Celery offers crunchy benefits for better health
Let’s hear it for Celeryville, Ohio, a hard-working community reputed for its robust, annual celery harvest. Migrating celery farmers first settled there and began cultivating the noble vegetable, which has evolved into an indispensable member of America’s crisper drawer.
Ancient literature documents that celery, a member of the carrot, parsley, dill, fennel, hemlock and cilantro family, originated in the Mediterranean basin and was cultivated for medicinal purposes before 850 B.C. Celery oil was used to treat colds, flu, water retention, poor digestion, various types of arthritis and liver and spleen ailments. Ancient Greeks considered celery a holy plant and decorated winners at the Olympic Games used its leaves as
laurels.
Other than merely a predictable portion of a vegetable tray or a greasy Buffalo Wings garnish, raw celery is laden with cancer-fighting vitamin C, which helps fortify your holy temple’s immune system, helps stop cancerous free-radical oxidation, slows the inflammation cascade and helps reduce cold symptoms. More than 20 scientific studies have concluded that vitamin C is a cold-fighter.
Crispy celery is a very good source of dietary fiber, potassium, folate, molybdenum, manganese and vitamin B6. Celery is also a healthy source of calcium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, magnesium, vitamin A, phosphorus and iron. It also possesses cholesterol-lowering benefits. Celery only contains approximately 35 milligrams of sodium per stalk, so salt-sensitive
individuals can enjoy celery, but should keep track when monitoring daily sodium intake. A recent edition of Details magazine reports that celery is suspected of being an aphrodisiac. The report indicates that “Celery contains androsterone and pheromone, powerful hormones researchers believe are released through sweat glands and attract females.” Oo la la!
Vitamin C promotes cardiovascular health and can help lower cholesterol levels. Researchers show C from vegetables and fruits high in this nutrient are associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer. In some areas, celery and celery seed are consumed to treat high blood pressure.
It warmed my heart to hear about nutritionally food literate mothers who use carrot and celery sticks while their babies teethe, introducing them early in life to nature’s sun-blessed apothecary. After you “stalk” some down, wash and wash. Conventional and organic celery is grown close to the ground, which offers it up for nasty bacterial contamination.
As an all-around aid to your temple’s health, celery gets top billing. Celeriac (celery root) is becoming popular as a part of trendy American gourmet eating. Americans prefer green stalk celery and mainly eat it raw.
What’s life without making ants on a log with the grandkids and chomping away?
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