Celery may not be everyone’s first choice due to its watery and mild taste, often becoming nearly invisible after cooking. However, it’s worth noting that celery is considered a negative-calorie food, meaning it requires more energy to digest than the calories it provides. Beyond this interesting fact, eating celery can offer numerous health benefits, including detoxifying the body, easing arthritis pain, improving cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and aiding in weight management.
If you’re still on the fence about incorporating celery into your diet, consider these additional reasons to start enjoying it today:
What is celery?
Belonging to the Apiaceae family, celery is a widely distributed vegetable found across the globe. Originating from North Africa and the Mediterranean region, its cultivation has spread worldwide over time. As a result, celery is now a staple ingredient in almost every cuisine, showcasing its versatility and popularity in various culinary traditions globally.
Health benefits of celery
Celery is a nutritional powerhouse, boasting high levels of essential vitamins such as A, B, C, and K, along with minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. However, its standout feature lies in its abundance of phytonutrients, plant chemicals that defend the plant against pests and UV radiation. These phytonutrients also offer significant health benefits to humans. They possess anti-inflammatory properties and act as antioxidants, enhancing the immune system, repairing DNA damage caused by toxins, and playing a role in combating cancer and preventing heart diseases. Incorporating celery into your diet can thus contribute significantly to your overall health and well-being.
What eating celery for one week can provide for your body?
Here are some of the health improvements that people have reported after incorporating celery into their daily diet for just one week.
These benefits highlight the positive impact that adding celery to your diet can have on your health and well-being in a relatively short period.
Weight loss
Celery’s richness in fiber and minimal calorie content makes it a powerhouse for satiety, helping to stave off hunger without the need to consume large quantities. This nutrient-packed vegetable not only fills you up but also contributes to a balanced diet, promoting overall health and well-being.
Hydration
With over 95% of its composition being water, consuming celery is an excellent way to stay hydrated throughout the day. Incorporating this hydrating vegetable into your diet can help maintain optimal hydration levels, supporting various bodily functions and overall health.
Reduced inflammation
By aiding in the reduction of chronic inflammation, celery plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of developing conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other inflammatory health issues. Its anti-inflammatory properties contribute significantly to overall health and well-being, making it a valuable addition to a balanced and health-conscious diet.
Heartburn and acid reflux prevention
Celery is often recommended as a remedy for heartburn and acid reflux due to its low acidity levels. While scientific confirmation of its efficacy in treating these issues may be lacking, many individuals have reported experiencing improvements in their condition after consuming celery. This makes celery a popular choice for those seeking natural ways to alleviate digestive discomfort and promote digestive health.
Reduced cholesterol
Recent research findings indicate that incorporating celery into your diet can lead to a reduction in cholesterol levels by up to 7%. This makes celery a promising natural option for those looking to improve their cholesterol profile and support heart health.
Lower blood pressure
Research has demonstrated that celery can significantly reduce blood pressure, with studies showing a reduction of nearly 20%. This makes celery a valuable addition to a heart-healthy diet and a natural approach to managing blood pressure levels.
Better digestion
Celery is rich in fiber, which plays a crucial role in regulating bowel movements and maintaining the health of the intestines. Incorporating celery into your diet can promote digestive regularity and contribute to overall gastrointestinal wellness.
Healthy eyes
Due to its rich vitamin A content, celery offers protection to the cornea and is considered beneficial in treating dry eyes. Including celery in your diet can support eye health and alleviate symptoms associated with dryness and irritation.
Mosquito prevention
Celery oil extract is an effective mosquito repellent, making it a fantastic option for keeping these pests at bay during the summer months. Simply apply a bit of celery oil extract to your skin to protect yourself from mosquito bites and avoid discomfort of itching and irritation.
Conclusion
While celery may not win the title of the most delicious vegetable, its numerous health benefits make it a worthwhile addition to your diet. Give it a try for just one week, and you may be pleasantly surprised by how much better you feel. Celery’s impact on your overall well-being could be more significant than you expect!
