Celery belongs to the same family as fennel and parsley, that is, Umbelliferae family. This grows to 16 inches tall. Celery ribs are crunchy and often used in salads and soups. It is salty in taste and can be added to sweeter fruit juices. This herb has many health benefits.
Nutritional Benefits of Celery:
These leaves are rich in vitamin A, while stems contain vitamins B1, B2, B6 and vitamin C. It is an excellent source of folic acid, magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, phosphorus and, amino acids.
Fiber nutrients are released while healing bowel movements. Natural salt in the celery is safe for consumption and in fact, essential for the body. This is safe for people suffering from high blood pressure.
Many foods lose nutrients while cooking, compounds in celery help to hold them while cooking.
Health Benefits of Celery:
Celery always lowers the high blood pressure. It provides different formula to treat other disorders, when combined with juices. Recent studies proved that it can effectively combat cancer. Here are some health benefits:
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Acidity:
Minerals present in the juice balances blood pH and neutralizes acidity.
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Athletes:
It replaces the lost electrolytes and rehydrates the body with minerals.
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Cancer:
It contains 8 families of anti cancer compounds. Acetylenics present in the celery stops the growth of tumor cells. Phenolic acids blocks the action of prostagladins, which increase the tumor cells growth. Coumarins prevent free radicals that damage cells.
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Cholesterol:
Celery juice effectively lowers the LDL (bad) cholesterol.
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Constipation:
Its laxative property relieves constipation. It also relaxes the nerves.
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Colon and Stomach Cancer:
Phytochemical coumarins present in celery prevent colon and stomach cancers.
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Cooling:
Drink celery juice twice or thrice a day, during dry and hot weather between meals. It normalizes the body temperature excellently.
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Kidney Functions:
It eliminates the toxins from the body and also prevents the formation of kidney stones.
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Diuretic:
Sodium and potassium in celery juice regulates body fluid and stimulates urine production, and makes it an important aid to remove excess body fluid.
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Lower blood pressure:
Blood pressure is lowered significantly, if it is consumed for a week daily. It contains œphtalides that relaxes the muscles around the arteries, dilates the vessels and allows normal flow of blood pressure.
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Nervous System:
It is a wonderful juice for insomniacs as it calms down the nervous system.
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Weight Loss:
If juice is taken daily, it curbs the cravings for sweets and other foods that contain more fat.
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Inflammation:
Polyacetylene in celery gives relief from inflammation like gout, asthma, osteoarthritis, bronchitis and, rheumatoid arthritis.
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Urinary Stones:
Its diuretic property breaks and eliminates the stones in urinary and also gall bladder.
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Muscle cramps:
Celery seeds acts as a uterine stimulant and is well known to reduce and stop muscle cramps, specifically the female reproductive tract. Thus, this makes this herb suitable for use during the pain and menstrual cramps. Thus, women must take this herb celery seeds to derive all its health benefits.
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Fibromyalgia pain:
The extract of celery seeds had similar benefits of pain-relief on patients suffering with fibromyalgia. The pain-relieving properties of this herb are due to the 3-n-butylphthalide or 3nB presence. 3nB is a compound that is found in celery seeds which gives it a unique taste and smell.
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Gout and Arthritis:
The herb seeds may also be effective in reducing the pain which is associated with gout and osteoarthritis. In a study, 15 individuals were given the extract of celery seeds twice daily. These individuals were inflicted with gout or osteoarthritis for at least ten years. All these individuals had restricted mobility which prevented many normal and regular activities. After 3 weeks, the average individual reported about 68% reduction in pain which was calculated by a pain threshold scale. After 6 weeks, some individuals reported pain relief almost completely. There were no side effects reported.
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Blood flow:
Celery seeds extract also help in improving the flow of blood to the brain.
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Bone strength:
Celery seeds are generally considered to be a rich source of calcium, a mineral which is necessary for maintaining the bones and teeth health. Calcium is particularly very important for kids and they need to receive it in sufficient amounts, as their bones development occurs rapidly. This mineral is also useful for the proper muscle contractions. If intake of calcium is inadequate or less early in life, it can lead to dissolution of bones (Osteoporosis) in later life.
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Infections:
Celery seeds are known to have antibiotic and antiseptic properties. This makes it useful for the treatment of various types of infection, especially urinary tract infection in the body. Herbalists generally prescribe this herb for curing cystitis, kidney and bladder disorders.
The above article discusses about various health benefits of celery seeds. Celery seeds contain various compounds like linoleic acids, coumarins, flavonoids and different volatile oils. Due to the presence of all these components celery seeds substitute main drugs and medicines in the treatment of a wide range of disorders and ailments.
