by Mayimina
Natural News
Whether raw and filled with peanut butter for a healthy snack or added to a stir-fry, celery is one of the most versatile vegetables out there. It is used in a variety of cuisines not only in America but in countries all around the world and is well-loved for its crunchy texture, fresh taste, and the richness it lends to soups and stews. The combination of celery, onions and carrots, for instance, is at the base of many French dishes.
The good news is that, while celery does not get the same attention as vegetables like kale, it may be one of the great unsung heroes of the produce aisle. Its health benefits are numerous and range from reducing inflammation to improving eyesight. Read on to find out more about what this amazing vegetable can do for the body.
Diet Aide
For someone who is trying to shed extra pounds to achieve their weight loss goals, celery is a wonderful thing to keep around the house. Its crisp texture makes in an excellent snack food and one stalk will only bring in 10 calories, making it perfect to munch on in between meals without getting off one’s diet.
Anti-Inflammatory
Celery is also a perfect food choice for someone who has PCOS or other chronic, inflammatory condition. This super food has compounds which act as natural anti-inflammatories agents and can reduce, for instance, pain and stiffness in the joints for those who suffer from arthritis.
Stress Reliever
Believe it or not, celery can help not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Celery is an incredibly rich source of magnesium, a mineral which naturally helps to calm the nerves and help the body fight off stress and anxiety. It makes an excellent bedtime snack to help with a good night’s sleep.
pH Balancer
Due to its high mineral content, eating celery can help promote the acid-base balance (or pH balance) in the body. Keeping this balance slightly alkaline can help reduce inflammation as well as lowering the risk of developing serious conditions like cancer.
Digestive Aide
Celery is incredibly rich in fiber. A fiber-rich diet has been shown to help improve the health of the entire digestive system and helps to avoid problems like chronic constipation. Fiber intake is also associated with decreased chances of developing colon cancer.
Eye Health Promoter
Even a single celery stalk can provide the body with a generous amount of Vitamin A. This vitamin is essential to maintaining visual acuity and the health of the eyes and can help protect against conditions like age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.
Cardiac Health Support
Regular celery consumption can also promote cardiac health. It has been shown that adding celery to the diet helps to lower unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels while at the same time raising the levels of good HDL cholesterol, thus improving one of the biggest risk factors for heart attacks.
So eat up! Celery is not only incredibly delicious and a wonderful addition to soups, salads and stir-fries, it can bring in a wealth of healthy benefits ranging from better pH balance to a healthier heart.
