Celery contains a rich supply of calcium, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, phosphorus, sodium and essential amino acids. The celery leaves have a high content of vitamin A, the stems are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C.
Listed below are some of the health benefits of celery juice:
Acidity: The minerals in the celery juice effectively balances the body's blood pH.
Athletes: Celery juice replaces lost electrolytes and rehydrates the body with its rich minerals.
Cancer: Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. Among them are the acetylenics that have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Phenolic acids which block the action of prostaglandins that encourage the growth of tumor cells. And coumarins which help prevent free radicals from damaging cells.
Cholesterol: Celery juice has been shown to effectively lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Constipation: The natural laxative effect of celery helps to relieve constipation.
Diuretic: The potassium and sodium in celery juice helps to regulate body fluid and stimulate urine production, making it an important help to rid the body of excess fluid. The diuretic effect of celery juice also aids the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones.
Inflammation: The polyacetylene in celery is an amazing relief for inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis.
Kidney function: Celery promotes healthy and normal kidney function by aiding elimination of toxins from the body. Also helps in preventing the formation of kidney stones.
Lower blood pressure: Celery juice contains an active compound called phthalides which provide health benefits by naturally relaxing the muscles in and around the walls of the arteries which cause those vessels to dilate, creating more space inside the arteries that permits the blood to flow at a lower pressure.
Nervous system: The beneficial effect of magnesium, potassium, and calcium in celery serves to calm the nervous system, automatically counterbalancing stress levels.
Some Tips:
Choose green celery for its chlorophyll, the firmer the better. Wrap celery in a sealed container, plastic bag, or a damp cloth, to store in the refrigerator.
Celery tends to wilt quickly, do not leave at room temperature for too long. If your celery has wilted, sprinkle it with a little water and put it in the refrigerator for a few hours, it will regain its crispness.
