Celery, that crunchy and watery vegetable we tend to only eat with dips, has some wonderful health benefits that might just surprise you.
While many of us may have thought that celery was only a simple source of fiber and water and didn’t really have any nutritional value, it turns out that this smiley face shaped veggie is loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals. Celery has significant amounts of Vitamins A, B, C, K, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
Celery also has high amounts of phytonutrients; natural nutrients that help plants ward off insects and protect from damaging sun rays. Phytonutrients when consumed by humans have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. They can boost the immune system, increase intracellular communication, and can repair DNA damage that results from toxins. The US department of agriculture suggests that consuming phytonutrients on a regular basis has proven measurable results in combating cancer and heart disease.
Here is a list of 12 health benefits that can happen to your body when you eat celery every day for a week:
1. Weight Loss
Celery is low in calories, with one stick containing between 10 to 16 calories and high amounts of fiber which can help to curb cravings.
2. Increased Hydration
Celery is 95 percent water, so when we consume celery we’re staying hydrated. Staying hydrated promotes cardiovascular health, as it helps with blood volume allowing the heart to work less to get the same amount of oxygen to cells.
3. Anti-Inflammatory
Adding celery to your diet can prevent chronic inflammation for those at risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
4. Prevent Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Celery has low acidity and has been recommended as a food for acid reflux and heartburn prevention. Studies are still limited related to this health benefit but numerous positive results are generating higher levels of interest in the research community.
5. Reduces Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Levels
A study conducted by the University of Chicago found that a substance called phthalide found in celery reduced cholesterol levels by 7 percent and blood pressure levels by 18 percent.
6. Improves Digestion
The fiber content of Celery helps to maintain healthy bowel movements. The insoluble fiber within celery resists digestion, so it stays intact as it travels through the digestive system. Along the way, it absorbs water, which ensures that stool maintains the proper consistency. This function allows it to prevent constipation by keeping stool soft, but it can also boost consistency to help relieve diarrhea.
7. Reduces Stomach Related Disease
It can reduce the risk of diseases related to the stomach lining, as studies have discovered that the antioxidants within celery reduce gastric ulcers and the risk of gastritis.
8. Keeps Eyes Healthy
The high amounts of vitamin A found in celery help to protect the cornea of the eye, and also help to treat dry eyes.
9. Soothes The Nervous System
Humans have long known that celery can help heal and repair the nervous system, as the ancient Greek physician and father of medicine, Hippocrates, once wrote that celery should be used to calm the nerves before falling asleep. This led to celery being used to treat nervous system disorders, and science has later found that the magnesium within celery relaxes the nervous system, can help relieve anxiety, and can help people fall asleep.
10. Can Help Heal UTI’s
Some regions of the world use celery to help treat Urinary tract infections, as it has a diuretic effect allowing the body to expel water without losing high amounts of potassium.
11. Mosquito Repellant
Studies have found that celery oil extract works effectively as a mosquito repellant when rubbed on the skin.
12. Alkaline Balance In The Body
It helps to regulate the alkaline balance of the body. Because of its low acidity levels, celery helps to stabilize pH levels and prevents acidic buildup within the body.
Enjoy eating anywhere from 2 to 6 large sticks of celery daily to enjoy these wonderful health benefits. Also, remember to purchase organic celery, as celery consists mostly of water which can absorb pesticides easily.
Have you noticed any of the wonderful health benefits from eating celery?
Let us know in the comments.
See also: Science Explains What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Oatmeal Every Day.
Have a wonderfully healthy week.
You are loved.
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