Top 8 Reasons to Love Celery (Other than Weight Loss)
When it comes to health foods, celery is one of the least talked about vegetables. But did you know that it is actually one of the healthiest? We often hear about apple, broccoli, lemon, kale and spinach as the best foods for weight loss and disease reduction. But we should not forget about celery too. After reading this article, you are sure to love this super vegie!
Top Benefits of Celery
It’s rich in chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll is the substance that gives celery its beautiful green colour. But more than this, such natural compound also provides a wide range of health benefits. Chlorophyll has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It binds with toxic metals in the body to hamper absorption. And even though research doesn’t currently show that chlorophyll is an all-out cancer cure, scientists are excited about its therapy potential.
It promotes hydration.
Celery is 95% water and electrolytes which are vital to keeping your body hydrated. Adding it to your morning smoothie is a great way to replenish your body with fluid it needs to stay active and energetic throughout the day.
It helps fight inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of major health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Too much inflammation also accelerates the ageing process, making your immune system weak and affecting your overall health.
It helps lower blood pressure.
Adding more greens to your diet is a great way to fight heart disease and prevent the onset of stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Research shows that celery contains a blood pressure-lowering compound called phthalide which boosts circulatory health.
It’s rich in vitamin K.
Celery contains high levels of vitamin K which has a key role in blood clot prevention, bone health, and photosynthesis (movement of electrons to generate energy). Celery has 33% of the daily recommended requirement of vitamin K, and is considered an ‘excellent’ source of the said vitamin.
It fights bad cholesterol.
This health food also boasts of butylphthalide which has been shown to help lower bad cholesterol. It is the same component that gives the vegetable its flavour and scent.
It eliminates free radicals from your body.
Celery has amazing antioxidant properties, which is largely due to its phenolic nutrients - compounds shown to provide protection against oxidative stress in cells, blood vessels, and organ systems in the body. It also has high flavonoid content that supports the nervous system and brain health.
It supports your digestive health.
The vegetable contains pectin-based polysaccharides that have amazing benefits to your stomach. They include apiuman - the compound which helps improve the function and structure of the stomach lining, decrease risk of stomach ulcer (gastric ulcer), and better control the levels of stomach secretions.
Celery is really a succulent and delicious vegetable. You can add it to your favourite tuna or chicken salad recipe, soups and stews, as well as stir-fries. You can also get its juice and add to your smoothie.
What’s your favourite way to enjoy celery? We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to post a comment below.