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What are the benefits of eating celery?
Celery is a vegetable that provides many health benefits. It is rich in fiber and nutrients and helps lower cholesterol, treats constipation, reduces stress hormone levels, fights inflammation and provides many other benefits.
Celery provides many health benefits and nutrients that promote overall health in numerous ways.
- Celery is a negative-calorie food. This means compared to its calorie content, our body spends more calories breaking it down, resulting in an average loss of calories.
- Celery is rich in fiber content that makes it a detoxification agent for the gut. All parts of celery can flush out the toxins regularly from the gut.
- Celery contains vitamin A that is essential for stronger immunity, better eyes and healthier skin.
- As per research, celery contains a unique compound called 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh) that reportedly has lipid-lowering powers (cholesterol is a lipid). BuPh also has a calming effect on our central nervous system that may help promote better sleep.
- Celery and celery seeds have about 25 anti-inflammatory compounds that can protect against flare-ups in the body that can cause pain and other health issues. Hence, doctors usually recommend it in the diet of patients with arthritis or osteoporosis. It is also rich in vitamin K that enhances bone density and aids blood clotting. Optimal bone density can mean a lower risk of fractures.
- Celery contains a substance called phthalides that work to relax the artery walls and increase blood flow, thus lowering blood pressure. It also contains fiber, magnesium and potassium that help regulate blood pressure.
- Celery is low in calories and high in fiber. Fiber may help us feel fuller for longer after eating, ultimately facilitating weight loss. Hydrating properties of celery can also help prevent dehydration that saps energy levels needed to stay active.
- Daily consumption of celery juice helps balance the bowel flora and aids in smooth bowel movement. Celery is about 95 percent water and it contains generous amounts of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber that help prevent constipation and diarrhea.
- Celery contains flavonoids that inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. It is reported to play a beneficial role in the treatment of gastric ulcers.
- As per studies, the combination of celery, chicory and barley may help promote better liver health.
- Celery reduces stress hormones, therefore it promotes wellbeing and stress relief.
- Studies have reported that celery has diuretic properties, which means it helps expel excess water from the body. Hence, doctors usually recommend it in the diet of patients with recurrent urinary tract infection.
- Celery contains both apigenin and luteolin, which are flavonoids that have been linked to the destruction of pancreatic cancer cells.
- Quercetin present in celery is a type of flavonoid that soothes swelling. Preliminary research reports the role of quercetin as an anti-cancer agent.
- Celery is rich in folate that is important for the development and health of fetuses. Lack of folate in the diet has been attributed to problems such as memory loss and fatigue.
- Celery is steeped in nutrition and contains numerous minerals. It is rich in calcium, sodium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium. It also contains fatty acids and vitamins A, K, C, D and E. B vitamins such as riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are also present in celery.
- Consuming celery regularly can reduce asthma symptoms. Vitamin C present in celery prevents free radicals from damaging any organs and lessens the severity of conditions such as asthma.
- Celery eases menstrual discomfort to some extent. Celery can ease bloating during menstruation due to its high water content.
- Celery when chewed raw aids in cleaning the teeth like natural dental floss.
- Research shows that it is high in male pheromones, androstenol, and androsterone, acting as a natural aphrodisiac. It improves male fertility and sperm count.
- Because celery has low acidity, it can be used as a remedy for heartburn. One study recommended celery to patients who had acid reflux. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has recommended it, especially for the elderly.
- Celery contains a compound called BuPh. A recent study showed that this compound may prevent the accumulation of brain plaques and tangles that cause Alzheimer’s disease.
- A tablespoon of celery seed contains 17 percent of the recommended daily value of iron, which is a significant boost for at-risk groups or those looking to increase their hemoglobin levels.
- Celery oil extract, when rubbed on the skin, works wonders to repel pesky mosquitoes.
However, people who have allergies may need to check for any allergic reaction prior to including celery in their regular diet. Celery seeds contain volatile oils, flavonoids, linoleic acid and coumarins. These cause uterine contractions, so celery seeds should be avoided by pregnant women.