Celery: benefits and harms to the body
Celery is a biennial plant from the Apiaceae family. Its homeland is the Mediterranean, where celery still grows wild, uncultivated.

History of celery

About 20 species of this vegetable are known. Celery has a large tuber – root, juicy petioles and tops, similar to parsley. All parts are edible.

Celery was used in ancient Greece – they decorated the dwelling to protect against evil spirits, weaved wreaths for the winners. The plant was believed to bring good luck and was often paired with garlic and onions. It was originally used as a medicinal plant, and only in the 17th century it began to be eaten. Celery came to America in the 19th century and began to be cultivated. Celery has its own semi-official capital – the city in the state of Colorado Arvada is called the “celery capital of the world.”

The benefits of celery

There are many vitamins in celery, and vitamin C is in the first place – 100 grams of it contains 8 mg. All parts of the plant contain amino acids and trace elements: boron, calcium, chlorine and others. Celery is rich in fiber and essential oils, as well as vitamins A, E, K and B vitamins.

The use of celery in food increases the vitality of the body, eliminates drowsiness and apathy, and accelerates the elimination of toxic substances. The introduction of celery into the diet is a good prevention of age-related cardiovascular diseases, disorders of water-salt metabolism and inflammatory processes.

Celery is often used as part of many diets due to its low calorie content and speeding up metabolism. The juice of this vegetable stimulates the production of gastric juice, which has a positive effect on the absorption of food.

Seed extract is used as an antispasmodic and analgesic, reducing muscle spasms, cramps and joint pain. Known and hypnotic and sedative effect of celery seeds.

Celery is a well-known aphrodisiac, useful for the male body. The plant hormone androsterone increases potency and libido.

The composition and calorie content of celery

Celery (root)
Caloric value on 100 g34 kcal
Proteins1,3 g
Fats0,3 g
Carbohydrates6,5 g
Celery (stalk, leaves)
Caloric value on 100 g13 kcal
Proteins0,9 g
Fats0,1 g
Carbohydrates2,1 g

The harm of celery

There are contraindications when eating celery. told us about them Alexander Voinov, nutrition and wellness consultant at the WeGym fitness club chain: “The main contraindication is pregnancy and lactation. In minimal amounts, celery is not dangerous, but it is important to limit its use. Celery seeds contain substances that cause uterine contractions and may pose a risk of miscarriage. The substance apioles found in the stems, tubers and leaves of celery also causes uterine contractions and can cause bleeding, so it is not recommended to eat celery during menstruation. In its raw form, you should not eat any parts of the plant for people with gastrointestinal diseases, it is better to subject the vegetable to heat treatment.

The use of celery in medicine

“Celery is number one as a weight loss product. For its digestion, more calories are spent than the plant itself contains, which is called “negative calorie”, — said Alexander Voynov. 100 grams of any part of celery contains about 25 – 32 kcal. Dishes with celery are well absorbed, speed up metabolism, lower cholesterol and remove excess fluid, helping to fight congestion and removing swelling.

Celery is also used in cosmetology. Decoctions and infusions are prepared from it for facial skin and hair strengthening. Juice and decoction of this plant can remove makeup from the face, toning and refreshing the skin. Celery has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties, accelerating the regeneration of damaged skin. It is used for various skin diseases: allergies, eczema, urticaria.

Celery is an extremely useful product for the elderly. The influence of celery consumption on lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels has been proven, which is the prevention of atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Celery is useful for people with inflammatory diseases of the joints: arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism. Substances from celery stalks have a diuretic effect, helping to remove uric acid crystals, which is also useful for patients with cystitis and other diseases of the genitourinary system.

Fresh celery has a positive effect on male sexual activity. This vegetable contains the plant hormone androsterone, which is responsible for the manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics, the level of potency and the synthesis of its own sex hormones.

Essential oils extracted from celery seeds reduce pain. Coumarins, which are rich in celery, help with migraines.

Celery is useful for constipation, as it has a mild laxative effect. The high fiber content improves the intestinal microflora and accelerates the elimination of toxins.

The use of celery in cooking

All parts of the plant are edible, even the seeds are used. Juicy stems and leaves are mostly eaten fresh, and the tuber is often stewed, added to stews and soups. Heat treatment allows people with gastrointestinal diseases to eat this vegetable.

Celery and apple salad

An excellent vitamin salad for a light snack and diets. You can add crushed walnuts and your favorite herbs. And for more satiety – cottage cheese or mozzarella

Celery stalks 2 piece.
fresh carrots 1 piece.
Sweet and sour apple1 piece.
Lime juice from a slice
Olive oil, salt, pepper to taste

Wash all vegetables and fruits, peel and cut into medium cubes. Mix, put in a salad bowl. In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt and spices. Dress the salad and sprinkle with herbs.

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Cream of celery root soup

Hearty healthy soup that satisfies hunger and at the same time low-calorie. For diet food, it is recommended to make it on water or vegetable broth. Served with crackers or croutons

Celery (root)1 piece.
Carrots1 piece.
Potatoes2 piece.
Onionsonion half
Milk (water or broth)from 200 ml
Vegetable oil for frying, saltto taste

Peel the vegetables and grate on a coarse grater. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Put the onions and carrots in the pan and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add the remaining vegetables, a little water and simmer for another 30 minutes under the lid until soft. Puree vegetables with a blender, gradually adding milk or boiled water to the desired consistency. Bring to a boil, add salt, spices and herbs. Serve with white crackers.

How to choose and store celery

When choosing, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the plant. Stems and leaves should be elastic, dense, light green, uniform in color. Celery has a strong, specific odor, and its absence may indicate excessive use of chemicals.

Young medium-sized tubers are most tasty. Stale and old large roots are more rigid and fibrous. If there are spots, traces of decay on the plant, you should stop buying.

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