Celery is an edible aromatic plant from the apiaceae family. As the name suggests, it resembles a parsley that has grown too large.
First of all you may need to know that celery and celery are definitely the same thing. However, each region calls it a different way, but the root above all is the same. Its scientific name is Celery and its origin is from Europe. Especially in some parts of the world, it is cultivated mainly for its seeds, which are commonly used as spices when crushed and which contain a special oily compound called apiol, which is used medicinally and as a flavoring agent.
However, it is a vegetable widely cultivated in countries with a temperate climate. In short, the vegetable is widely used in various soup and salad recipes and can also be used as a home remedy for weight loss and even to treat kidney disorders.
But in Brazil, its consumption is still restricted, with the state of São Paulo being the largest producer and consumer. The southeast region has suitable climatic conditions for the crop, with planting ideally in the months of March to May, when the temperature is milder and the air humidity is lower, causing a lower incidence of diseases.
In short, all parts of the celery can be consumed, including the seeds, which have relevant benefits, as they help reduce inflammation and fight bacterial infections.
properties
Celery root is generally used to prepare soups and broths; The stem, as it is slightly crunchy, goes very well in salads and more complex recipes, as well as being used to garnish the famous cocktail Bloody Mary. The celery leaves work as a seasoning and have a similar taste to parsley.
Celery is rich in vitamins — especially K and C — and minerals, such as magnesium. Above all, it also has a huge amount of fiber, twice the amount present in the same portion of common lettuce, for example. It is also rich in flavonoids, water, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium and vitamin B.
Benefits of celery
Celery definitely has many health benefits due to its diuretic, expectorant, laxative and tonic properties and is rich in flavonoids, vitamins and minerals that strengthen immune defenses and metabolism. See some examples.
1- Helps regulate sleep
As previously mentioned, celery contains magnesium and this nutrient has a relaxing and calming effect on the nerves, which promotes a good sleep pattern. This means that if you face a sleep disorder like insomnia, you can include it in your diet and experience these benefits of celery.
2- Helps combat stomach acidity
This is another one of its many benefits. To obtain this result, simply pass some celery leaves or stalks through the centrifuge and drink the concentrated juice when necessary.
3- Protects against cancer
This is according to a study carried out by the University of Missouri, in the United States. Basically, when the tumor is developing, a network of blood vessels forms around it to feed it. The apigenin present in celery blocks their formation, hindering tumor formation.
According to other studies carried out on this topic, polyacetylenes help reduce toxicity and combat the formation of cancer, especially breast, intestinal and leukemia.
4- Helps fight infections
Celery has been used medicinally for centuries as an antibacterial food. Proof made based on a report that was published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology in 2009, where he showed that celery contains special antimicrobial components, which are found in its seeds.
5- It helps me with allergy attacks
To achieve this, simply squeeze the juice from a fresh celery root. Take one to two teaspoons three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.
6- It is diuretic
Celery stimulates the proper functioning of the kidneys, improves circulation and eliminates toxins from the body. Consumed as tea, it treats urinary tract infections, fighting microorganisms that harm the bladder.
7- It is digestive
In short, celery also stimulates the proper functioning of the digestive system and reduces acidity in the stomach, preventing heartburn and poor digestion.
8- Helps you lose weight
In short, this happens because it is a low-calorie food, but with relevant nutrients that help you lose weight. Its composition helps regulate lipid metabolism and provides antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, B vitamins and potassium, all with very few calories.
9- Helps with liver health
The action of the vegetable definitely helps to reduce the accumulation of fat in the organ. This means that if you are suffering from fatty liver disease, celery can be an essential food that will positively contribute to the treatment of this condition. All this became evident after research carried out by the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Helwan University in Egypt.
10- Helps prevent high blood pressure
In short, its seeds contain hexane, methanolic and aqueous-ethanolic extracts that improve circulation, reduce inflammation and help control blood pressure. It is also a muscle relaxant, improving the flow of calcium and potassium in and out of cells.
11- Helps lower high cholesterol
The food basically contains an exclusive compound called 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh) which has a lipid-lowering action that helps reduce lipids. According to research carried out by the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Singapore, all of this was proven after an analysis carried out on rats.
12- Helps improve breath
Celery tea, through chlorophyll and its alkalizing power, helps purify breath and improve oral health.
13- Helps reduce inflammation
Celery contains antioxidants and polysaccharides that are known to act as anti-inflammatories, especially flavonoids and polyphenols. Therefore they support overall health, even more so as we age, by fighting free radical damage that can lead to inflammation.
14- Helps prevent ulcers
Firstly, the discovery was made with a study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology. However, research has found that celery contains a special type of ethanol extract that is useful in protecting the lining of the digestive tract from ulcers. Such an extract has the ability to significantly replenish depleted levels of gastric mucus, which is necessary in the stomach lining to prevent the formation of small holes and openings.
15- Relieves menstrual cramps
In short, celery tea can be a great ally to reduce pain and cramps, due to its antispasmodic action.
Used as a home remedy
- Elevated utic acid: Drink celery tea 3 times a day;
- Release phlegm: Pass the celery leaves or stalks through a centrifuge and drink this concentrated juice with 1 spoon of honey daily.
- Hoarseness: Gargle with the vegetable tea.
- friera: Mash its leaves with a pestle until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to chilblains 3 times a day until they disappear.
Care
First of all, celery or celery does have several benefits. Firstly, care starts with the purchase. In short, when choosing which celery stalk to take home, it is important to know that the darker the color of the vegetable, the stronger its flavor.
Above all, also pay attention to the way it is stored. Therefore, it is recommended to cut the fresh celery into small pieces and then freeze it.
However, people who are allergic to birch and mugwort pollen are prone to developing allergic reactions. Therefore it is not recommended.
It is also not recommended for people with kidney problems, as it has a diuretic function. Finally, it is also not recommended for pregnant women. As it can induce bleeding and contractions in the uterus.
Recipe: Braised celery
Ingredients:
- Chopped celery stalks and leaves;
- Garlic, onion and olive oil;
- Salt, pepper and spices to taste.
Preparation mode:
First, sauté the onion in olive oil and then add the garlic and let it brown. Then, add the celery, fry for a few minutes and add cooking water. Finally, wait for it to dry, season and serve.
Eggplant caponata with celery
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants;
- 3 tomatoes;
- 1 onion;
- 3 tablespoons of olives;
- 3 teaspoons of capers;
- Oil;
- ½ glass of wine vinegar;
- 1 spoon (coffee) of brown sugar;
- A bit of salt;
- 6 basil leaves;
- 1 handful of celery.
Preparation mode:
First, wash and cut the celery stalks and boil for five minutes. Then, drain and let rest on a clean cloth. Then, cut the other ingredients and cook them. Finally, add the celery, herbs and seasonings.
So that was our content! In fact, if you liked it, why not read the following article: 13 benefits of garlic for your health (far beyond the seasoning)
Featured image: Vegetable garden and flowers
Sources: Ecycle Mundo boa forma
