Benefits of Celery

Shinersmom
Shinersmom Posts: 28
edited September 23 in Food and Nutrition
Alright, I just ate celery as a side with my turkey wrap. Just got to thinking....what are the benefits of eating raw celery, other than it is really low in calories. It doesn't help me feel full.

Replies

  • anubis609
    anubis609 Posts: 3,966 Member
    This could help answer your question.

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/87603-benefits-celery/
  • High water content and dietary fiber. Two good things right there :)
  • From http://www.juicing-for-health.com/health-benefits-of-celery.html

    Celery leaves has high content of vitamin A, whilst the stems are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C with rich supplies of potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and plenty essential amino acids.

    Nutrients in the fiber are released during juicing, aiding bowel movements. The natural organic sodium (salt) in celery is very safe for consumption, in fact is essential for the body. Even individuals who are salt-sensitive can safely take the sodium in celery, unlike table salt (iodised sodium) which is harmful for those with high blood pressure.

    While many foods lose nutrients during cooking, most of the compounds in celery hold up well during cooking.

    Health Benefits

    Celery has always been associated with lowering of blood pressure. When combined with other juices, it provides different formula that help other conditions.

    Recent studies have shown that celery might also be effective in combating cancer. Read on.

    Some of the health benefits of celery juice:

    Acidity: The important minerals in this magical juice effectively balance the body's blood pH, neutralizing acidity.

    Athletes: Celery juice acts as the perfect post-workout tonic as it replaces lost electrolytes and rehydrates the body with its rich minerals.

    Cancer: Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. Among them are the acetylenics that have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Phenolic acids which block the action of prostaglandins that encourage the growth of tumor cells. And coumarins which help prevent free radicals from damaging cells.

    Cholesterol: This humble pale juice has been shown to effectively and significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

    Colon and stomach cancer: The phytochemical coumarins prevent the formation and development of the colon and stomach cancers.

    Constipation: The natural laxative effect of celery helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.

    Cooling: During dry and hot weather, drink a glass of celery juice two or three times a day, between meals. It wonderfully helps to normalize body temperature.

    Diuretic: The potassium and sodium in celery juice helps to regulate body fluid and stimulate urine production, making it an important help to rid the body of excess fluid.

    Inflammation: The polyacetylene in celery is an amazing relief for all inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis.

    Kidney function: Celery promotes healthy and normal kidney function by aiding elimination of toxins from the body. While eliminating toxins, it also prevents formation of kidney stones.

    Lower blood pressure: Drinking celery juice every day for a week significantly helps lower blood pressure. A compound called phtalides help relax the muscle around arteries, dilating the vessels and allowing blood to flow normally. To be effective, drink the juice for one week, stop for three weeks, and start over.

    Nervous system: The organic alkaline minerals in celery juice has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it a wonderful drink for insomniacs.

    Weight loss: Drink celery juice frequently throughout the day. It helps curb your cravings for sweets and rich food.

    Urinary stones, breaking of: The diuretic effect of celery juice also aids the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones.

    You can expect many more healing benefits from celery juice as you consume its natural sodium. Read how our body lacks and have been deprived of, natural salt.
  • I think one benefit is that it is mostly water, so it can help you stay hydrated. I'm guessing. Another benefit, in my opinion, is that is a lower calorie option for dips/spreads/peanut butter than chips or crackers.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Celery leaves have a high content of vitamin A, whilst the stems are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C with rich supplies of potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and plenty essential amino acids. Celery also contains fiber.
  • live2smyle
    live2smyle Posts: 592 Member
    Thanks for posting this...I actually quite dislike celery but am going to try to fit it in a bit more after reading this :flowerforyou:
  • Thanks everyone! This helps me out a lot!
  • gangstagirl625
    gangstagirl625 Posts: 187 Member
    it is a negative calorie food. You burn more calories chewing it then whats in it.
  • loushep
    loushep Posts: 191
    @ BeautifulScars, wow who knew celery was so great. Thanks for posting this, i don't particularly like celery but i'll certainly look into juicing it now. One question... should i be using the whole thing, leaves and all? When i have eaten it in the past (rarely) i have only ever used the stalks and then disposed of the leaves.

    Thanks, Louise
  • anovasjo
    anovasjo Posts: 382 Member
    :laugh: It's tasty!
  • Ashtarot
    Ashtarot Posts: 52 Member
    If juicing it use all of the stalk. The leaves can be saved and used in salads also.
  • Louis,

    The leaves hold the most flavor too.
  • loushep
    loushep Posts: 191
    Louis,

    The leaves hold the most flavor too.

    Thanks :smile:
  • Mike523
    Mike523 Posts: 393 Member
    Celery is delicious with a little hummus or natural peanut butter...
  • ajbeans
    ajbeans Posts: 2,857 Member
    I actually can't stand to eat celery by itself, so I like to put it in the food processor and mix it with other foods. Tuna or chicken salad, meatloaf, lentil loaf, soups, roasts, ground meat, just about anything. It hides well in other foods, and it's so good for you, as other posters have already pointed out. :)
  • oceanrose78
    oceanrose78 Posts: 133 Member
    Celery is a great food, what I like about it best is using it as a controlled crunchy snack. A lot of times I measure out peanut butter and spread it on a stalk of celery as my dessert. Tonight I was in the mood for a savory snack, so I sliced up a stalk and mixed up tsp of cream cheese with salsa and spread it on the celery. I feel like I'm eating chips when I eat it, crunchy and filling but healthy too.
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