Nutritional Benefits
Celery leaves are packed with vitamin A, while the stems are great source of vitamins like B1, B2, B6, and C as well as minerals like iron, phosphorus, calcium, folate, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and various essential amino acids.
The nutrients in the fiber are released during juicing, promoting healthy bowel movements. Sodium present in celery is an organic one, which makes it ideal for salt-sensitive individuals who cannot stand table salt which is quite detrimental, particularly for those suffering from hypertension.
Although most foods are deprived of great deal of their nutrients during cooking, most of the healthy compounds in celery withstand high temperatures well.
Health Benefits
Celery has been linked with lowering blood pressure levels. When mixed with other juices, it provides formula which helps treat other conditions.
It has been scientifically shown that celery might be an effective tool for fighting cancer, too. The list of celery`s benefits is quite extended, but here are some of the best:
1. Acidity
The mineral content of this veggie balances body`s pH levels and neutralizes acidity.
2. Athletes
Celery juice serves as ideal post-workout tonic because it helps restore lost electrolytes and hydrates the body with its high mineral content.
3. Blood Pressure
As already discussed earlier, celery contains organic sodium which helps reduce blood pressure rather than increase it. Regular consumption of celery juice notably lowers blood pressure levels, most probably due to the compound called phthalide, which relaxes the muscles around the arteries and promotes normal blood flow. For optimal results, drink the juice for a week, make a 3-week break, and start over again.
4. Cancer
Celery contains up to 8 different anti-cancer compounds, including acetylenics, which inhibit the growth of tumor cells; phenolic acids which stop the action of prostaglandins which stimulate tumor growth; and coumarins which prevent free radicals from causing damage to the cells.
5. Cholesterol
Celery juice has been shown to lower total cholesterol and bad cholesterol ( LDL).
6. Colon and stomach cancer
The aforementioned coumarins prevent both the formation and metastasis of colon and stomach cancers.
7. Constipation
Celery acts as natural laxative which relieves constipation safely and in an all-natural way. It works by relaxing the nerves which have been overwhelmed by man-made laxatives.
8. Cooling
Drinking a celery juice every few hours is one of the best ways to cool down and normalize body temperature on a dry and hot day.
9. Diuretic
Sodium and potassium present in celery juice help stimulate urine production and regulate body fluids, which makes celery an important tool to remove excess fluids from the system.
10. Inflammation
Celery contains polyacetylene, a compound which relieves inflammation of all kinds, such as gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, and more.
11. Urinary stones
Thanks to its diuretic effect, celery juice helps dissolve and eliminate urinary stones and gallstones easier.
12. Weight loss
Celery juice is a great weight loss tool as it helps reduce unhealthy cravings.
13. Nervous System
The alkaline minerals present in this veggie calm the nervous system, so celery juice is ideal for those suffering from insomnia.
Consumption Tips
Choose green celery with firm ribs. Keep it in a sealed container or a plastic bag. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for an extended period of time as it wilts quite quickly.
Caution
Celery produces its own pesticide which protects it from fungi. It is called psoralens and it causes skin problems in some people.
In addition to this, some people with low blood pressure complain that celery makes it even lower, so be careful.
source: http://besthealthyguide.com
