What are the benefits of celery?
Celery is one of the important aromatic plants, yet many people are unaware of its benefits and the necessity of incorporating it into daily meals and even some beverages for heart and overall body health.
Read this article on evercare to learn about the key nutrients found in celery and the best ways to use it to maximize its nutritional benefits.
What is celery?
Celery is a type of Apiaceae plant, which includes roots like parsley and fennel.
It is known for its distinctive aromatic scent, making it suitable for consumption either raw or cooked.
Celery has a texture somewhat similar to lettuce and is rich in beneficial nutrients, which is why it is often incorporated into various diets, either as a food ingredient or added to juices.
Unlike other plants in its family, celery is grown in the shade, resulting in a lower chlorophyll content and, consequently, a lighter green color.
Although it is a winter plant commonly used during this season, celery seeds are utilized year-round due to their nutritional value. Celery is rich in fiber and low in fats and carbohydrates, making it an ideal addition to healthy diets.
Additionally, celery has significant benefits for preventing heart, artery, and vascular diseases and boosting the immune system.
Nutritional content per 100 grams of celery:
- Calories: 42 kcal
- Proteins: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.1 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Fats: 1.5 g
Celery also contains a great amount of vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin E: 0.6 mg
- Vitamin C: 9 mg
- Vitamin B1: 0.06 mg
- Vitamin B2: 0.09 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.21 mg
- Zinc: 0.5 mg
- Calcium: 44 mg
- Phosphorus: 70 mg
- Beta Carotene: 15 mg
- Magnesium: 14 mg
- Potassium: 110 mg
- Iron: 0.7 mg
- Folic Acid: 76 mg
- Sodium: 11 mg
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The most important health benefits of celery for men and women
Celery contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that enhance its benefits for overall health in various aspects, including heart health, immunity, weight loss, and fighting common diseases.
Below are some of the key health benefits of celery in combating different conditions:
- Benefits of Celery for Cancer Patients:
Celery is rich in antioxidants and vitamins like Vitamin C, as well as compounds like Lunularin and Bergapten, which help combat free radicals, reducing the risk of cancer and many chronic diseases.
- Benefits of Celery in Combating Inflammation:
Studies have shown that celery leaves and seeds help fight inflammation, whether it occurs suddenly or as a result of other diseases, which can negatively impact the immune system.
Celery contains apigenin, luteolin, and acids like coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and tannic acid, all of which have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.
These compounds have also proven effective in benefiting patients with rheumatism.
- Benefits of Celery for Cholesterol Patients:
High cholesterol levels can lead to chronic and severe conditions such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
It is recommended for cholesterol patients to consume celery in its natural form or include its seeds in their daily meals.
Drinking celery juice is also a great option due to its high nutritional value.
- Benefits of Celery for the Nervous System:
Celery contains flavonoids, which, according to a 2009 scientific study, improve blood flow and regenerate nerve tissues.
Although this research is somewhat outdated, with no recent studies to confirm the same effects, consuming celery in moderation remains beneficial.
- Benefits of Celery for the Digestive System:
The high fiber content in celery improves gut health and supports the colon with beneficial bacteria, facilitating digestion.
Additionally, celery is rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation in the digestive tract, reducing the risk of related diseases.
- Benefits of Celery for Alzheimer’s Patients:
The compounds found in celery seeds can enhance learning abilities, improve focus, and boost memory, according to scientific studies conducted on groups of mice.
This gives celery and its seeds a unique impact on Alzheimer’s patients when included in various foods and dietary plans.
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Does Cooking Celery Affect Its Nutritional Value?
One of the most frequently asked questions by those who consume celery is whether cooking and exposing it to heat affects its nutritional value, and if cooking celery reduces the vitamins it contains.
To answer this question, we can refer to other raw vegetables, where cooking and prolonged exposure to heat often diminish their nutritional value, especially if left in boiling water for a long time.
However, to maximize the benefits of celery when cooking it, you can steam it for no more than 10 minutes and include it in your meals.
This method helps preserve its nutritional value and prevents nutrient loss.
How to Prepare Healthy Celery Juice?
Celery juice is one of the best healthy juices that can be consumed daily and included in various diets due to its low-calorie content and lack of significant fat.
You can prepare a delicious cup of celery juice using fresh organic stalks and water with the following steps:
- Prepare the celery stalks by removing the base and leaves.
- Cut the stalks into small pieces and place them in the blender.
- Add an appropriate amount of water to the blender and blend until you achieve a smooth juice consistency.
- Strain the juice and enjoy.
Note: You can also use fresh celery juice without adding water by using a juicer that extracts plant extracts by passing the stalks through it.
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FAQs about celery
Is it okay to drink celery juice every day?
There is no need to consume celery daily, but since it contains beneficial nutrients, it won't harm if consumed in moderation.
What happens when you eat celery every day?
Celery contains a large number of essential minerals and antioxidants, which enhance its benefits for the nervous system, brain health, and gut health.
How much celery should be consumed for weight loss?
The ideal use of celery for weight loss is to add just two stalks to a salad.
Does celery lose its nutritional value when cooked?
No, cooking celery does not affect the beneficial nutrients it contains.
