The health benefits of celery are more than just lowering blood pressure. They also contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds to combat cancer
Celery is from the same family with parsley and fennel, the
Umbelliferae family. It can grow to the height of up to 16 inches. The
white celery is grown shaded from direct sunlight, thus has less
chlorophyll, compared to its greener counterparts.
The ribs of
celery are crunchy and are often used to make soup or salad. It has a
salty taste, so celery juice is a good mix with the sweeter fruit
juices. Depending on variety, some may taste very salty.
Nutritional Benefits
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.
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.
Consumption Tips
Choose green
celery where possible for its chlorophyll. Ensure that the ribs are
still firm, not limp. To store in the fridge, wrap celery in a sealed
container or wrap in a plastic bag or a damp cloth.
Do not leave it
at room temperature for too long as it tends to wilt quickly. If your
celery has wilted, sprinkle it with a little water and put it in the
refrigerator for a few hours. It will regain its crispness.
Caution
Celery is such a succulent plant that it produces its own "pesticide"
to protect itself from fungi. This protective layer is called psoralens
which although protects the celery, may not go down so well with some
people.
If you begin having skin problems after eating celery, it might mean that you have some sensitivity to psoralens.
Some people with low blood pressure had complained that celery makes
their blood pressure even lower. I personally didn't encounter that
problem so I believe it is also your overall make-up. But, you might
want to avoid celery if you have low blood pressure. Listen to your body
when you take celery.
