The Amazing Curative Powers of Celery
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘superfoods’ being using, and if you are making a list of the most super, celery should definitely be on there! Celery is part of the same family as parsley and fennel. It is a popular ingredient used in salads, casseroles and soups. It tends to have a salty flavor, which makes it a great addition to recipes where you may not want to add any extra salt.
One stick of celery is only 10 calories, so you can definitely chomp on a celery stick and have a clear conscience! The fibre content of celery will help you feel fuller for longer and won’t leave you feeling bloated. Some have uninspiringly described celery as ‘crunchy water’ and really this is not too far from the truth. Celery contains a lot of water and it is this, along with the insoluble fibre it contains, that make it excellent for digestion. So for anyone who is constipated celery could be a good choice. However, avoid if you are suffering from diarrhea!
There’s all sorts of goodness inside a stick of celery and that includes lots of vitamins and minerals. Notably vitamin A, which is important for eye health. However, you will also find vitamin B1, B2, B6 and vitamin C – great for the immune system and general good health.
Juicing your celery is a great way to get it into your diet easily and quickly. Because of its salty taste, try mixing it with sweeter vegetables and fruits for the perfect balance. Also great for athletes, celery juice is ideal post workout as it will replace lost electrolytes and minerals and rehydrate the body.
Inflammation can be reduced with the intake of celery, so if you are suffering from any kind of joint pain, arthritis or rheumatism, as it acts as a diuretic, it helps to remove any uric acid crystals that build up around joints. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin C in celery can help with the symptoms of asthma.
Acidity in the body can be helped or avoided, as the important minerals in celery help to balance the body’s pH levels, neutralising acidity.
Blood pressure stays down with the regular intake of celery, especially when you add it to a juice. The compound phtalides in celery helps to relax the muscles around the arteries and this helps the blood to flow normally around the body, lowering blood pressure.
Bad breath can be avoided by eating fresh foods and looking after your teeth, but celery is a particularly great food for helping with this embarrassing problem. Chewing the celery stick helps to rub away bacteria but the natural fibres will also clean the teeth.
Bladder infections may be avoided by regularly eating celery, as the analgesic and diuretic compounds help to cleanse and keep the body running smoothly.
It also helps with gout due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Try eating a couple of celery sticks every day or taking some celery seed extract tablets to try and eliminate bad gout episodes.
Sleep problems? Well it is thought that celery juice might be able to aid a good night’s sleep because of all the great vitamins and minerals it contains. Try juicing up some celery, white grapes and mint and drink a couple of hours before you go to bed.
Spice up your sex life a little by eating more celery! Celery contains two pheromones, called androstenone and androstenol and they may help you attract the opposite sex!
When you are shopping for celery, be sure to make sure you are getting the best stuff. Try shopping at local markets for the freshest celery. Look for stalks that are fresh and light green – this should be the healthiest. If the stalk is crisp and snaps easily you know you are getting the freshest celery.
Ultimately celery is a great addition to your diet. If you are already eating it, maybe you could eat more! As well as being a food that is safe to eat if you are trying to lose weight, it is full of so much goodness that adding it to your salads and soups on a regular basis is one step to a healthier, happier you!
