Reduces Blood Pressure

Celery contains pthalides, which have been shown to lower blood pressure by lowering the levels of stress hormones in your blood. This relaxes the muscles around the arteries allowing the vessels to expand, giving your blood more room thereby reducing pressure. The calcium, magnesium, and potassium in celery also helps regulate blood pressure.

 

Lowers Cholesterol   

Laboratory studies also indicate that the phthalides, a chemical in celery, may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. According to researchers at the University of Chicago, celery reduces cholesterol levels by as much as 7 points with as little as 2 stalks a day. The pthalides in celery may also lower cholesterol by increasing bile acid secretion.

 

Cancer Prevention   

Celery contains coumarins which have been shown to be effective in the prevention of cancer. A study at Rutgers University of New Jersey found that celery also contains a number of compounds that help prevent cancer cells from spreading.

 

Diuretic    

Celery helps regulate fluid balance in the cells. Its well know diuretic effect comes from its balance of potassium and sodium which helps to flush out excess fluid from the body  

 

Anti-Inflammatory for Healthy Joints

Celery provides relief for people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism and gout. Celery is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties helping to reduce swelling and pain around the joints. This is because celery contains a diuretic substance, which help to remove uric acid crystals that build up around joints.

 

Helps with Weight Loss

Celery will not directly cause you to lose weight, but it is a great aid in weight loss because it is very low in calories and has a lot of filling fiber. Drinking celery juice will reduce your cravings for sweets.

 

Calming    

Because of the high calcium content, celery calms the nerves. Also the very special essential oils that give celery its characteristic smell help to regulate the nervous system, and are very calming. Its high magnesium levels help people to relax into a soothing and restful sleep.

 

Balances pH - Water Containing   

Celery juice one of the most hydrating foods we can put in our bodies. Because it is incredibly alkalizing, it equalizes the body's pH, which is vital for peak health.

 

Supports the Immune System    

The high amounts of vitamin C in celery promote a healthy immune system.

 

 

 

 

Grill - Brush celery stalks with olive oil & grill until slightly brown. Serve with sliced olives.

Stir Fry - cut into 2" long matchsticks to add to any stir-fry.  You can also use the leaves which are very flavorful.

Braised - serve as a side vegetable with grains, fish or meat (recipe below).

Add to Smoothie - cut up 1-2 stalks, blend into any smoothie for additional nutrition & fiber.

Juice - Celery juice tastes great so it is a great base for any vegetable juice. My favorite vegetable juice is celery, cucumber, green apple, lemon, parsley and romaine.

Stuffed - stuff raw celery stalks with a little almond butter and top with goji berries for a snack to balance your blood sugar (photo above)

Salad - Chop or slice celery, add to salad for extra flavor and a little crunch

Soup - Saute chopped celery with onions for almost any soup

Note:  Buy organic celery when possible as it is one of the vegetables which is highly sprayed.