10 AMAZING BENEFITS IN JUST ONE CELERY STALK YOU HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF

There have been many countless praises for leafy greens like spinach and broccoli and fibrous fruits like apples and oranges. Compared to them, celery is somewhat unsung, but once you’ve heard of its terrific benefits, you will quickly join its list of lovers.

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Nutritional highlights

Celery is an excellent source of well-known anti-oxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids and other types of antioxidant nutrients including furanocoumarins like psoralen and bergapten and dihydrostillbenoids like lunularin. Celery is rich in potassium, folic acid, vitamin B6 and B1. It contains a high content of dietary sodium, calcium and vitamin B2. Even a single stalk of celery is a nutrient powerhouse and low in calories, fat, carbohydrates and cholesterol.

Some of celery health benefits

Aid weight loss

One large celery stalk contains only 10 calories, according to the American Department of Agriculture. Of course, low calorie intake promotes weight loss, but the celery’s real power to shed up pounds is its fiber content which keeps you feeling full for longer and prevents hunger. Celery is 95% of water, so it also helps you stay hydrated.

Improve digestion

Due to high water content, celery helps increase the fluid in the body that helps break down food for nutrient absorption, allows food to pass through the digestive tract easily and softens stools, thereby preventing constipation. Note: People with diarrhea should avoid eating celery due to its diuretic and cleansing properties.

Reduce inflammation

Eating celery can bring relief for people with inflammatory issues such as arthritis, joint pain, lung infections, asthma or acne due to its incredible anti-inflammatory properties. A plant metabolite called apigenin present in celery is especially effective in reducing inflammation. Furthermore, celery has a compound named COX-2 inhibitor which aids the generation of cortisone-a hormone that reduces pain.

Lower high blood pressure

Celery is a good source of potassium whereas a balanced potassium intake helps lower blood pressure without adverse effects on blood lipid and catecholamine concentrations and renal function in adults. Additionally, a compound phthalide found in celery can relax the arteries’ muscles allowing a more relaxed blood flow to the heart.

Reduce bad cholesterol

Being rich in fiber, celery can reduce bad cholesterol LDL by attaching fiber to the cholesterol particles in the digestive tract that prevents the absorption in the bloodstream. Moreover, the chemical compound called butylphthalide, which gives its flavor and scent, also reduces cholesterol levels.

Regulate the body’s alkaline balance

The normal pH level in the blood can become acidic because of stress, an acidic diet or the build-up of toxins in the body, so using alkaline minerals is a way to compensate for the acidic overload.

Keep the body hydrated

All cells in the body need water and oxygen to function properly, so hydration is crucial to your overall health. Since celery is 95% of water, it holds an important key in preventing dehydration, which leads to fatigue, thirst, dry skin, difficult urination, constipation and dizziness. A well-hydrated body provides you a glowing complexion, radiant hair and perfectly functioning organs.

Protect and improve vision

One large stalk of celery can provide up to 10 per cent of your daily need for vitamin A- a group of nutrients that protects the eyes and prevents the developing of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Prevent memory loss

Celery contains a compound called luteolin which shows promise for reducing levels of plaque-forming proteins in the brain. This, in turn, can lower the risk factors for Alzheimer’s including atherosclerosis, oxidative damage and inflammation.

Combat cancers

One of active compounds in celery called the phytochemical coumarin which has been shown to be effective in cancer prevention and capable of strengthening the activity of certain white blood cells that can fight cancer and also prevent free radicals from damaging cells. Some other compounds called acetylenics help stop the growth of tumor cells and phenolic acids blocks the action of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins which encourage the development of tumor cells.

Ways to enjoy celery every day

Choose celery with fresh and crisp leaves and upright stalks which snap when bent. Remember the rule of thumb: the darker the color, the stronger the flavor.

Raw celery: Eat 2 to 3 raw celery stalks a day or enjoy with some peanut butter or add into salads.

Celery in soup: Add 1 to 3 chopped celery stalks to your favorite soup or eat as daily snacks.

Steam celery or stew or add to vegetable stir-fries.