Celery: Benefits of Use and Recipes

Celery: Benefits of Use and Recipes – it is not just an ingredient for salads or soups, but a real superfood, which actually has great potential for our health. Its beneficial properties have been known for a long time, and traditional medicine uses celery to treat various diseases, from heart problems to cleansing the body. It is a universal product, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Benefits of Eating Celery: Leaves, Stem, or Root

You are interested in the fact that you can actually use not just one, but three elements from this plant. And what is interesting is that each part has its own characteristics and benefits for the body. So which part of celery should you use depending on what you want to achieve.

Celery leaves

Celery leaves are a real spring of useful properties. How much usefulness is hidden in them. It turns out that they contain many vitamins: vitamin K, which is important for bone health, vitamin C, which supports immunity, and even vitamin A, which has a good effect on vision.

Celery leaves are also rich in antioxidants, which help the body fight oxidative stress, keeping cells young.

The leaves also help cleanse the body, as they are rich in fiber and water. They should be consumed in the form of juice or in soups – this way the body gets the maximum benefit, and the food itself becomes even tastier.

Celery stalk

But perhaps the most familiar part of this plant is the stem. It is an ideal ingredient for everyday use. The stem contains a lot of water, so it is a great way to maintain the body’s water balance. This is especially important when it is hot outside or after a workout – there is no need to drink a lot of water, because the stem solves this problem.

The low-calorie stalk is a real discovery. It turns out that it is not only low in calories, but also rich in potassium, which helps maintain normal blood pressure and heart health.

Celery root

It has its own unique power. Firstly, celery root is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Interestingly, these substances are important not only for bone health, but also for maintaining the cardiovascular system.

After using the root in dishes, you feel more energetic – as if the body received additional support. And the root also helps to maintain the normal functioning of the digestive system. Add it to soups or even bake, and then use it as a side dish.

Benefits of Eating Celery for Weight Loss: Fact or Myth

If you’ve ever been interested in losing weight, you’ve definitely heard about the “negative calorie content” of celery. They say it burns more calories than it gives. But is that really true? Let’s figure it out without unnecessary illusions.

Why does celery help you lose weight?

The Benefits of Celery	Description
Low in calories, high in fiber	100 g of celery contains only 16 kcal, which is even less than cucumbers. Celery is rich in fiber, which fills the stomach and helps you not feel hungry for longer.
Helps remove excess water	Celery has a mild diuretic effect, which helps reduce swelling and get rid of excess fluid, especially after salty foods.
Improves digestion	Celery promotes better digestion by helping the stomach work faster, which can help relieve the feeling of heaviness after eating.
Adds variety to the diet.	Celery is ideal for adding variety to your diet: it can be added to soups, salads, made into juices or eaten with peanut butter.

What is the best way to eat celery to lose weight?

• In the morning:  smoothie with celery, apple and lemon – refreshes and starts digestion.
• For lunch:  light salad with celery, chicken and avocado – tasty and filling.
• For dinner:  vegetable soup with celery warms you up and doesn’t overload your stomach.
• As a snack:  Celery stalks with hummus or unsweetened yogurt sauce are crunchy and healthy.

Are there any pitfalls?

Yes, celery is not suitable for everyone. If you have gastritis, kidney stones or low blood pressure, it is better to consult a doctor before eating it every day.

The benefits of eating celery for the heart and blood vessels

If you think celery is just a crunchy vegetable for salads, then hold on: it is also good for the heart! And not at the level of “someone said it somewhere”, but confirmed by research. Let’s figure out how exactly it helps blood vessels and why it should be added to the diet.

1.  Reduces blood pressure (but not for everyone)

Celery contains a substance called  phthalides  – it helps to dilate blood vessels, which means it reduces blood pressure. Therefore, if you have hypertension (high blood pressure), celery can become your ally. But there is a nuance: if your blood pressure, on the contrary, is low, that is, you should not eat it in large quantities – it can become even lower.

2.  Reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol

Another cool thing about celery is the fiber, which literally “sweeps out” excess cholesterol from the body. Research shows that regular consumption of celery can reduce the level of  bad cholesterol  , which is deposited on the walls of blood vessels and can lead to atherosclerosis.

3.  Protects blood vessels from inflammation

Celery contains many antioxidants  and vitamin C  , which reduce inflammation in the body. This is important because hidden inflammation is often the cause of cardiovascular disease.

4.  Helps control weight

It may not sound obvious, but maintaining a healthy weight is one of the keys to a healthy heart. Celery is low in calories and high in water and fiber, so it’s easy to add to your diet to help you feel full without adding too many calories.

Antioxidant Properties of Celery: Why is it Important?

In short, antioxidants protect our cells from aging and disease. That is, the more of them in the diet, the less likely inflammation, heart disease and even some types of cancer. And here celery is a real fighter, although it looks like a modest green stalk.

What in celery acts as an antioxidant?

1. Vitamin C  – strengthens the immune system and helps cells fight stress (and, let’s admit, we have enough of it in our lives).
2. Flavonoids  are natural substances that reduce inflammation and support vascular health.
3. Luteolin  is one of the most interesting components of celery. Research shows that it can slow down the aging process of the brain and even help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
4. Coumarins  – activate the work of white blood cells and help the body to more effectively cleanse itself of toxins.

How does this work in practice?

In simple scientific terms, celery helps the body fight free radicals – harmful molecules that destroy cells. They are the ones that make us age, look worse, get tired faster, and become vulnerable to disease.

The more antioxidants in your diet, the longer your body stays “on the go.”

How is celery useful for athletes?

1. Helps to recover from stress

Celery contains  potassium, magnesium and sodium  – key minerals responsible for water-salt balance. If you feel tired, cramped or weak after a workout, this may be a signal that the body lacks electrolytes. Celery helps to quickly replenish them.

2. Reduces inflammation in muscles

After intense training, muscles experience microdamage – this is normal, this is how they grow. But to speed up recovery, it is important to reduce inflammation. Celery contains  antioxidants (flavonoids, vitamin C, luteolin), which help muscles recover faster  after exercise.

3. Maintains joint health

Exercise is great, but over time, your joints take a toll, especially if you run or lift heavy weights. Celery contains  polyacetylenes  , which have an anti-inflammatory effect and can reduce joint pain and swelling.

4. Improves blood circulation

Thanks to  phthalides,  celery helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation. This is important for endurance, as muscles receive more oxygen and nutrients during exercise.

5. Helps control weight

If you need to stay in a certain weight category or maintain a low body fat percentage, celery is a great product. It  is low in calories, contains a lot of water and fiber  , which helps you not to overeat and feel fuller longer.

Celery: Healthy Recipes

Let’s look at a few recipes that will help you make the most of its potential in your diet.

Detox Celery Smoothie Recipe

Smoothies are usually a classic for breakfast or a light snack. Detox celery smoothies are not only refreshing, but also have a light, pleasant taste. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the ingredients.  Take a celery stalk and wash it well – it is always important to have no dirt left. Then cut it into several pieces to make it easier to whip in a blender. Peel the apple separately – you need to take a green one, because it is more sour and gives a great contrast to the taste and cut it into slices.
2. Add cucumber.  One fresh cucumber, do not peel, just cut into circles so that it mixes well in the strip.
3. Lemon juice.  Juice of half a lemon – we add it for freshness and so that the smoothie is not too sweet.
4. Mixing.  Put everything in a blender – celery, apple, cucumber and lemon juice. Add a cup of water (or coconut water, if you want something more exotic), ice for a cold effect. And just beat everything until smooth.
5. Serving.  Pour into a glass, you can decorate with a mint leaf or a few pieces of cucumber on the edge of the glass. The smoothie is ready, and its fresh taste is really invigorating!

Salad with celery, avocado and chicken

This salad is a favorite after workouts or when you need something light but filling. Let’s figure out how to make it.

1. Prepare the chicken.  First, boil the chicken fillet (or you can use already baked chicken if you want to save time). Boil until done, then cut it into small pieces or strips.
2. Vegetable processing.  Take two celery stalks, wash them well and cut into thin strips. Next, the avocado – cut it in half, remove the pit, scoop out the pulp with a spoon and cut into cubes.
3. Cucumber.  Take one cucumber, also cut it into thin strips so that it is not too large in the salad.
4. Dressing.  For dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, add salt and pepper. Throw all ingredients – chicken, celery, avocado, cucumber – into a bowl, pour dressing over and mix well.
5. Serving:  You can sprinkle it with sesame or seeds for extra crunch and beauty. Done!

Vegetable soup with celery and potatoes

This soup is one of everyone’s favorites, especially in the cold season. It is light, but at the same time filling. Here’s what we do to prepare it:

1. Preparing the vegetables.  First, cut the potatoes, carrots, celery and onion. Cut the potatoes into medium-sized cubes, the carrots into thin rings, the celery into small pieces, and the onion into small cubes.
2. Frying the onion.  Heat a little olive oil in a saucepan, add the onion and fry over medium heat until translucent. It is important not to burn the onion, so watch it carefully.
3. Add other vegetables.  When the onion becomes transparent, throw carrots and potatoes into the pan. Lightly fry them together with the onion for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in water or broth.  Pour water over everything (you can use vegetable broth for a richer taste) and cook over medium heat until the potatoes are soft (about 10-15 minutes).
5. Add celery.  When the potatoes are soft, add celery and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Finally, salt, pepper the soup and add bay leaf.

Serving.  Serve the soup hot, you can add some sour cream or olive oil, as well as fresh herbs. The taste is simply divine!

Korean style celery and carrot salad

This salad is a super savory appetizer that is often prepared for parties or just for yourself. Here’s how to make it:

1. Vegetables.  Take 2 celery stalks, cut into strips. Peel the carrots and grate them on a Korean salad grater – it should be long and thin.
2. Dressing.  Pour soy sauce, vinegar, honey into a separate cup and add grated garlic. Mix everything well until smooth.
3. Mix the vegetables with the dressing.  Place all the vegetables – celery and carrots – in a bowl and pour the prepared dressing over them. Mix well so that each piece of vegetable is covered.
4. Steeping:  For best flavor, let the salad steep for at least 20 minutes to allow all the flavors to infuse.
5. Serving.  Sprinkle the finished salad with sesame seeds and serve. It looks very appetizing!

Baked Celery with Garlic and Herbs

Baked celery is just the bomb! Easy to make, and the taste is incredible. How to make:

1. Preparing the celery.  Take 2 stalks of celery, wash them and cut them into large pieces (this makes it tastier when baked).
2. Making the garlic dressing.  Pour olive oil into a small bowl, add chopped garlic, salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary. Mix all these ingredients until smooth.
3. Celery dressing.  Place the celery pieces on a baking sheet, pour the garlic dressing over them, and mix well to gradually coat them.
4. Baking:  Place the baking tray in the oven preheated to 180°C and bake for about 25 minutes, until the celery is golden and soft.
5. Serving.  Place the baked celery on a plate, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with herbs for decoration. Mmm, delicious!

Contraindications and side effects of celery consumption

Who should be careful?

Celery is not just a tasty vegetable, but also a real source of useful substances. But, as with any product, it has its own nuances, and in some cases its consumption may not be entirely safe. Therefore, if you plan to include celery in your diet, you should pay attention to several points.

Like any product, celery may be intolerable to some people.  An allergy to celery  is quite rare, but still possible. Signs may include itching, skin rash, swelling, or breathing problems. In severe cases, the allergy can cause anaphylactic shock. If you have previously noticed allergic reactions to celery or other plants of the umbelliferous family (for example, parsley, carrots), it is better to refrain from consuming it.

Celery contains a lot of potassium

Celery also contains a lot of potassium, which, although good for the heart, can be a problem for people with kidney disease or kidney stones. Excessive consumption can contribute to the formation of stones due to the high levels of oxalates in the composition. If you have a tendency to uric acid or calcium stones, it is better to limit the consumption of this vegetable.

Celery also has a lot of fiber, and while this is good for health, for some people, consuming too much of it can  cause bloating, gas, or even abdominal pain.  If you have gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastritis, it is best not to overload your body with large amounts of celery.

Caution  ! Celery contains a small but still significant amount of sodium. Therefore, people suffering from hypertension or having problems with the cardiovascular system should be careful with its use, especially in combination with other products rich in sodium.

Pregnancy  and Breastfeeding Time  : What You Should Know

When  a woman is expecting a baby  or breastfeeding, every product that enters her diet requires special attention. And if celery is mostly healthy and tasty, it is important to understand whether it is safe to eat during this period.

Celery during pregnancy: should you include it in your diet?

Celery is a source of many useful substances – from vitamins to minerals, which is important for the body of the expectant mother. However, there are several points that should be taken into account:

Celery contains phytoestrogens, which may have a minor effect on hormonal balance. For some pregnant women this will not be a problem, but there is a risk that these substances may affect the tone of the uterus, which may be undesirable in early pregnancy. Therefore, especially in early pregnancy, you should limit your consumption of celery or consult a doctor before adding it to your diet.

Vitamin and mineral content.  All these components are beneficial for the health of a pregnant woman, support normal heart function and strengthen the immune system. However, it should be remembered that everything is good in moderation, and you should not overeat celery.

Some women may experience an increased tendency to allergies during pregnancy. If you have never eaten celery or are unsure of your tolerance, it is best to start with small portions and monitor your body’s reaction.

Celery While Breastfeeding: Is It Safe?

If you are breastfeeding your baby, you need to be careful what you put into your diet, as many foods can affect the composition of your milk or even cause allergies in your baby.

Celery is generally not harmful to your baby if eaten in moderation. However, there is a chance that some components, particularly the essential oils in celery, may pass into your breast milk and cause bloating or gas in your baby. So if you notice your baby becoming restless or colicky after eating celery, you may want to limit your intake.

During breastfeeding, many mothers experience stomach problems or digestive system disorders due to hormonal changes. Celery can be beneficial because it contains a lot of fiber, which stimulates intestinal peristalsis and helps remove toxins from the body. However, excessive consumption can cause bloating or discomfort, so it is important not to overdo it.

General Benefits:  An important benefit of celery when breastfeeding is its ability to help maintain normal fluid levels in the body, due to its high water and potassium content. This can be beneficial for the mother, since breastfeeding requires a significant amount of water from the body.

How safe is it to eat celery during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

• Start with small portions.  If you want to try celery, start with a small amount and watch how you and your baby feel. If everything is fine, you can gradually increase the amount.
• Consultation with a doctor.  If you have doubts or are worried that celery should be excluded altogether, you can always consult with your doctor. Especially if you have problems with blood pressure, kidneys or hormonal background.
• Consume in moderation.  It is best not to overindulge in celery. Since it is a vegetable with a high water and fiber content, consuming it in moderation is the safest and healthiest option.

How does celery affect men’s health and potency

Celery is not only a tasty and healthy vegetable, but also a source of numerous beneficial properties for men’s health. Its effect on potency and the general condition of the body is a topic that is of great interest to many men, and for good reason! Let’s figure out why celery can become a useful part of the diet for those who care about their health.

Celery and potency: a natural stimulant?

Issues of potency and sexual health worry many men and not without reason. Celery contains several important components that can have a positive effect on this area:

Celery is a source of amino acids, particularly arginine. This amino acid plays an important role in the production of nitric oxide, which improves blood circulation. Good blood flow is the basis for a normal erection, as it ensures blood flow to the penis. Therefore, regular consumption of celery can be useful for improving the quality of erection.

Although these plant compounds are phytoestrogens, which are structurally similar to estrogen (female hormones), the phytoestrogens in celery may help balance hormone levels in men. Some studies suggest that phytoestrogens may help normalize testosterone, which is important for sexual performance and health.

Zinc is also important for male potency. Zinc helps maintain normal testosterone levels in the blood and also helps normalize spermatogenesis (sperm production). Celery contains a certain amount of zinc, which makes it a good addition to a man’s diet.

Jokes on the site 
https://funster.top/