Nutritional Value of Celery | Do celery leaves have nutritional value? 3 characters & 5 healthy benefits

Nutritional Value of Celery: Its unique aroma brings relaxation and health benefits!

Celery is a vegetable with a unique and strong aroma that is often used as an accent in cooking. Although it is now recognized as a vegetable, it was used as a medicinal herb in ancient Rome and as a traditional Chinese medicine in Eastern medicine. Let’s take a closer look at the fragrance components and nutritional value of celery.

Nutritional Value of Celery: Its unique aroma brings relaxation and health benefits!
Nutritional Value of Celery: Its unique aroma brings relaxation and health benefits!

Characteristic 1: The unique aroma of celery has a calming effect on irritability:

Celery has a unique aroma and is a vegetable that is easily divided between likes and dislikes. However, there are several notable effects of this fragrance to pay attention to. The fragrance component, apigenin, which is a polyphenol, has been found to have effects in calming anxiety and irritability, increasing appetite, and promoting better sleep.

Characteristic 2: Plant sterols in celery help suppress the absorption of cholesterol:

Plant sterols are healthy components found in plants. They have the ability to suppress the absorption of cholesterol and are one of the nutrients that have been attracting attention in recent years as a preventative measure against lifestyle diseases. In addition, the fragrance component pyrazine found in the leafy part of celery has the ability to make blood flow smoothly and prevent arteriosclerosis when absorbed into the body. The combined effect of these components can lead to even more effective blood-thinning effects.

Nutritional Value of Celery: Its unique aroma brings relaxation and health benefits!
Nutritional Value of Celery: Its unique aroma brings relaxation and health benefits!

Characteristic 3: Minerals such as potassium, abundant in celery, help improve edema:

Potassium regulates the amount of sodium inside the cells and has the effect of excreting excess salt. It helps to improve edema and prevent or improve hypertension. Celery also contains relatively high amounts of dietary fiber, which helps to improve the intestinal environment and prevent colon cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine, celery is known for its ability to remove chills caused by a cold.

Nutritional Value of Celery: Its unique aroma brings relaxation and health benefits!
Nutritional Value of Celery: Its unique aroma brings relaxation and health benefits!

Points to keep in mind when eating celery:

Don’t throw away the leaves, use them fully: The leaves of celery contain many effective ingredients such as aromatic compounds, plant sterols, vitamins, and minerals. Although the leaves are often discarded, it is important to use them fully.
Using the leaves as a broth for western-style soup can enhance the aroma and elevate the soup to the next level. Additionally, they can be used in salads, and stir-fries, and added to juices or smoothies. Chopping the leaves into small pieces can also help release more of the beneficial ingredients.
To enjoy the relaxing effects of celery’s aromatic compounds, consider using the discarded parts as a bath additive. By fully utilizing celery, we can aim for better health and wellness.

Except above characteristics, some benefits are the following:

1. Celery is an excellent supplier of crucial antioxidants:

   Celery is not only packed with well-known antioxidants like vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids but also boasts a host of other beneficial antioxidant compounds – at least 12 in a single stalk. Furthermore, celery is rich in phytonutrients, which have been demonstrated to help lower inflammation in the digestive tract, cells, blood vessels, and organs.

2. Celery has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties:

    There is a correlation between chronic inflammation and various health conditions, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Celery and celery seeds are rich in around 25 anti-inflammatory substances that may help prevent inflammation in the body.

3. Celery aids digestion with its high fiber and water content:

     Celery has a range of health benefits, including its ability to offer protection against inflammation and antioxidants for the entire digestive tract. However, celery may offer specific benefits to the stomach.
      Pectin-based polysaccharides, including a compound called Apium, found in celery have been shown to decrease instances of stomach ulcers, improve the lining of the stomach, and modulate stomach secretions in animal studies.
    Additionally, celery has a high water content of almost 95%, and it contains generous amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber, which support a healthy digestive tract and promote regularity. A single cup of celery sticks provides 5 grams of dietary fiber, making it a great addition to any diet.

4. Celery is a nutrient-packed vegetable with a low glycemic index.

   When you consume celery, you’ll be taking in a range of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, K, and C, potassium, and folate. Not only is it low in sodium, but it also has a low glycemic index, which helps to regulate your blood sugar levels in a gradual and steady way.

Nutritional Value of Celery: Its unique aroma brings relaxation and health benefits!
Nutritional Value of Celery: Its unique aroma brings relaxation and health benefits!

5. Celery’s alkalizing effect helps balance the body’s pH and reduces acidity.

     Celery’s mineral content, including magnesium, iron, and sodium, allows it to neutralize acidic foods, in addition to supporting essential bodily functions.
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