Contents
Celery is a vegetable with high nutritional value and provides many important nutrients for the body.
Nutrients
- Vitamin K : Celery is an excellent source of vitamin K, especially vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). Vitamin K is an important factor in blood clotting and has an important role in bone formation and protection.
- Vitamin C : Celery provides significant amounts of vitamin C, an important antioxidant that plays a role in supporting the immune system, promoting skin health and iron absorption.
- Potassium : Celery is a rich source of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral for the body, playing an important role in maintaining water and electricity balance between cells, supporting muscle and nerve function.
- Folate : Celery contains folate, a form of folic acid. Folate is a B vitamin important for the development and function of the nervous system, as well as the process of creating new cells in the body.
- Fiber : Celery is a good source of fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber helps maintain the health of the digestive system, supports digestion and regulates blood sugar.
- Vitamin A : Celery contains some vitamin A, an important nutrient for vision, skin health and immune function.
- Phytonutrients : Celery contains many different phytonutrients, including flavonoids, coumarins, and phthalides. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to the overall health benefits of celery.
- Antioxidants : Celery is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Water content : Celery has a high water content, which moisturizes and contributes to maintaining the appropriate amount of water in the body. Staying hydrated is essential for various body functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation.
- Low in calories and high in fiber : Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is often popular in weight loss or calorie-restricted diets. It is also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion, promotes feelings of fullness and helps regulate bowel movements.
- Alkalizing properties: Although it tastes slightly sour, celery has an alkalizing effect on the body. It helps balance the body’s pH and promotes a more alkaline environment, which is believed to support overall health and prevent certain diseases.
- Diuretic properties : Celery acts as a natural diuretic, promoting urine production and supporting kidney health. It can help remove toxins from the body and reduce water retention.
- Regulates blood pressure : Celery contains compounds called phthalides, which are linked to blood pressure-lowering effects. Phthalides help relax muscles in and around blood vessel walls, promoting better blood flow and potentially assisting in regulating blood pressure levels.
- Digestive health : The high fiber content in celery helps promote digestive health by supporting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, the natural fiber in celery can act as a prebiotic, providing nutrition to beneficial bacteria in the gut and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
- Anti-inflammatory properties : Chronic inflammation is linked to many different health conditions, including heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers. Celery contains antioxidants and polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the body and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Heart health : The combination of antioxidants, fiber and phthalides in celery contributes to heart health. These compounds may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and support overall cardiovascular function.
- Weight management : Celery is a low-calorie food and has low energy density, which means it provides a satisfying amount of food with fewer calories. Including celery in your diet can help control weight by promoting feelings of fullness and reducing overall calorie intake.
- Hydration Support : With its high water content, celery can contribute to your daily fluid intake and help maintain proper hydration. Staying hydrated is essential for various body functions, including temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and nutrient transport.
- Eye health : Celery contains vitamin A and other antioxidants that are beneficial for eye health. Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining good vision, while antioxidants help protect the eyes from oxidative stress and age-related macular degeneration.
- Supports Detoxification : Celery is often included in detoxification or detox diets due to its diuretic properties and ability to support detoxification in the body. It can help stimulate urine production, eliminate toxins and support overall liver health.
Besides the nutrients above, celery also contains minerals such as magnesium, calcium and manganese, along with several antioxidants and natural anti-bacterial agents.
Uses of celery
Celery has many useful uses for health and body. Here are some main uses of celery:
- Aids digestion : Fiber in celery helps improve digestive function and aids in the digestive process. It can relieve constipation, enhance the movement of food through the intestines, and aid in the absorption of nutrients.
- Reduces inflammation and is anti-bacterial : Celery contains natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents, which help reduce inflammation, control the growth of harmful bacteria and support the immune system.
- Aids weight loss : Low in calories and high in fiber, celery can help with weight loss or maintain a healthy weight. It creates a feeling of fullness for longer and provides nutrition while providing few calories.
- Supports heart health: Celery contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems such as chest pain, arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure.
- Supports blood sugar control : Celery contains fiber and antioxidants that can help control blood sugar. It has the ability to reduce sugar absorption in the intestines, regulate blood sugar levels and aid in diabetes management.
- Supports bone health: Celery is a good source of vitamin K and calcium, two important nutrients for bone health. They are needed to maintain bone structure and density, and help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporosis.
- Nervous system support : Celery contains folic acid, a B vitamin important for the development and function of the nervous system. It may support growth and brain development, especially in children and pregnant women.
- Immune system support : Vitamin C and other antioxidants in celery play an important role in supporting immune function. They help promote general health and resistance to infections and diseases.
- Anti-cancer properties : Celery contains compounds such as apigenin and luteolin, which have been studied for potential anti-cancer effects. These compounds may help inhibit cancer cell growth, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidants that protect against cell damage.
- Respiratory Health : Traditionally, celery is used to support respiratory health. It can help reduce congestion and inflammation in the respiratory system, benefiting people with asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory conditions.
- Reduces inflammation and arthritis : Celery’s anti-inflammatory properties may also apply to conditions such as arthritis. Consuming celery regularly can help reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis.
- Skin health : Antioxidants and vitamins found in celery, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, may contribute to healthy skin. These nutrients help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals and promote a youthful appearance.
- Blood sugar control: Celery contains compounds that have been studied for their ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. It may have a positive impact on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, benefiting people with diabetes or those at risk of diabetes.
- Natural diuretic : Due to its diuretic properties, celery can help stimulate urine production and promote the removal of excess fluid from the body. It may be beneficial for people with fluid retention or conditions that require increased urine output.
- Aphrodisiac properties : Celery has long been famous as a natural aphrodisiac. Although scientific evidence is limited, some components in celery, such as androstenone, are thought to have aphrodisiac effects and may contribute to increased sexual arousal.
- Oral health: Chewing celery can stimulate saliva production, help neutralize acids and protect teeth from cavities. Additionally, the fibrous texture of celery can act as a natural toothbrush, helping clean teeth and gums.
- Supports Detoxification : Celery is often included in detox diets due to its high water content, fiber, and antioxidant properties. It can support the body’s natural detoxification process by promoting hydration, aiding digestion and aiding in the elimination of toxins.
- Reduces stress : Celery contains certain compounds, such as phthalides, that are linked to reducing stress hormones in the body. Including celery in your diet can contribute to overall stress reduction and improved health.
Celery is not a miracle drug, and its effectiveness may vary from person to person. Additionally, if you have any specific health concerns, consult your doctor or nutritionist before changing your diet.
Climate, weather, soil conditions for cultivation of celery
Celery can be grown in a variety of climate and weather conditions. Here are some basic requirements for climate, weather, and soil conditions for growing celery:
- Climate: Celery is suitable for warm, cool and temperate climates. The ideal temperature for growing celery is between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius. Celery can tolerate some mild cold, but don’t grow it in freezing conditions.
- Light: Celery needs full sunlight to grow well. It needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Place the celery plant in a sunny or semi-sunny location in your garden.
- Soil : Celery is suitable for nutrient-rich soil, ranging from pH 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should have good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Before planting, make the soil soft and light by applying organic fertilizer and tilling the soil deeply.
- Planting time : Celery can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If growing from seed, you can start the seeds in a greenhouse or warmer location in the spring and move the plants outside once the whole plant is well established. If you use cuttings, choose plants with young leaves and cut them from the mother plant to plant.
- Watering : Celery needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Make sure the soil doesn’t dry out too much and don’t let water sit for too long.
- Fertilization : Celery can be fertilized with organic fertilizer or light chemical fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer bag for dosage and usage.
Check for specific instructions and advice from a local grower or garden expert before planting celery to ensure that you meet the necessary factors and conditions for the plant’s growth and success.
Popular types of celery
Celery comes in many different varieties, and the number of varieties may vary by source and supplier. Here are some popular celery varieties:
- Grass celery (Pascal): Grass celery variety has short stems, thick branches and dark green leaves. It is often used in salads and soups.
- Chinese celery: Fin celery has slender branches and smaller leaves than grassy celery. It often has a stronger flavor and is used in Eurasian dishes.
- Leaf celery: Leaf celery has wider and thicker leaves than other varieties. Its leaves have a flavor similar to that of celery. Often used in stir-fries and soups.
- Cutting celery : Cutting celery has thin, round leaves. Often chopped and used as a seasoning in dishes, sauces or salads.
- Stalk celery: Stalk celery has long branches and large leaves. It is the most popular type of celery and is commonly used in many dishes and drinks.
In addition, there are many different varieties of celery with distinct characteristics and uses. When purchasing celery seeds or plants, you can learn more about specific varieties and choose the one that suits your needs and priorities.
SHARE
