Celery belongs to the Apiaceae family. This plant is consumed as a vegetable, that can be found all over the world, and is included in integral part of certain cultures’ cuisine.
For culinary use, this vegetable is most commonly found in salads and soups, or as a garnish to certain meals. It is also commonly eaten as a snack, since it is quite filling, but not fattening.
Health Benefits of Celery:
1. Cancer Prevention
Celery contains a flavanoid known as luteolin. Researchers believe that luteolin may possess anti-cancer properties.
A study that was published in Current Cancer Drug Targets reported that “Recent epidemiological studies have reported cancer prevention property to luteolin.”
The researchers have attributed this because luteolin makes cancer cells more susceptible to attack due to the chemicals used in therapy.
2. Help Boosts Immune System
Celery is filled with vitamin C, which helps boosts your immune system. Stimulated by the activity of other antioxidants in celery, this becomes more efficient and active.
Due to the high content of vitamin C in celery, consuming it regularly can help reduce your risk of catching the common cold, and protects you against various diseases.
3. Increases Sex Drive
Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, the Director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, reported that 2 pheromones present in celery, androstenol and androstenone, can actually boost your arousal levels.
4. Lower Cholesterol Levels
Celery contains cholesterol-lowering properties that make it useful for maintaning and improving heart health. Celery contains a unique compound known as 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh) that was been reported to have lipid-lowering action.
A study conducted by the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Singapore, when rats were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks, showed that the rats that had been given celery extract reported significantly lower levels of lipids in their blood, as compared to the control group of rats that did not receive celery extract.
The group that are supplementing with celery extract reported a beneficial reduction in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) concentrations and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
5. Prevents Inflammation
Celery have apigenin, a molecule that is being studied for its anti-cancer properties. A study that was published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research tested whether this chemical might help in reducing or modifying the damage caused by inflammation.
The researchers concluded that apigenin-rich and apigenin diets reduced the expression of certain inflammatory proteins in mice. These can reduce inflammation and restore immune balance.
6. Prevents Urinary Tract Infection
Celery helps in reducing uric acid and stimulates urine production. This is beneficial for fighting bacterial infections within the reproductive organs and digestive tract.
Similar to cranberries that are known for fighting UTIs or urinary tract infections, celery can help in preventin kidney problems, bladder disorders, and possibly even cysts on reproductive organs.
7. Weight Loss
Just 1 large stalk of celery contains 10 calories. It is recommended that you add this vegetable into your diet. You can add it in your salad, soup, or stir fry, or munch on it throughout the day by adding hummus.
Read More:
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2. 7 Benefits of Bilimbi Fruit (kamias) on Your Health
3. Top 7 Health Benefits of Swiss Chard/