(NaturalNews) Celery contains a high level of calcium, magnesium, potassium and active compounds called phthalides, which have been found to lower blood pressure and promote a healthy circulatory system. Celery is best eaten raw and the juice is especially useful for overall good health. Celery leaves, seeds and roots can all be eaten. The seeds are particularly rich in iron and vitamins and have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties.
According to a recent study published in
Cancer Prevention Research, the compound called apigenin found in celery can stop certain breast cancer tumor cells from multiplying and growing.
In Ayurvedic remedies, celery seed is commonly used as a diuretic, since fluid retention aggravates high blood pressure and other problems such as gout, arthritis, pre-menstrual syndrome and congestive heart conditions. It is also said to help in recovering from the common cold, coughs, sinus congestion, respiratory infections, bronchitis, and laryngitis.
Caution: Celery seed may cause minor discomfort in some people, and anyone suffering with a stomach upset or diarrhea after ingesting the seeds should discontinue its use. Pregnant women should not take celery seed without seeing a medical professional because of its strong diuretic properties.
More uses for celeryCelery may help in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatic disorders. In Japan, rheumatic patients are sometimes put on a celery-only diet until their condition improves.
Celery stimulates the thyroid and pituitary glands.
It is said to clear uric acid from painful joints.
Preparing CeleryEat raw, whole celery to reduce high blood pressure and to act as a tonic for the liver.
Grated, raw celery can be used as a poultice for swollen glands.
Celery juice or an infusion of celery seeds may be drunk to alleviate conditions such as sciatica.
A glass of celery juice taken before a meal is said to act as a natural appetite suppressant for those wanting to lose weight. Chewing celery seeds after a meal helps digestion.
Celery root is said to be an aphrodisiac.
Although best eaten raw for optimum health benefits, celery is also useful and tasty added to soups, stews and a variety of other cooked dishes. Experiment with combinations of celery and/or onions, green peppers, garlic, chili powder, tomatoes, parsley, barley, carrots and coriander for a hearty soup.
Try celery as a cooked, sauteed vegetable. Celery prepared in this way will retain most of the potassium, and it stays crunchy. Celery is high in sodium, making it unnecessary to add salt when this vegetable is part of a dish.
Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509122732.htmhttp://www.naturalnews.com/028327_celery_juice_high_blood_pressure.ht...http://www.highbloodpressureinfo.org/benefit-of-celery.htmlThe Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Properties pages 29, 83, 152. Published by Harper Collins, 2002 edition, C. Normal Shealy MD, PhD.
About the author
Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.
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