Celery belongs to the family Apiaceae and is a close relative of the carrot, parsnip, and parsley. The plant of Celery can reach up to the height of 16 inches. Though it is a biennial plant, it is grown as an annual plant unless it is cultivated for seed. It provides a low amount of calories. Celery if added to a diet provides numerous health benefits.

Celery or stalk celery (Apium graveolens var. Dulce) is a species of Apium graveolens L. in the family Apiaceae, native to the temperate Mediterranean climates (Europe, Africa, and Asia), and widely cultivated as a spice, herb, and vegetable in Europe, Central and North America, Japan, North Africa, China, and India. It is a biennial plant that is usually cultivated as an annual plant. It forms bipinnate leaves 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 in) long with numerous leaflets. There are three types of Celery such as leaf celery, pascal celery, and celeriac celery. It is consumed either raw or cooked as a vegetable.

Celery – Apium graveolens var. Dulce Facts

Plant

Celery is a light to dark green, biennial or perennial plant in temperate climates. The plant grows upto 1 meter high. It forms a light to dark green, pinnate-bipinnate leaves; 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 in) long and 2–4 cm broad. It grows an erect, grooved, and silnovetvisty stem with 2-3 mm diameter creamy to white flowers. The seeds are ovoid to globose; 1.5–2 mm long and wide. Celery grows best in well-drained soil. The plant normally lives upto two years.

Nutritional Value

The nutrients found in Celery include Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, folate, choline, and Vitamin C. Celery is also a very good source of minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, and Fluoride. 101 g of celery possess 11 mg of magnesium, 263 mg of potassium, 0.104 mg of manganese, 40 mg calcium, 0.13 mg zinc, 0.2 mg iron, 24 mg phosphorus, and 81 mg sodium.

Health Benefits of Celery

Celery is loaded with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, potassium, and Vitamin B6. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that enhance blood pressure, cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. The huge presence of water prevents dehydration. It also enhances the skin, liver, cognitive health.

1. Lower blood pressure

Celery possesses organic chemical compounds such as phthalides that help to reduce the stress hormones in the blood. It allows the expansion of blood vessels providing more space to move which helps to reduce pressure. It lowers the stress on the cardiovascular system that reduces the chances of stroke, heart disease, and atherosclerosis. (1)

2. Lowers cholesterol

The daily intake of Celery helps to lower bad cholesterol. The presence of phthalides enhances the secretion of bile juices that assist to lower cholesterol levels. It generally improves heart health. The fiber eliminates the cholesterol from the body in the form of bowels. (2)

3. Antiseptic action

Celery seeds possess diuretic properties that help to enhance urination and eradicate uric acid. Celery assists the kidney problems, bladder disorders, and cystitis. It also prevents infection on the urinary tract.

4. Eliminates joint problems

It helps people with rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that lower the pain and swelling around the joints. It eliminates the uric acid crystals that lead to discomfort in the use of joints. It increases the regrowth of tissue in inflamed joints. (3)

5. Forbid cancer

Celery possesses cancer counteracting components such as flavonoids, phthalides, and polyacetylenes that eliminate carcinogens. It possesses coumarins which promote the activity of white blood cells that help to prohibit cancer. The antioxidant components eliminate the free radicals from the body that results in cancer. (4)

6. Enhance immunity power

As Celery possesses an excellent source of Vitamin C, it enhances the immune system. The regular consumption of Vitamin C helps to lower the chances of common cold and also prevents various diseases. (5)

7. Assist asthma

Vitamin C prevents the damage caused by free radicals. Celery also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that lower inflammatory conditions such as asthma. (6)

8. Improves cardiovascular health

The rich amount of fiber, Vitamin C, and organic chemicals found in the roots of celery enhance cardiovascular health.

9. Diuretic action

Celery possesses potassium and sodium inadequate amounts which help to balance the fluid in the body. Potassium functions as a vasodilator and also lowers blood pressure. (7)

10. Migraine headaches

Coumarins assist to provide relief from the pain of migraine headaches. The research shows that migraine is caused due to the suppression of Nitric Oxide release in the brain. (8)

11. Diabetes health

As Celery leaves are rich in fiber, the consumption of Celery leaves helps to treat diabetic conditions as well as manage the diabetic symptoms effectively. (9)

Traditional uses

• Celery is used in traditional Oriental medicine in order to treat hypertension as it possesses phthalide compounds that act as a sedative and also reduce blood pressure.
• The Celery extract is helps to clear the toxins from the system.
• Massage with the mixture of Celery extract, almond or sunflower oil helps to get relieve from the paingul gout in the toes or feet and arthritic joints.
• A tincture is used as a diuretic to treat urinary disorders and hypertension.
• The roots, aerial parts, and fruits of Celery are used to treat agitation, mild anxiety, and loss of appetite, cough, fatigue, and vermifuge.
• The leaves of celery are used in folk medicine to treat rheumatism and gout.
• Celery is used in folk medicine to cure kidney disease, rheumatism, and stone formation.
• In ancient times, it was used to treat the health ailments such as colds, digestion, flu, and water retention.
• It is believed that the consumption of Celery can treat high blood pressure.

Precautions                                                                                                

• Celery may lead to allergic reactions which may lead to fatal anaphylactic shock.
• Celery also increases the bleeding when it is used in medicinal amounts. So one with a bleeding disorder should not use celery.
• Those with kidney ailments should avoid the celery because it might cause inflammation.
• People with low blood pressure should avoid the use of Celery.
• Pregnant women should avoid the celery seed as it may cause uterine bleeding, muscle contractions in the uterus that may cause miscarriage.
• Those allergic to birch pollen may experience allergic reactions to the celery seed.

Other Facts

• The bunch of celery consists of 10-12 individual pale green stalks.
• Head of celery possesses stalks and leaves.
• Due to the high amount of Vitamin K, C, B2, dietary fiber, and low amount of calories, it is effective for use as a diet.
• All parts of celery are consumed.
• Chewing gently the stalks of Celery after the meal helps to clean the mouth and teeth.

References

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