Benefits of Celery

Feathery, green fresh-looking celery leaves have a distinct aromatic, astringent flavor and straight stems. A member of the parsley family, the entire part of a celery plant is edible and tastes delicious, thus making it the most versatile and resourceful vegetable. Different parts of the celery plant such as root, stem and leaf can be eaten as it is and can also be used in many ways.

Besides a crunchy garnish to your favorite dishes, from soups, stews, salads to tuna fish and meat dishes or raw with any kind of dip, explore delectable celery recipes to derive an array of proven health benefits. There are many new ways to experience and enjoy the great natural taste of celery. Understand the benefits of celery. Make sure that the celery you include is cut fresh and is not cooked for more than 5 minutes if you boil, or stir-fry to preserve the rich anti-oxidants - Celery has in plenty.

Celery

The botanical name for celery is Apium graveolens. Wild celery and smallage are the other names for celery. Celery as a vegetable is most favored for the crisp stems or the fleshy taproot. The seed of the celery plant is commonly used as a base, flavoring agent or spice. The seeds also yield valuable oil for use in perfumes and pharmaceutical preparations. Celery salt is extracted from the roots of celery plant. Celery salt is a rich source of organic sodium. It allows all the other nutrients and supplements we consume to be utilized in the body.

Beyond the nutrition element, celery is also endowed with medicinal uses. Take a look at the nutritional profile of celery.

• Excellent source of vitamin A, K, C and beta-carotene.
  
  
• Good source of dietary fiber, riboflavin and chlorophyll.
  
  
• High in potassium folate, anti-oxidants, flavonoids, molybdenum manganese and vitamin B6
  
  
• Contains calcium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, magnesium, phosphorous and iron.
  
  
• Celery is fat free, saturated fat free.
  
  
• Celery is rich in non starch polysaccharides which provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
  
  
• Low in sodium, calorie and cholesterol free.
  

Celery calorie

Two tender stalks of celery meet approximately 15% of the daily-recommended intake of vitamin A and 15% of Vitamin C. Two tablespoons of celery has only 2.7 calories and can provide more than 150% of the daily-recommended value of vitamin. 100 grams of raw celery or 3 ½ ounces contains only 16 calories.

Benefits of celery

The various health benefits derived from celery vegetable cooked or raw, or in juice form are:

• Celery contains well-balanced basic minerals, vitamins and nutrients.
  
  
• Vitamin C is recognized for its anti-oxidant properties. Celery, rich in Vitamin C has the ability to protect many types of cancer, supports immune systems and fights cold symptoms.
  
  
• Flavonoids too have anti-oxidant properties. Celery, rich in flavonoids safely secures against cancer, arteriosclerosis and thrombosis.
  
  
• As an herb, celery is used to treat different pains.
  
  
• Research indicates celery contains blood pressure reducing properties mainly because of the high calcium content. For best blood pressure relief, eat celery raw.
  
  
• Active compounds like Pthalides present in celery relax the muscles of arteries and reduce stress hormones.
  
  
• Celery helps detoxify body pollutants. Celery neutralizes carcinogens found in cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke.
  
  
• The diuretic effects of celery help treat urinary tract infections, bladder infections and joint inflammations.
  
  
• High water content celery is beneficial for dieters. The low caloric value of celery is an ideal slimming diet and the high fiber content keeps away the feeling of hunger.
  
  
• Low in carbohydrate, celery can be included in diets for diabetic patients.
  
  
• Celery is good for the nerves. Essential oil in celery can provide calm, soothing effect.
  
  
• Nutrients in celery support healthy skin, eyes and hair.
  
  
• Celery juice contains anti-arthritic properties.
  
  
• Celery juice with a tablespoon of honey taken before a meal can suppress appetite improves digestion and boosts immune system.
  
  
• Celery juice is a natural coolant and protector during humid weather.
  
  
• Diluted celery juice helps replace valuable fluid and mineral loss due to sweating.
  
  
• Celery used in plant therapies helps stimulate a normal sexual system.
  
  
• Few drops of celery tea drops on the eyelid provide ophthalmologic affections.

Fresh celery juice

The stalks and leaves of fresh celery plant are abundant in sodium and insulin. A glass of green shaded celery juice prepared using firm solid stocks of celery with bright green leaves can form part of a nutritious daily diet. Pick one stalk of celery with straight, firm stalks and rigid ribs. For best results, use it immediately.

• Wash the celery in order to remove soil deposits between the ridges or the inside of the stalk.
  
  
• Chop celery into smaller sections.
  
  
• Run through juicer.
  
  
• Serve celery juice fresh or chilled.
  
  
• Try a variation by adding a vegetable or fruit of your choice. E.g. apple or carrot.

Traditionally, celery juice is recommended for menstrual problems in women, asthma sufferers, those who have constipation problems, for mild fever, in order to retain fluid in the body, for gout attacks, to relieve headache, treat inflammation, insomnia, kidney, liver, lung disorders, nervous problems and for weight reduction. Further, celery juice is recommended for people with high acidity due to calcification and degenerative bones and joints. Regular intake of celery juice can help eliminate calcium deposits even before accumulation in the body.

Cream of celery soup recipe

4-5 sticks of celery

1 medium-sized onion

4 spring onions

2 potatoes

1 tbsp plain butter

200 gms fresh cream

Wash celery, spring onions and potatoes. Cut celery and spring onions. Slice potatoes and keep aside. Melt butter in a wide-bottomed pan. Add spring onions and celery. Fry for 3-4 minutes. Add potatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add 5 cups of water and cook.

Blend the mixture in a liquidizer. Strain the mixture. Let it boil for 2 minutes. Add beaten cream to the mixture. Cream of celery soup is ready. Add pepper, salt and serve hot.

Stuffed celery recipe

Celery bunch

18 ounces whipped cream cheese

2 tbsp sour cream

Black olives

1 tsp paprika (bell peppers)

Clean celery. Take a bowl and transfer cream cheese, sour cream, olives and paprika. Combine well. Fill celery stalks with the mixture. Serve raw.

Celery and noodles recipe

1 stalk celery

3 cups plain noodles

3 tbsp plain butter.

Clean celery, chop and keep aside. Take a wide-bottomed pan and pour 6 cups of water. Boil water. Add celery, noodles and salt. Continue to boil for 15 minutes. Drain water immediately. Transfer butter to a sauce pan, let it melt. As the butter foams, add noodles and celery. Stir slowly. Serve hot. Celery and noodles is ready.