celery.. A treasure trove of health benefits in those skinny leaves!!
Celery is a slender, tall plant with segmented leaves and small white flowers.
The small, brown seeds in the flowers of the plant contain volatile oils, flavonoids, and other chemical compounds responsible for its biological activity.
Celery products are available as fresh or dried seeds, tablets, capsules, oils, juice and extracts.
It has been used in Eastern medicine to treat a variety of conditions including gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
Celery history
Celery has been around for a long time and is native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
There is evidence that humans were transporting celery seeds around the world in 4000 BC.
until the seventeenth century, The celery had a more bitter taste and was hollow inside. And the Italians developed it to be sweeter than what we know today.
Nutrition facts about celery
One cup of raw celery contains 66 calories, 2.3 grams of protein, 0.5 grams of fat and 14.4 grams of carbohydrates.
It also includes 2.8 grams of total dietary fiber. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database.
One cup of boiled celery root contains 42 calories, 1.5 grams of protein and 0.3 grams of fat.
In addition to 9.1 grams of carbohydrates and 1.9 grams of total dietary fiber, According to the US Department of Agriculture .
The minerals and vitamins in cooked celery root are slightly different.
in its raw form, The vegetable provides 67 milligrams of calcium. and 468 milligrams of potassium and 156 milligrams of sodium per cup.
The same amount contains 12.5 milligrams of vitamin C.
when cooking, One cup contains 40 milligrams of calcium. and 268 milligrams of potassium, and 95 milligrams of sodium and 5.6 milligrams of vitamin C.
You may be interested to know:
How do you eat celery?
celery works perfectly, Either raw or cooked, it’s in soups , stews, salads, and side dishes.
Raw celery has a tangy, earthy appeal, and cooked celery provides an aromatic flavor and aroma as well as a creamy texture.
Celery is a good source of vitamins A and C. And it deserves to be a great part of your cooking collection.
Celery brings a fresh flavor and crisp texture to various dishes. Like beef broth .
It also included many herbs and spices that work well in soups.
These herbs include; basil, chives , dill, Red pepper, and thyme.
celery flavour
celery flavor is celery powder, has a strong flavour, and the distinctive smell of celery, It can be added to soup (soup) to give it a good flavor.
Celery is extracted from dried celery leaves, which are dried. then grind it, To extract it in the form of a powder that can be added to the soup.
Health benefits of celery
Helps fight cancer
Celery is rich in antioxidants that help remove cancer-promoting free radicals from cells.
And in a study of celery extract for two potential anti-cancer compounds: apigenin , and lutoline.
It was found that the first substance destroys free radicals in the body and can promote the death of cancer cells through autophagy. It is a process in which the body removes cells.
Reduces inflammation
Celery seed extracts have been used for a long time and studied for their anti-inflammatory properties in the body.
Some research suggests that celery seed extract is as effective as medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen in treating symptoms of arthritis.
In addition A 2008 study found that the luteolin in celery can significantly reduce brain inflammation.
Reduces the risk of heart disease
A 2009 study in rats found that when given celery extract for 60 days.
The mice experienced a significant decrease in blood lipids . Including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Celery may also be able to lower blood pressure. Although it is somewhat high in sodium – which is a wonderful irony.
In South Africa , celery juice mixed with vinegar is given to pregnant women to help them lower high blood pressure .
Celery supports male fertility
A 2017 review of 16 studies on celery and fertility found that celery can have a protective effect against substances that can harm sperm count.
Likewise, A 2015 study found that 30 days of consuming celery leaf extract can improve sperm count.
This may be because it appears to have inhibitory effects against free radicals. which can negatively affect fertility.
Celery for the treatment of heartburn
Celery is a natural remedy for heartburn. Heartburn is caused by acid entering the stomach up through the esophagus.
Hence alkaline foods – such as celery – can help relieve or stop the symptoms by neutralizing the acid.
Food on our iM Dieter website contain celery:
Celery and the treatment of breast cancer
A May 2012 study published at the University of Missouri in Columbia State reports that breast cancer was effectively treated with a chemical found in celery.
Celery contains apigenin. which is a natural substance, It is a non-toxic treatment for an aggressive form of human breast cancer.
After a new study. Researchers have found that this substance shrinks a type of breast cancer tumor that is stimulated by the hormone progestin.
Reducing blood sugar
When you eat celery, you will enjoy vitamins A, K , c, Plus minerals like potassium and folic acid.
It also contains a low percentage of sodium. In addition It is low on the glycemic index, Which means it has a slow and steady effect on that ratio.
Celery and headache treatment
Pain or discomfort in the head or scalp is a common condition often associated with stress, anxiety, injury, depression, or exhaustion.
And tinctures prepared from celery seeds can help relieve headaches that last throughout the day and worsen when eating and outdoors.
Dr. Timothy Field Allen recommends, Author of “Handbook of Medicinal Materials and Homeopathic Remedies” with tinctures of celery seeds for the treatment of acute headaches in the eye area.
In his book, he recommends celery juice with lemon juice to treat headaches caused by high blood pressure and excessive heat.
Celery can also help relieve throbbing headaches. Feeling sunken in the eye and lack of sleep due to thinking, Which may exacerbate headaches.
Use celery on the skin
Some people apply celery to the skin to repel mosquitoes. It is believed that the chemicals in celery can have many effects on the human body.
Research indicates that chemicals in celery reduce the ability of bacteria to cause infections.
Some research shows that applying a gel containing 5% to 25% celery extract to the skin can repel mosquitoes for up to 4.5 hours.
Other research shows that applying any product that contains even 5% celery extract, It helps greatly in treating various skin problems.
Toxins in celery
Celery contains toxins with potential carcinogenic effects with potential antithyroid effects.
Celery is also one of the vegetables highest in pesticide content. unless it is grown organically, It is susceptible to a type of mold called mycotoxin.
However, There are ways to grow, pick, prepare, and consume celery to reduce the health risks associated with it.
Celery contains a type of natural toxin called psoralens. Which can make the skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of UV rays.
Pesticide
In addition, according to a report released in 2010, Non-organic celery tops the list of “dirty fruits” that contain the most pesticides.
And since celery does not contain a protective skin to absorb harmful pesticides, Consumers are more likely to ingest these pesticides when eating vegetables.
nitrates
Celery contains a high percentage of nitrates. Which when exposed to some microorganisms found in foods and in the digestive system, It can be reduced to potentially toxic nitrites.
Mycotoxins
Celery is susceptible to certain molds called mycotoxins. Including aflatoxin or black mold. And aflatoxins are known carcinogens.
Possible health effects of mycotoxin consumption include abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsions, liver damage, and mental impairment.
Side effects and safety
Celery is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in the amounts found in medicine for a short period of time.
However, Some people are allergic to celery. Reactions can range from dermatitis to anaphylaxis.
Celery products are safe to use. Although allergic reactions including rash and shortness of breath may occasionally occur.
However, The University of Maryland Medical Center warns pregnant women not to use these supplements because they may lead to uterine bleeding. Contractions and miscarriage.
The herb should also be avoided by individuals with kidney inflammation. Celery may also interfere with some blood-thinning medications.