Health Benefits of Celery
When trying to come up with healthy foods to add to your diet, most people know that celery is a good option. Some people believe that celery is just good because it is low in calories and is a vegetable. The reality is that there are many incredible health benefits of enjoying celery. These health benefits should make it a staple in anyone’s diet. Learning about how good this vegetable is for you can help motivate you to pick some up the next time you’re shopping. Another great idea would be to plant some in your garden.
Cancer Prevention
Celery is from the same family as carrots, fennel, parsley, and parsnips, all of which can help fight cancer. Th contain a compound known as polyacetylenes.
Studies have shown that this compound helps to reduce toxicity in the body, and can contribute to lessening the formation of cancer. Additional research is needed, but it appears especially good at fighting intestinal cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer.
Reduce Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
If you are prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) you know just how uncomfortable they can be. Celery has been shown to reduce the uric acid in the body. Uric acid is linked to these infections. It also helps to increase urine production, which reduces the overall risk of UTIs. In fact, celery can be just as effective as cranberries in fighting this condition.
Fighting Microbial Infections
Celery has been shown to contain anti-microbial components in the seeds. When these elements are combined with harmful bacteria, the bacteria’s growth was significantly reduced. This indicates that celery may be a natural way to fight harmful bacteria. This can help keep you from getting sick. Additional
research into how effective this can be for the human body is still needed, but what we know so far is promising.
Reduced Bloating
“Detox” diets are very popular right now because they help to get rid of excess waste, and other things that build up in the body, causing problems.
Studies on rats found that celery has a compound called NBP that works as a natural detox. This can help to reduce bloating in the body, which is a significant cause of discomfort and other medical problems.
Help Lose Weight
Celery is very low in calories, and because of their unique makeup the body has to burn off more calories than it uses to complete the digestive process. This can help aid in weight loss quite significantly. Also, celery also has a combination of nutrients that help regulate fat metabolism, which can help keep you from putting on pounds.
Keep Your Liver Healthy
Many people suffer from issues related to the liver that can be traced to a buildup of fat in this vital organ. As the fat builds up, the liver is much less efficient and has to work harder to complete its job. In some people, this can lead to liver failure. A study conducted in Egypt found that consuming celery helped to remove the fat, or prevent its buildup, which allows the organ to function the way it is supposed to. This study was done on rats, but it is likely that it will translate into humans as well.
Regulate Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure or are at risk of it, adding celery to your diet is vital. Celery seeds have been linked to lower blood pressure. By keeping blood pressure at healthy levels, you can reduce the risk of vascular issues, heart problems, and many other concerns.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is linked to a wide range of health problems, and can be caused by poor diet, stress, injury and more. Celery has antioxidants that are known to fight inflammation. Specifically, the flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants are powerful for stopping inflammation. Whether you know you have inflammation issues, or you just want to ensure that they don’t cause a problem in the future, celery is a great food to enjoy. There are more healthy
anti-inflammatory foods that you can also add to your diet that can help inflammation.
Fighting High Cholesterol
The compound called 3-n-butylphthalide, or BuPh for short, has been linked to reducing cholesterol in the body. Keeping cholesterol at healthy levels is essential for heart health, reduction of the risk of a stroke and many other things. Do not forget, celery does not have cholesterol.
Joint Health
If you suffer from any joint pain including arthritis, rheumatism or gout, celery can provide some relief. The fact that it fights inflammation is one significant benefit. Also, it helps to reduce the uric acid crystals that build up, which is linked to joint pain. While it isn’t likely to eliminate discomfort, it may provide sufficient relief to reduce the need for potentially unhealthy pain medication.
Stopping Migraines
Those who struggle with severe headaches or migraines can get some relief from eating celery. Research suggests that this type of pain can be caused by Nitric Oxide, which the celery can help reduce in the body. As with the joint health, this is not going to be a cure but as those who suffer from migraines know, any relief will be most welcomed.
Adding Celery to Your Diet is Easy
While it is very clear that celery is healthy, many people are hesitant to add it to their diet because they don’t love the taste. Celery has a relatively mild taste, and while most people don’t like it on its own, it tastes very good when adding to meals or drinks. Of course, finding a healthy vegetable dip will dramatically improve the taste, a healthy option is our delicious
guacamole dip. Spreading peanut butter or cream cheese is another way to turn bland celery into a great tasting snack. Another excellent option is to cook with it. Celery goes great in soups, casseroles, and other favorite dishes. Whatever you have to do to work celery into your diet, it will be well worth the effort.