Celery is one of the healthiest veggies you can include into your diet, and it goes well in your hot soups and tastes great if you snack a few stalks with some tasty dip as a side. It is a rich source of numerous minerals and vitamins, so it improves health in various ways.
According to the World’s Healthiest Foods:
“Celery is a rich source of phenolic phytonutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These phytonutrients include caffeic acid, caffeoylquinic acid, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, lunularin, beta-sitosterol, and furanocoumarins.
Celery is an excellent source of vitamin K and molybdenum. It is a very good source of folate, potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, and pantothenic acid. Celery is also a good source of vitamin B2, copper, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids).
Celery also contains approximately 35 milligrams of sodium per stalk, so salt-sensitive individuals can enjoy celery, but should keep track of this amount when monitoring daily sodium intake.”
Therefore, here are 10 reasons why you should start eating celery on a daily basis:
1. Celery Lowers Cholesterol
The phthalides in its content stimulate the production of bile acids, that lower LDL cholesterol in the blood.
2. Celery Helps Manage Blood Pressure
The high potassium content regulates blood pressure, and the phthalides relax the muscles surrounding the arteries, which dilates the blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure.
3. Celery Reduces Inflammation
It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, due to the numerous nutrients it possesses, as well as luteolin, a phytochemical that offers a myriad of health benefits.
4. Celery Treats Bladder Infections
Being a natural diuretic, it fights bladder infections, treats inflammation, and flushes gallstones and bacteria out of the body.
5. Celery Aids In Digestion
Celery is rich in fiber and water, so it relieves constipation and ensures healthy bowel movements.
6. Celery Promotes Joint Health
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of celery treat various inflammatory conditions, including gout and arthritis, and soothe symptoms like pain and swellings.
7. Celery Helps Relieve Stress
Celery is abundant in magnesium, which calms the nervous system, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves sleep.
8. Celery Aids In Weight Loss
Celery helps weight loss as it is full of fiber, that keeps you full longer, and contains very few calories, only 15 calories per stalk.
9. Celery Helps Treat Bad Breath
Chewing on a piece of celery can freshen breath and dislodges food that is stuck in the teeth and gums.
Impressive, isn’t it?