benefits of celery

Benefits of Celery

11. Individual Concerns
Some health problems are related to a phenomenon called crossreactivity in which a person with environmental allergies also develops allergies to certain foods. In most of these cases, a small area on the surface of a food protein is exactly like a small area on a protein found in a plants pollen. If a persons immune system reacts to the pollen, it will react to the food as well. In the case of celery, researchers have identified a syndrome called birchmugwortcelery syndrome in which this exact type of cross reactivity occurs. (In technical terms, they have found that the Api g 1 epitope on some celery proteins is a homologue for the Bet v 1 epitope in birch pollen.) If you are a person with a known allergy to birch trees or mugwort, celery should definitely be excluded from your meal plan.
12. Celery and Pesticide Residues
Virtually all municipal drinking water in the United States contains pesticide residues, and with the exception of organic foods, so do the majority of foods in the U.S. food supply. Even though pesticides are present in food at very small trace levels, their negative impact on health is well documented. The livers ability to process other toxins, the cells ability to produce energy, and the nerves ability to send messages can all be compromised by pesticide exposure.
13. Nutritional Profile
Celery is a rich source of phenolic phytonutrients that have antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. These phytonutrients include: caffeic acid, caffeoylquinic acid, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, lunularin, betasitosterol and furanocoumarins. Celery is an excellent source of vitamin K and molybdenum. It is a very good source of folate, potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, and pantothenic acid. Celery is also a good source of vitamin B2, copper, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids).
14. InDepth Nutritional Profile
The nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an indepth nutritional profile for Celery is also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.
15. Celery is a great choice if you are watching your weight
One large stalk contains only 10 calories! So, add celery to your shopping list and enjoy it in your salads, soups and stirfries. Celery is one of popular Mediterranean herbs recognized for its strong aromatic flavor that it imparts to variety of cuisines. It is a small biennial herbaceous plant originated in Europe. It can be grown easily as potherb in the homegardens for its flavorful leaves, shoots, root.
16. Celery reduces inflammation
Ifyou are suffering from joint pains, lung infections, asthma, or acne, eating more celery will bring muchneeded relief. celery belongs to the family of Apiaceae, in the genus; Apium, and known scientifically as Apium graveolens. It is a small plant; reaching about half a meter in height and requires fertile, moisture rich soil to flourish.
17. It helps you calm down
Celery for stressrelief? Oh yes! The minerals in celery, especially magnesium, and the essential oil in it, soothe the nervous system. If you enjoy a celerybased snack in the evening, you will sleep better. Celery herb bears umbelliform flowers at the top of the stalk in the second year. Edible cluster of long, darkgreen, somewhat hollow stalks grow upright from the crown of the plant. Its leaves have similar appearance to that of flatleaf parsley.
18. Celery aids digestion
Some say celery tastes like crunchy water, and that is the reason it is so good for your digestive system. The high water content of celery, combined with the insoluble fiber in it, makes it a great tool for easy passage of stool. Note: because celery has diuretic and cleansing properties, those with diarrhea should avoid eating it.
19. It contains good salts
Celery does contain sodium, but it is not the same thing as table salt. The salt in celery is organic, natural and essential for your health. Chinese celery or oriental variety features thin, hollow, succulent stalks. Its leaves and stalks carry more intense flavor than the continental variety.
20. It cares for your eyes
One large stalk of celery can deliver up to 10 percent of your daily need for Vitamin A, a group of nutrients that protects the eyes and prevents agerelated degeneration of vision. Celery seeds, used as spice, are similar in appearance to cumin seeds. They feature darkbrown color, oblong shape with thin vertical ridges; and flavor that is strongly aromatic.