Celery; The Unsung Hero

Celery is the unsung hero(One who does great deeds but receives little or no recognition for them)of vegetable kingdom.

Did you know celery leaves were found in King Tut's tomb who died in 1323 B.C.?  Ancient Greeks used the celery leaves for garlands for the crowns of winners of battles and even for the first Olympians.  Today celery is known in the wellness field as a natural detox tonic.  Full of antioxidants and fiber, its hydrating properties help to rid our bodies of environmental toxins.  Celery is one of the most chemical-sprayed vegetables, so make sure you purchase only organic varieties.  Every part of the plant is edible, leaves can be used salads, stalks in stir-fries and of course with nut butter spread on them as snack.  The seeds are used in many recipes as spices.  Celery is one of the few vegetables that does not lose much nutritional value when steamed or cooked, actually it increases its value, making it a great addition to vegetable stews and soups.  Celery is high in sodium, but is a good kind: organic, natural and essential for our health.  

Here are some benefits of celery:

*Aids in weight loss: one stalk is only 10 calories and loaded with fiber.

*Reduces inflammation: high in flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants helps in reducing inflammation which often contributes to chronic disease.

*Calms you down: Celery for stress relief? YES, the minerals in celery, especially magnesium and its essential oil soothe the nervous system.

*It regulates the body's alkaline balance: protecting us from problems caused by an overly acidic diet.

*Aids in digestion: "Crunchy water", the high water content and insoluble fiber makes it great for the digestive system.

*Reduces bad cholesterol: a component called Butylphthalide reduces LDL cholesterol, only 4 stalks can reduce it by 7%

*Lowers blood pressure: an active compound called phthalides has been proven to boost circulatory health which lowers blood pressure.  Raw celery is even better. 

Combats cancer: studies show that a powerful flavonoid called luteolin inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

*Protects liver health: by reducing the amount fat buildup in the liver and improves enzyme function and blood lipid levels.

"Ants on a Log"

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd