Health Benefits of Celery
In ancient times celery was used almost exclusively as a medicinal herb. Like many other plants at various times, it was used as an aphrodisiac. It was variously used to treat "colds, flu, water retention, poor digestion, various types of arthritis, and liver and spleen ailments."1 It was usually the celery seed that was used, because it is here that the most essential oils were stored.
Some would say that celery is a cure-all of sorts. It is incredibly rich in fiber, vitamins, and chemical compounds. This combined with the fact that it is a zero calorie snack make it a winning vegetable all around.
Celery contains vitamin C which is a known immune system booster. Because of this, people all around the world eat celery or take supplements to ward off cold and flu symptoms. Additionally, vitamin C is thought to reduce the free radicals in the body that can lead to cancer. Vitamin C found in celery can also reduce the risk of asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. To top it off, the vitamin is also thought to increase heart health.
Celery may also help to decrease high blood pressure. This was known in ancient China and carries over to modern medicinal practices of today. Thalides in celery increases the space in the arteries allowing blood to flow more easily. Tests performed on animals show their blood pressure dropped over 10% using pthalides. The calcium and magnesium in celery are also great blood pressure reducers.
Celery is also known as a diuretic. It is believed that it can help clear the kidneys with its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The potassium and sodium in celery are an excellent means for balancing fluid in the body. This, in turn, regulates the body to a normal schedule of when to go to the bathroom.
Celery also has another great cancer reducing quality as well. It contains something called coumarins, which help prevent cancerous cells from forming. Acetylenics is another ingredient in celery that can decrease the incidence of cancerous cells.
There are many different ways to receive the health benefits of celery. Eating celery in its natural raw form is one way. Some people enjoying putting some flavoring on it such as yogurt or peanut butter. Yet it can be difficult to get enough celery this way. Some doctors recommend taking a celery seed supplement. These will contain many health benefits in the correct dosage. In fact, every single part of the celery plant has useful and helpful health benefits.
Celery can be cooked without significant loss of health benefits. It is also good to consume it in conjunction with other vegetables with health benefits such as tomatoes. Thus it is a good idea to add celery to dinner dishes on a regular basis especially soups, stews, and salads.
Next Page: Cooking with Celery
