
Its peculiar aroma permeates the environment with its smell when it is cooking. Many do not know that, due to the properties of celery ( Apium graveolens ), it is more than just a tasty vegetable.
The positive effects for health are innumerable, and it is associated with the proper functioning of the digestive and cardiovascular systems, among others. You are invited to take an informative trip to know what the celery hides. You are ready. Prepare yourself!
Celery Nutrition Facts
According to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, the nutritional component of celery per 100 grams is this:
- Calories: 16kcal
- Proteins: 1.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1.3 g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Water: 95.4g
- Calcium: 55mg
- Sodium: 126mg
- Potassium : 341mg
- Phosphorus: 32mg
What is celery good for? Properties
- Scientific name : Apium graveolens
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (Increasing) Encyclopedia of Life
- Family: Apiaceae
- Species : Apium graveolens; L.
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Division : Magnoliophyta
Behind its rich flavor and fragrant smell, it hides a world of very beneficial nutritional values for human health. It is enough to know its properties and different medical applications to be convinced of this.
- It stands out for its satiating and dietary properties.
- It has vitamins B and K and folic acid and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and iron.
- It has diuretic and purifying virtues.
- Due to its apigenin content, it contributes to good heart health.
Health benefits of celery
It has been determined that this versatile vegetable plays a role as a dietary regulator due to its satiating and diuretic characteristics since 90% of its composition is water. But, this is only part of its benefits, then we will mention other very outstanding ones.
Beneficial for the digestive system
Since it is a source of fiber, which favors the digestive process and intestinal transit, it is beneficial to avoid constipation and abdominal swelling.
On the other hand, celery reduces acidity and gastric secretion, thus helping to prevent stomach ulcers.
Has sedative effects
Yes, believe it or not, it helps to fall asleep, as it is a magnificent ally to tone the nervous system. It is customary to drink celery juice with honey before sleeping to make the trip to dreamland more pleasant.
Regulates menstruation and mitigates the symptoms of menopause
Women can make a statue of celery, as it can be their reliable friend in the most challenging moments. However, given its vitamin C and folic acid content, it normalizes menstruation.
And in the harsh stage of menopause, it can relieve its annoying symptoms, and in addition, it has the power to cleanse the mucosa of the lungs and remineralize the body.
It’s a good cleanser.
Well, celery can detoxify the body by facilitating the elimination of kidney and gallstones and excess uric acid. In this way, the body cleanses, regenerates, and assimilates nutrients better.
How to use celery?
We suggest you go to a health professional to find out about the medicinal aspects of celery. In this way, you will be sure to be able to enjoy its benefits in presentations like these:
- Purification juices. It is made from freshly harvested celery roots. It is recognized for its essential oils and high potassium content. It acts as a diuretic, helping to neutralize the pH balance and stimulate kidney function, thus ridding the body of toxins.
- Capsules. Made with celery seeds rich in calcium, manganese, and iron. It is usually indicated for cardiovascular and liver health. It has also been shown to have antiseptic action, such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic in arthritis.
Advantages and disadvantages of celery
The fundamental properties of celery are mainly based on its essential oil, which is abundant in selinene, symbol, and limonene, in addition to containing vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids.
Because of these characteristics, the consumption of celery is so healthy. Knowing its advantages and disadvantages will help you in the task of optimizing its use.
Benefits of Celery
- It has anti-inflammatory qualities, relieving diseases that cause chronic inflammation such as lupus, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Fiber reduces cholesterol levels by absorbing the excess in the intestine and eliminating it.
- So it is essential at the time of pregnancy and is a natural way to prevent congenital disabilities.
- It favors digestion by fighting acidity, stimulating the secretion of saliva and gastric juices.
- Regulates menstrual periods. And in menopause maintains estrogen levels and mitigates its symptoms.
Disadvantages of Celery
- If consumed in excess, celery can cause goiters because it interferes with the iodine process that works in the thyroid, which can lead to neck swelling and possible hypothyroidism.
- Celery contains chemicals called psoralens, which, when applied directly to the skin, make it sensitive to ultraviolet light, causing rashes.
- Celery allergies can range from mild to severe. It generates a slight tingling and swelling or even a dangerous anaphylactic shock.