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Celery, Good for Dieting and More |
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Celery is a member of the carrot family, and originates from the Mediterranean, and was introduced into the US in the early 1900’s.
The medicinal properties of celery were mentioned in the Odyssey, the Greek epic poem written by Homer.
In ancient Greece it was called selinon, and was regarded as a holy plant, and the leaves from the plant were used to decorate the winners of the Nemean Games.
Health Benefits of Celery
- Antioxidants
In a study of essential oils at the Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, limonene oil found in celery seed showed high antioxidant activity. Antioxidants act as scavengers of free radicals which cause cell damage in the body.
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- Blood pressure
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center concluded that a compound present in celery reduces blood pressure.
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- Cancer
Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham concluded that the dietary agent apigenin present in celery might contribute to the prevention of cancer. Data collected in during research at University of Utah Medical School, Salt Lake City, suggests that incorporating celery and other foods containing the carotenoid lutein in the diet may help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.
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- Joint pain
In another study of subjects suffering from chronic joint pain such as gout, significant relief was experienced after three weeks of daily intake of celery extract.
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- Kidney stones
It has been suggested that celery root can be used as a diuretic and is effective for kidney stones, there is however no scientific evidence as yet to support these claims.
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- Salt
Celery seeds are used to make celery salt which is usually mixed with unrefined salt, providing a healthier alternative to table salt which contains aluminum and other harmful additives.
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- Dietary fiber
Celery’s high fiber low calorie and high fiber combination making it useful for diets.
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Celery seeds or celery seed extract must be avoided during pregnancy as they may act as a uterine stimulant.
Celery root is a frequent cause of food allergy.
Nutrient Values of Celery per 100g
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Energy Value
67kj
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Sugars
1.83g
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Dietary Fiber
1.6g
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Sodium
80mg
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Zinc
0.13mg
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Potassium
260mg
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Magnesium
11mg
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Copper
0.035mg
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Calcium
40mg
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Vitamin C
3.1mg
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Vitamin E
0.27mg
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Vit. B3 (Niacin)
0.320mg
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Vitamin B6
0.074mg
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Vit. B1 (Thiamin)
0.021mg
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Vit. B2 (Riboflavin)
0.057mg
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References:
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, Joseph Pizzorno, and Lara Pizzorno.
Benders' Dictionary of Nutrition and Food Technology.
USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
PubMed: PMID17295511
PubMed: PMID10648274
PubMed: PMID10932083
PubMed: PMID17981702
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