which is also high in electrolytes. This special drink works way better than over-the-counter rehydrating powders.
2. It is packed with alkaline minerals.
Celery has potassium, magnesium, sodium and iron and therefore is very alkalizing and neutralizes the effects of acidifying foods such as meat, dairy and highly processed foods. These minerals are also essential to many bodily functions.
3. Sodium that is available in celery is soluble and organic. and therefore more absorbable.
It is much easier for your body to absorb the salt in celery as opposed to regular table salt. This helps get rid of the salty food cravings, which is vital if you’re trying to eat healthier.
As the study shows it has a strong protective effect against colon cancer.
4. It is rich in chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll helps regenerate the blood, and has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimutagenic properties. These amazing health benefits of chlorophyll are the main reason why leafy greens are so good for our health.
5. It’s rich in both water-soluble and insoluble fiber.
This helps support a healthy elimination function, blood sugar regulation and nutrient absorption.
6. It is great for weight loss.
One large celery stalk contains only 10 kcal, while nourishing your body with healthy nutrients.
7. It is rich in magnesium which helps you calm down and sleep better.
A lot of people are deficient in magnesium, so adding celery to your diet could help you replenish this vital nutrient in your body.
8. It reduces inflammation.
Although acute inflammation is important, and vital for our healing process, chronic inflammation might lead to a number of illnesses. According to the Department of Health and Human Services and American Heart Association, chronic inflammation might cause diseases such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, food intolerances, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart disease and in some cases even cancer. It also accelerates the aging process.
9. It is very detoxifying as it has diuretic and cleansing properties.
This makes you eliminate toxins from the body and reduce water weight.
10. It’s good for your eyes.
One cup of chopped celery contains 10 percent of your daily need for Vitamin A, which a vital nutrient to support good eye health.
11. It reduces “bad” cholesterol.
There is a component in celery called butylphthalide. It gives the vegetable its flavor and scent. This component also reduces bad cholesterol!
12. It lowers blood pressure.
An active compound called phthalides in celery has been proven to boost circulatory health.
13. Celery can combat cancer.
A powerful flavonoid in celery, called luteolin inhibits the growth of cancer cells especially in the pancreas.
14. It is a great source of vitamin K.
Vitamin K is important for blood clotting, building strong bones and good heart health.
15. It is an old folk remedy for heartburn because of its low acidity.
A study published in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology included celery in a “low acid” diet prescribed to patients suffering from acid reflux.
16. In addition to well-known antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, scientists have now identified at least a dozen other types of antioxidant nutrients in celery.
The antioxidant support we get from celery is largely due to its phenolic nutrients that have been shown to help protect us against unwanted oxygen damage to our cells, blood vessels, and organ systems.
17. Because it acts as a diuretic, celery helps to remove uric acid crystals.
These crystals build up around the body’s joints that can add to the pain and discomfort of frequent joint use. It can also increase the regrowth of tissue in inflamed joints.
18. It helps boost the strength of the immune system.
Due to its high vitamin C and other antioxidants content, regularly eating celery can reduce your risk of catching the common cold as well as protecting you against a variety of other diseases.
19. Due its high flavanoid content, it supports the nervous system and brain health.
Celery protects the nerve cells from oxygen-based damage.
Featured photo credit: 01316.jpg By MaxStraeten via morguefile.com
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