Danica Collins
December 2012
The health benefits of celery are often overlooked because it is generally thought of as “crunchy water” and assumed to have no nutritional value. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Celery belongs to the Apiaceae / Umbellerifereae family and there are records its cultivation in Egypt, Europe and the Mediterranean as far back as 1323 BC when Pharaoh Tutankhamen was entombed with celery leaf garlands.
In the United States alone, more than one billion pounds of celery are harvested each year, primarily in Michigan and Florida. Used in soups, appetizers, entrees and as an addition to tuna and chicken salads, the average American will consume as much as six pounds of celery over the course of a year.
Celery is a “negative calorie” food – 8 calories per half cup chopped serving per the USDA. Your body almost burns as many calories digesting it as celery itself contains.
Low caloric content combined with the high-fiber definitely make celery a go-to food for weight loss goals. It has an extremely high rate of nutrition compared to a very small amount of carbohydrates. Celery is also an alkaline food which helps to balance acid levels in the blood.
The majority of people in the United States have an imbalance in their pH levels, which makes it harder to lose weight.
Celery and Your Brain
Scientists have now discovered the link between a flavonoid compound called luteolin and brain health. Older mice in a recent study retained youthful brain functioning when their diet was enriched with luteolin.
This flavonoid works throughout your entire body to fight the effects of free radicals that can speed up the cellular aging process.
Linked to a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer, celery (which is high in luteolin) reduces inflammation naturally. This is especially beneficial to the brain. Inflammation is believed to be a leading cause of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
High-Luteolin Foods
- • Celery
• Parsley
• Chamomile tea
• Herbs – oregano, rosemary and spearmint
• Olive oil
• Carrots
Celery and Total Body Wellness
Cancer Prevention
Phthalides, coumarins and polyaceylenes found in celery are proven carcinogen detoxifiers that also enhance white blood cell effectiveness.
Heart Health
Pthalides lower stress hormone levels in the blood and relax muscles around the arteries. Blood vessels dilate smoothly, resulting in lower blood pressure.
The abundance of heart-healthy calcium, potassium and magnesium found in celery also regulates blood pressure. Pthalides increase the body’s secretion of bile which helps to lower cholesterol and prevent clogging of the arteries.
Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is the primary cause of arthritis, gout, asthma and chronic pain. Coumarins found in celery control inflammation and lower swelling in and around joints. Coumarins have proven effective in lessening the severity of asthma, treating muscle pain and getting rid of migraines.
Stabilize Your Health with a Celery Smoothie
Filled with vitamins, minerals and compounds that balance acidity in the blood, this vegetable smoothie goes a long way toward total body health minus the fat and carbohydrates. Simply rinse or scrub each vegetable and trim the ends! Super easy and delicious.
Ingredients:
2 medium carrots
2 celery stalks
5 – 6 leaves leaf lettuce
1/2 golden delicious apple
1 small beet
Directions:
Scrub all veggies well. Allow to dry or pat dry with paper towels. Juice until smooth and serve.
Consider keeping cleaned, cut up pieces of celery in your fridge for quick snacks. If your celery has become wilted, stick it in a glass of cold water and it will firm up.
Sexual Health Benefits of Celery
According to Scentsational Sex author Alan Hirsch, M.D., celery can also boost your sexual attractiveness. By releasing natural pheromones called androstenone and androstenol when chewed, Dr. Hirsch says celery eaters can expect immediate results.
“The pheromones take effect immediately, so you should notice the women around you paying more attention to you right away. Once there, the pheromones boost your arousal, turning you on and causing your body to send off scents and signals that make you more desirable to women.”
Even if you don’t become the most popular bachelor/ bachelorette ever…the extensive health benefits of celery and lack of guilt-inducing compounds such as fat, sugar and carbohydrates make it well worth a nibble.
Further Related Reading:
http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/health-benefits-of-celery
