7 Reasons to Celebrate Celery
Celery is under appreciated and overlooked but has so much to offer. Celery is a vegetable belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is well known for its crunchy stalks and high water content which make it a popular low calorie snack. However there are a number of other reasons why you should include this vegetable in your diet.
1. Antioxidants – celery is a very rich source of antioxidants. The vegetable contains the following phytonutrients: phenolic acids, flavonols, dihydrostilbenoids, flavones, furanocoumarins, and phytosterols.
2. Vitamins and minerals – celery is very rich in vitamin K and also contains folate, vitamin A, potassium, and vitamin C and a fair amount of iron. Celery also contains magnesium. All these vitamins and minerals are helpful in nourishing the blood. Anyone with blood disorders and those suffering from rheumatism, high blood pressure, arthritis, and anemia would be wise to add celery to their diet.
3. Dietary fiber – despite being mainly water, celery also provides a fair amount of dietary fiber. The vegetable contains 1.6 grams of fiber per 100 grams.
4. Alkaline – celery is a highly alkaline food that stabilizes acidosis, aids in purifying the bloodstream, boosts digestive processes, can reduce or eliminate migraines, act as a natural stress reducer, reduce blood pressure, and even aid the body in fighting common skin problems.
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5. Coumarins – Celery contains a fair amount of compounds called coumarins. Studies show that coumarins enhance the activity of a specific type of white blood cells that will lend support to the vascular system. Celery’s rich organic sodium content helps break away and cleanse away calcium deposits from the joints and other areas where they form. The sodium holds these deposits in solution until they can be eliminated from the kidneys without any issues.
6. Toxin Flushing – Celery is most famous for its natural diuretic qualities and is a powerhouse at flushing toxins out of the body. This simple and cheap stalk has impressive anti-inflammatory properties so should be eaten daily by anyone who suffers from auto-immune illnesses such as arthritis. It also boasts of fair amounts of calcium and silicon which add to its ability to support the body in repairing damaged ligaments and bones.
7. Luteolin – Celery contains a flavanoid called luteolin. Researchers believe that this particular flavonoid may posses anti-cancer properties. A study published in Current Cancer Drug Targets said that “recent epidemiological studies have attributed a cancer prevention property to luteolin”. The authors of the study say that “luteolin sensitizes cancer cells to therapeutic-induced cytotoxicity through suppressing cell survival pathways.”
Adding celery to your juicing routine or smoothies is very healthy and inexpensive. Adding plenty of celery to your diet can have a significant impact on your health.
Healthy blessings,
Sandy
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Resources:
“Antihypertensive effect of celery seed on rat blood pressure in chronic administration.” Moghadam MH, Imenshahidi M, Mohajeri SA. J Med Food. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2012.2664. 2013 Jun;16(6):558-63. Abstract Accessed 27 December 2013.
“Luteolin, a flavonoid with potential for cancer prevention and therapy.” Lin Y, Shi R, Wang X, Shen HM. Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2008 Nov;8(7):634-46. Abstract. Accessed 13 January 2013.
“Celery” WebMD. Accessed 13 January 2013.
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