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(NaturalNews) The reason celery is so low in calories is because it is so high in water content. Fresh, light green celery with glossy ribs is the best for eating. Celery is truly economical; all parts of the plant are edible and one cup contains only about twenty calories. There is no waste. It's a great food and has a number of known health benefits.

Celery can provide a sense of calmness. It can also help lower blood pressure. People with gout should be fans of celery because it lowers uric acid.

Drinking fresh celery juice is said to reduce appetite. Taken before a meal it may help with weight loss.

People seldom think of celery as a real food in and of itself. In today's culinary world, celery is used as a seasoning, a garnish or a snack, but Hippocrates considered it a medicine and recommended it for kidney health.

High in calcium and Vitamin C, celery should be a part of your daily diet. It is an excellent finger food and best when eaten raw. Avoid the large, fibrous bottom ends and for best flavor, store celery in a part of the refrigerator where it won't freeze.

One of the complaints about celery is that it is boring and the flavor tends to be bitter. Celery ribs make perfect little boats for holding more flavorful fare. Fill them with peanut butter and pair with an apple and a serving of cottage cheese for a light but tasty breakfast. They are excellent when used for dipping sticks with egg salad or chicken salad. An individual serving removes the dislike of "double dipping." Celery is delicious with a variety of cheeses and makes a perfect boat for pimento spread.

Chunks of celery, apple, pineapple, walnuts and chicken can be combined with a light mayonnaise for a quick and easy salad. Chunks of havarti cheese make a good substitute for chicken when you feel like a meatless salad. This salad can be served with or without addition of lettuce. Celery seed is an excellent addition to any salad. The intensity of its flavor may surprise you. It adds a real kick to any cold seafood dish.

If you are fortunate enough to have a juicer, blend celery, carrots, apple and tomato for a bright flavorful juice. Seasoned with a touch of salt and lemon, it makes a great mid-afternoon snack.

For those who wish to eat more celery on a regular basis, it can be added to any soup or vegetable dish. Place it in the body cavity of a chicken you want to roast. Lay celery ribs across a pot roast before cooking. Whenever you boil seafood, add a few celery ribs to the pot. It adds a nice touch of flavor and helps reduce fishy odor.

Celery can also be grilled. A light spray of olive oil and it is ready for the grill. Don't overcook it and serve with lemon, pepper and a dollop of low fat sour cream. A few stalks of fresh celery and a little imagination will brighten up your daily food intake.

Sources:

Ryder, E. J. 1979. Leafy Salad Vegetables. AVI Publishing.

Newall, C.A., Anderson, L.A., & Phillipson, J.D. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals, The Pharmaceutical Press, London.

Bartram, T. 1995. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 1st edn.,Grace Publishers, Bournemouth.

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