There are many different types of fruits and vegetables out there that provide various health benefits. But with many varieties, only part of the food is edible or provides nutrients — when was the last time you ate a banana peel? Celery is unique in that every part of it — including the stalks, seeds and leaves — are edible and full of nutrients. It is also versatile and able to be used in a number of recipes.
Health Benefits
1. Helps Prevent the Formation of Cancer
Celery contains chemoprotective compounds called polyacetylenes, which remove toxins and help to prevent the formation of cancerous cells, especially intestinal cancer, breast cancer and leukemia. The polyacetylenes also have antitumor properties. It also contains luteolin, a flavonoid believed to have anticancer properties. More details can be found in this report published in Current Cancer Drug Targets.
2. Reduces High Cholesterol
Regularly eating celery can help lower a person’s high cholesterol through a unique compound called 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh). Lowering high cholesterol helps improve heart health.
3. Treats High Blood Pressure
Studies, such as this one, have been performed that indicate that celery can help to treat high blood pressure. Celery seed extracts contain anti-hypertensive properties, which help to treat high blood pressure. Celery also has a muscle relaxant effect that helps to control blood pressure and keep it from getting too high in the first place.
4. Prevents Liver Diseases
Celery is high in iron and vitamins C, B and A. Which helps to protect the health of the kidney and prevent liver diseases. Part of that is done by removing toxins, waste and contaminants from your body.
5. Assists in Weight Loss
Celery is low in calories and it provides essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It also boosts lipid metabolism, which helps to break down the storage of fats in the body.
6. Fights Infections
Celery seeds contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which have long been used in fighting infections. Celery extract can also be used to fight bacterial infections, improve the immune system and inhibit bacterial growth.
7. Cures Bloating and Improves Digestion
Thanks to the diuretic effect of celery, eating it can help to treat water retention, relieve bloating and boost digestion through the digestive system.
8. Reduces the Risk of Urinary Tract Infection
Celery can boost urine production and decrease uric acid, which helps to prevent bacterial infections in the reproductive organs. It can also be used as a home remedy for bladder disorders and cysts.
9. Lowers Inflammation
Celery contains polysaccharides and antioxidants. It contains a dozen antioxidants, which are able to cure free-radical damage, which leads to inflammation. Inflammation, in turn, leads to such ailments as heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Celery is also an effective home remedy for such inflammatory conditions as joint pain and urinary tract infections.
10. Helps Prevent Ulcers
Celery contains a special type of ethanol extract that is effective in preventing the formation of ulcers in the lining of the digestive tract. Beneficial chemical constituents of celery — including tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids — also help to nourish the colon, stomach and intestines.
Uses
If you want to take advantage of these and the other health benefits provided by celery, you don’t need to snack on raw celery all day. It is a versatile food that can be used in various recipes and dishes. Celery is often added to soups and stir-fry meals, and crushed celery seeds are popularly used as a spice. Celery seeds also contain an oily compound known as apiol that can contribute a distinctive flavor to recipes and also has medicinal uses, including in the treatment of menstrual disorders.
So next time you’re in the produce section at your local supermarket, if you’re looking for a healthy food that can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of recipes, you might want to choose celery because you don’t need to waste any of it and it has a number of health benefits, including preventing cancer, reducing high cholesterol and treating high blood pressure.
