The benefits and harms of celery for human health

Celery - one of the most popular products in dietetics. A low-calorie vegetable with a rich chemical composition normalizes the functioning of the digestive, cardiovascular, nervous, genitourinary and immune systems.

We will talk further about the benefits and harms of celery, its use in folk medicine, home cosmetology and cooking.

Composition and properties

Celery is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family.. One of the many species, cultivated celery (fragrant, fragrant), is cultivated as a vegetable. The plant, brought to us from Europe in the era of Catherine the Great, has been used for more than 200 years not only as a green spice, but also as a healing dietary product.

Celery is rich in nutrients and vitamins. For 100 g of greens there are:

1. 3.3–4.3 g dietary fiber. Fiber cleanses the body of toxins, removes fluid and heavy metal salts.
2. 4500 mcg beta carotene. Supports the heart, blood vessels, organs of vision, and has antioxidant properties.
3. 283 mcg lutein and zeaxanthin. Beneficial for the organs of vision, resist cataracts and retinal dystrophy, eliminate inflammatory processes in the body.
4. 29.3 mcg vitamin K. Increases the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, normalizes digestion.
5. 0.5 mg vitamin E. Slows down aging, protects the heart muscle, stimulates the endocrine system and gonads.
6. 38 mg vitamin C. A natural immunostimulant and antioxidant strengthens bone and connective tissue, participates in the production of collagen, and affects metabolism.
7. 0.02 mg thiamine (B1). Stabilizes metabolic processes.
8. 0.25–0.42 mg riboflavin (B2). Protects the retina from ultraviolet radiation, participates in the synthesis of hormones and red blood cells.
9. 0.25 mg pantothenic acid (B5). Participates in metabolic processes and affects the peristalsis of the digestive organs.
10. 0.08 pyridoxine (B6). Participant in protein metabolism. Good for the blood, increases hemoglobin, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, prevents cramps and muscle spasms.
11. 36 mcg folic acid (B9). Regulates hematopoiesis and cell division.
12. 0.4 mg niacin (RR). Affects the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, improves the condition of the skin and mucous membranes, and supports the heart.
13. 6.1 mg choline (B4). Natural nootropic, antidepressant. Protects cell membranes from destruction, reduces the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood.

The vegetable has a rich mineral composition.

Reference. Macroelements maintain the condition of the skin, prevent brittleness of hair and nails, increase the permeability of blood vessels, strengthening their walls and preventing the formation of blood clots and plaques.

Macroelements (per 100 g of product):

• 430 mg potassium;
• 72 mg calcium;
• 50 mg magnesium;
• 200 mg sodium;
• 80 mg sulfur;
• 77 mg phosphorus;
• 2.9 mg silicon;
• 27 mg chlorine.

Microelements are cell builders. They support the endocrine system and are important for joints and connective tissue.

100 g of greens contains:

• 1.3–6.3 mg iron;
• 200 mcg manganese;
• 103 mcg copper;
• 153 mcg rubidium;
• 72.2 µg boron;
• 24.2 µg vanadium.

The vegetable contains small amounts of selenium, iodine, lithium, chromium, and zinc.

All parts of the plant are used in cooking. Roots rich in vitamin K (34% of the daily value), rubidium (163%), silicon (97%), boron (60%), vanadium (28%).

Essential acids are responsible for the regulation of hormones and the functioning of the central nervous system (in mg per 100 g):

• 70–80 - valine, leucine, lysine;
• 40–50 — isoleucine, threonine, phenylalanine;
• 10–20 - histidine, methionine, tryptophan.

Nonessential acids normalize protein and lipid metabolism, are beneficial for muscle tissue, and participate in the conduction of nerve impulses.

100 g of greens contains (in mg):

• 380 - glutamic acid;
• 206 - aspartic acid;
• 67 - alanine;
• 40 - glycine, proline, arginine;
• 20 - tyrosine.

The nutritional value

The calorie content of celery per 100 grams is only 13 kcal. 95% of the plant consists of water.

The vegetable contains no cholesterol and alcohol. 100 g of greens contains the daily requirement of galactose.

BJU ratio:

• proteins - 1.5 g;
• fats - 0.3 g;
• carbohydrates - 3.9 g.

Root vegetables have more carbohydrates (9.6 g). They contain up to 6% sugars, including glucose and fructose.

Harm and benefit to the body

Celery is a waste-free vegetable: leaves, stems and roots are used for medicinal purposes and in cooking.

The plant is used for various diseases and for their prevention:

• Eating fresh greens, in salads with carrots, relieves nervous disorders, calms, relieves anxiety and normalizes sleep;
• freshly squeezed juice is useful for chronic inflammation of the bladder;
• leaves and stems are a good prophylactic for urolithiasis;
• lotions and compresses are made from the pulp of crushed green mass for purulent skin inflammations and allergic rashes;
• celery as a natural antiseptic and antioxidant gently cleanses the body of toxins, salts, protects against viruses and infections;
• the juice is good for the digestive system, relieves peptic ulcers, stomach and intestinal disorders;
• the vegetable supports the heart and vascular system, affects general blood flow and the process of hematopoiesis (normalizes hemoglobin and cholesterol levels);
• the root lowers blood sugar levels, so it is allowed for people suffering from diabetes;
• celery is useful for hypertensive patients - it slightly, but lowers blood pressure;
• Thanks to its rich mineral composition, the vegetable prevents fatty liver and normalizes carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Only excessive consumption of celery causes harm. For people suffering from chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver, stomach, women during lactation and pregnancy, it is better to reduce the amount of vegetables in the diet.

Beneficial features

Celery has specific properties that have a beneficial effect on the body of both adults and children.

For men

The vitamin composition of the plant stimulates the reproductive function of men.

The root and petioles contain phytoestrogens and phytoandrogens (natural hormones). They normalize testosterone production.

To enhance potency, the stems and roots are recommended to be consumed regularly for 1-2 months.

Interesting! According to legend, celery was part of the “elixir of love” of Tristan and Isolde. A natural aphrodisiac increases sexual desire and enhances sexual activity.

The plant improves overall blood flow, removes harmful substances, eliminates inflammation, directly affects the prostate gland, resists congestion in the pelvic area and pathologies of the genitourinary system.

For women

Fiber gently cleanses the body and normalizes intestinal function.

The vegetable has a beneficial effect on the general condition of a woman during menopause and during menstruation. Relieves irritability, pain syndromes, helps with hormonal changes in the body.

Tocopherol - the source of youth - resists aging at the cellular level and rejuvenates the body. Minerals and vitamins eliminate dullness and brittle hair, strengthen nails.

Regular consumption of vegetables gives a boost of energy, improves body tone and affects libido.

For a pregnant woman, cocktails, salads, and smoothies with celery will become a barrier to the penetration of viral infections and colds. At the same time, the vegetable is dangerous, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy (it can provoke premature birth). Therefore, consult a doctor before use.

The seeds of the plant are used in folk medicine to treat bladder infections and cystitis.

For children

Already from 8-9 months of age, when vegetables are gradually introduced into the child’s diet, neonatologists and pediatricians recommend including raw and heat-treated celery in the diet.

Healthy! 1 tsp. Freshly squeezed juice before bedtime will calm the baby and act as a sleeping pill.

The juice of the plant is hypoallergenic; it is used for diathesis, urticaria and allergic rashes externally (make compresses, rubs, lotions) and internally. An ointment based on crushed greens perfectly heals cuts, minor burns and abrasions.

In adolescence, when acne, inflammation, and peeling appear on the skin, it is recommended to eat fresh celery. When there is a hormonal surge during growing up, the vegetable is included in the diet to reduce body weight in case of obesity and overweight.

The plant stimulates brain activity, increases performance and maintains overall tone.

Consumption standards

The daily intake of greens (including celery) is 50–100 g for an adult. For children, the portion is divided in half.

If your diet includes other greens (basil, parsley, dill), it is enough to eat 1 twig or stem of the plant per day.

In what form is it available?

Greens and petioles are combined with peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and other colorful vegetables in salads, fish and meat dishes.

The grated root goes well with sweet and sour apples. This salad is seasoned with honey and lemon juice.

For fresh juice and cocktails, mix celery juice with vegetables and fruits. Mixtures with banana, lime, cabbage and beets are especially healthy and nutritious.

Freshly squeezed juice is added as a dressing to salads, okroshka, and cold soups.

Application

Fragrant celery greens with a unique aroma and spicy taste are not just a table decoration, a dietary product, but also a natural healer.

In cooking

To diversify and balance your diet, nutritionists offer several ways to use celery in food:

• prepare cocktails, smoothies, fresh juices with vegetable pulp;
• First courses and cold soups are seasoned with herbs;
• fresh celery is used in mixed vegetable salads;
• Side dishes and sauces are prepared from it, baked, boiled, and made into stews with peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes;
• used for homemade preparations as a seasoning for tomatoes, adjika (as a spice, celery gives a special taste to cucumbers and tomatoes when quickly salted);
• Dietary puree is prepared from the boiled root with milk, bread crumb and butter;
• lovers of sweets add the vegetable to desserts, salads with fruits and apples, which are seasoned with yogurt or sour cream.

In folk medicine

Adherents of vegetable therapy give some useful tips:

• For health benefits, celery is consumed only raw or in the form of freshly squeezed juice;
• It is advisable to chop the vegetable manually, using only a plastic grater;
• The “medicine” is taken before meals, 20–25 minutes;
• after administration, rest for 5–7 minutes is recommended;
• a decoction of ground root (1 tbsp per 250 ml of water) restores the nervous system and normalizes sleep;
• a mixture of celery and carrot juice in equal proportions will help with vitamin deficiency and loss of strength;
• for inflammation of the bladder and urolithiasis, drink juice (1 tsp 3-4 times a day);
• compresses, lotions, rubbing, masks cleanse the skin of ulcers, inflammation and irritation, and are effective for burns and wounds;
• juice from dandelion, celery and nettle, taken in equal parts, cleanses the blood;
• for nephritis and constipation, use a tincture of roots and leaves, steamed in a water bath;
• 2 tbsp. l. grated root, filled with 200 ml of water - an anti-allergy mixture.

Alternative medicine is only supportive therapy. To treat acute and chronic diseases, people consult doctors.

In cosmetology

At home, pureed celery gruel is used as a cleansing and nourishing mask for the face and décolleté.. The product whitens pigment spots and eliminates oily shine.

Frozen juice cubes tone and rejuvenate the skin, smooth out crow's feet.

A decoction or infusion of the leaves is a useful hair rinse that makes hair manageable and shiny.

For weight loss

Leaves and petioles are low in calories.They are consumed without fear of exceeding the daily calorie intake. In terms of energy functions, the vegetable replaces many fruits and berries.

Dietary fiber gently cleanses the body, removes salts, toxins, and excess fluid. Morning swelling disappears, lightness and mobility appear, weight gradually decreases.

Reference. Celery “dissolves” visceral (deep) fat. This not only has a positive effect on the functioning of all internal organs, but also noticeably affects the appearance (centimeters on the waist and abdomen decrease).

Contraindicated for whom

The plant has no direct contraindications; no negative reactions have been recorded when used correctly.

Vegetables should be included in the diet with caution:

• in case of individual intolerance, especially when the body “acquainted” with the plant late and does not accept the new product (it is introduced gradually);
• when breastfeeding, consume fresh greens 2-3 months after birth, as there is a risk of gases and upset of the child’s digestive system that has not yet become stronger;
• during pregnancy, use depends on the well-being of the expectant mother; consult a doctor first;
• in old age, with frequent gastrointestinal disorders and exacerbation of chronic diseases, consult a specialist before use.

Reviews

According to experts and lovers of spicy greens, celery not only diversifies the diet, but also makes it balanced.

Nadezhda Volodarskaya, endocrinologist: «The vegetable is good for men's health: phytoandrogens not only stimulate the synthesis of testosterone, but also partially replace it.”

Anthony William, food consultant, popular author of books on healthy eating: “Every morning should start with a glass of freshly prepared fresh celery. This is an easy way to always be in great shape and forget about those extra pounds forever.”

Conclusion

Celery is one of the affordable and healthy vegetables. In case of constant overload, excessive employment, unfavorable environmental conditions, such an energy stabilizer will support the body, saturate it with vitamins and minerals, and protect against diseases.