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Ten Fascinating Health Benefits of Celery

Ten Fascinating Health Benefits of CeleryMost people have heard very little about celery, apart from the popular claim that eating celery burns more calories than the vegetable itself contains. Its crunchy stalks have a refreshing but slightly salty taste, and it is a wonderful addition to salads. However, it turns out that it is also good for your body in some interesting and surprising ways. Read on to discover the ten main reasons why eating more celery could improve your quality of life.

1) Celery can help to keep your blood pressure healthy:
Celery is a source of phthalides, and several studies have shown that these chemicals promote relaxation of the muscles that surround your arteries (thereby allowing the arteries to dilate). When your arteries are more dilated, your blood pressure is lower. In addition, celery provides you with plenty of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and all of these minerals have been linked to a reduction in blood pressure.

2) It is ideal after a strenuous workout:
Celery juice is an excellent drink to consume after you have been to the gym, as it replaces the electrolytes you have lost through sweat (and helps to rehydrate your body at the same time).

3) It may help to protect you from cancer:
Celery contains phenolic acids, which have been shown to hinder the action of prostaglandins (chemicals that encourage tumor cells to reproduce in the body). In addition, celery is a source of acetylene, which actively stops tumor cells from growing.

4) It has painkilling properties:
Celery contains a compound called 3-N-Butylphthalide, and consumption of this compound seems to be able to reduce the severity of chronic pain involved in such conditions as arthritis and back problems. Although this benefit of celery does not last as long as the effects of an over-the-counter painkiller, the reduction in pain is substantial enough to warrant regularly snacking on celery if you suffer from chronic aches and pains.

5) It can help you to lose weight:
Celery is an ideal snack to enjoy while you are trying to shed excess pounds, as it contains very few calories. In addition, it is an excellent source of fiber, and fiber helps you to feel fuller for longer. This means that eating celery could help to discourage you from reaching for more unhealthy snacks like chips and chocolate bars.

6) It may lower your cholesterol levels:
Some studies conducted on the phthalides in celery also suggest that these chemicals are capable of lowering your levels of cholesterol by promoting an increased amount of bile secretions. In one study conducted on animals, it was shown that just eight weeks of celery juice consumption lowered total cholesterol levels quite dramatically.

7) It helps to relieve constipation:
Celery is a great source of fiber, and it has a mild laxative effect. This means that it can help to treat problems with constipation (and it does so in a more gentle way than over-the-counter laxatives).

8. It might be able to help you sleep:
Some insomniacs swear by celery juice, as it seems to promote feelings of calmness (and it is easier to fall asleep when you are calm). It is speculated that this property comes from the organic alkaline minerals that celery contains.

9) It can boost your immune system:
Celery provides you with a huge amount of vitamin C, and it is well documented that a diet high in vitamin C is associated with a healthy immune system that is effective at fighting disease. This means that regularly eating celery will make you less likely to catch annoying cold and flu viruses, and will also make you more likely to recover from any illnesses at a faster rate.

10) It helps you get rid of toxins:
The coumarins in celery are also capable of boosting the work of your lymphatic system, which is one of the parts of the body that is responsible for clearing out waste that comes from your tissues.

As is obvious from all of the above health benefits, celery is a great choice if you want to increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, it is important to know that you should only eat celery raw or juiced if you want to enjoy the true power of the vegetable. Cooking celery breaks down and destroys many of the compounds that are responsible for the benefits listed above.

 

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