Celery is significantly low in calories and rich in major vitamins and minerals as well as certain flavonoids that prevent heart disease and reduce inflammation. According to some studies, incorporating celery into a diet lowers the risk of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and memory loss. Celery is also one vegetable that promotes digestive health.
In addition, the leaves, seeds, and stalks, seeds of celery contain high amounts of nutrients. Celery leaves are often added to soups and stir-fries. In fact, the vegetable is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, protein, folate, potassium, and fiber.
Let’s talk about 17 things celery can do for you.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Celery is rich in potassium and organic chemical compounds that lower stress hormones levels in the blood, thus lowering pressure. When blood pressure is lowered, it puts less stress on the entire cardiovascular system and reduces the chances of heart attack, atherosclerosis or stroke.
Aids in Weight Loss
A regular consumption of celery juice, especially before meals, can aid in weight loss. Celery substantially low in calories and very high fiber content and so can help reduce food cravings and reduce weight!
Improves Sex Life
Celery contains a lot of water and thus can improve your sex life. The stalk contains androstenol and androstenone, which are practically odor molecules that travel via the back of the throat and nose. These molecules help to boost arousal and releasing scents that can make you more ‘sexy’. Celery extracts also improve male sexual performance, increases sperm count and even stimulates testosterone secretion.
Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
Celery seeds are effective in eliminating uric acid and so are often used for its diuretic properties, as it stimulates urination. It prevents cystitis, kidney disorders, bladder problems, and similar health conditions. The seeds are also effective in preventing urinary tract infections in women.
Treats Acne
Due to the vitamins and minerals present in celery, the vegetable is also able to treat acne. And that’s not all it does–it clears even the scars that the acne leaves behind. As a matter of fact, celery also cleanses the skin and eliminates dirt, thus ensuring that the skin is clean and less prone to acne outbreaks.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Adding celery to your daily diet may help reduce cholesterol (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) that clogs the arteries. In fact, the phthalides present in the herb induces bile secretion, which is effective in lowering cholesterol levels. Now, less cholesterol implies less plaque on the walls of the artery and an overall improvement in heart health. The fiber in the vegetable also helps to eliminate the cholesterol in the bloodstream from the body via regular bowel movements.
Contains Anti-inflammatory Properties
The vitamin C in celery curbs the potential damage by free radicals and also contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of developing inflammatory conditions like asthma.
Lowers Arthritis Pain
Celery is excellent for people who suffer from gout, rheumatism, and arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing pain and swelling in the joints. The herb can also speed up the regrowth of tissue in inflamed joints.
Maintains Healthy Joints
Like we mentioned, celery helps to treat gout and joint pains. One common reason for joint pains is the accumulation of uric acid, leading to chronic pain. And since celery is also a diuretic, it induces the elimination of uric acid, thereby treating joint pains.
Detoxifies the Body
Celery works as an antioxidant, and so helps to prevent diseases of the liver, the kidney, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Prevents Cancer
Celery contains cancer-fighting properties that are effective in detoxifying carcinogens. It also has coumarins that improve the activity of some white blood cells which in turn, combats cancer. These antioxidant properties eliminate free radicals that cause cancer.
Regulates Fluid Balance
Celery has high potassium and sodium content, which are both minerals that help regulate the fluid balance in the body.
Boosts Immunity
The antioxidants and vitamin C in celery helps to boost immunity. So a regular consumption of the vegetable can lower the risk of catching a cold and protect the body against a number of other diseases.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
The presence of fiber, vitamin C, and other organic chemicals in the roots of celery helps to promote heart health.
Relieves Migraines
The coumarins present in celery are effective for relieving migraines. According to some studies, celery suppresses the release of nitric oxide in the brain, which is a leading cause of migraines and headaches.
Calms the Nervous System
Celery has essential oils that can relax the nervous system and induce a feeling of calm. The magnesium in celery can help reduce anxiety, relieve stress and induce a good night’s sleep.
Treats Diabetes
Celery leaves, due to their high fiber content, can help treat numerous diabetic symptoms.
Side Effects and Precautions
Celery is an amazing veggie that is generally safe for consumption, unless if taken in excess.
The vegetable is an allergen and some allergic reactions to the herb can be very intense. People who are allergic to birch pollen and mugwort are likely to react to celery too. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to celery may include skin irritation, dizziness, swelling of the face, upset stomach, and in extreme cases, low blood pressure levels or loss of breath.
People with kidney conditions should steer clear of celery as it is a natural diuretic. An excessive consumption of the herb isn’t too good for the kidneys.
Celery is capable of inducing bleeding and contraction in the uterus. This is why pregnant women, and even nursing mothers, should avoid excessive consumption of the herb. It can also lead to a miscarriage.
