Any cleansing and slimming diets work better when celery is on the menu. Its root will perfectly replace salt, add flavor to soups, and green leaves will be an ideal addition to any salads. Although most vegetables are low in calories, celery beats them in the run-up. This is not its only advantage!
In 10 decagrams of a celery bulb we can find 7 kcal, and in leaves less than 5. Scientists say that this inconspicuous plant contains as many as 86 valuable ingredients for the body. There is twice as much vitamin C in celery than in citrus, as well as natural vitamin B, folic acid, vitamin PP. Its dark green stems contain a lot of beta-carotene and vitamin E, called the vitamin of youth. In addition, we will find a lot of mineral compounds in it: the most phosphorus among all root vegetables, as well as a lot of potassium, zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium.
- The elixir of youth – celery juice with apple juice, mixed in the right, equal proportions, is a great way to have a beautiful complexion and prolong youth. A glass of this drink drunk on an empty stomach can do a lot: moisturizes the skin, eliminates free radicals, edema, cleanses the body, strengthens the hair and gives the skin a velvety smoothness. It also protects the entire body against cancer thanks to its high content of antioxidants.
- Good for slimming – both celery and root celery have few calories, but they differ in terms of the glycemic index. It is better to eat fresh celery than, for example, in the form of cream soup, because heat treatment increases the GI. Root celery (100 grams) has 21 kcal and a glycemic index of 35 when raw, and 85 in cooked celery. Celery has 13 kcal in 100 g, with a glycemic index of 15. Add celery to salads, soups and juices.
- Detoxifying and cleansing the body – celery diet cleanses the body of toxins found in food. It stimulates metabolism, removes harmful metabolic products, so its consumption will also help to bring relief to sore joints. What’s more, it supports the production of bile, so it will prevent the formation of kidney stones. Celery is also recommended for people suffering from constipation, digestive problems, hypertension. It will help digest fats, improve kidney and heart function, and even soothe stress.
- It will lower blood pressure – thanks to its properties, i.e. soothing nerves and lowering blood pressure, it will help hypertensive people. However, remember not to buy seeds intended for cultivation, which are available in garden stores, because they can be sprayed with chemicals. If we use celery for therapeutic purposes, we must buy the seeds sold in health food stores.