Celery, parsley and fennel are plants of the umbelliferae family. For centuries, the healing properties of celery have been used as a basic ingredient in natural medicine in various cultures; as a result, its consumption has increased significantly and it is the main ingredient in many current medicinal formulas.
Celery stalks are crispy, they are often used to make salads or soups. As its taste is rather salty, celery benefits from a combination with sweeter fruit juices. Some celery varieties are even very salty. The white parts of the celery have grown out of direct sunlight and contain less chlorophyll than its green parts.
It is a plant that has interesting nutritional properties due to its content of vitamins A, B, E and C. In addition, it contains minerals essential for the body's proper functioning such as iron, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, sulphur, copper, aluminium and manganese.
Celery, both leaves and seeds, contains certain types of polyacetylenes in significant quantities. In the past, these bioactive compounds were thought to be harmful. However, studies have shown that some polyacetylenes have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects in addition to preventing the multiplication of cancer cells in vitro. Fennel also contains polyacetylenes. However, the concentration of these compounds in fennel is minor compared to that of parsley and celery. The potential effects of polyacetylenes on humans when consuming fennel have yet to be demonstrated.
Celery: discover the virtues and benefits for food and health
Protects against cancer:
Many studies have shown that high fruit and vegetable consumption reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, or cancer and other diseases. Celery is one of these protective foods thanks to its leaves and seeds, which contain antioxidants that are beneficial against cancer.
Like artichokes and some herbs such as oregano, celery contains apigenin and luteolin, both of which are flavonoids. These kill cancer cells and prevent their proliferation.
Reduces inflammation:
Celery is filled with phytonutrient antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. Vegetables are also an important source of flavonols for Chinese adults. Celery juice or celery extracts also reduce the activity of certain proteins that are linked to inflammation.
Celery also contains a compound called luteolin which can prevent inflammation in the cells of the lungs, prostate, gums, and brain. Celery also inhibits the growth of H. Pylori, a bacterium that causes gastritis (or inflammation of the stomach lining).
Strengthens the brain:
This plant is rich in nitrates, which are transformed into nitrites by bacteria. Many studies show that these nitrites are favourable in vasodilation and fluidification of the blood, especially in certain areas of the brain.
Weight loss aids:
Celery is one of the few ideal foods you can eat for healthy weight loss. One, because it is low in calories. And two, it's raised on the fiber.
Fiber also makes you feel full longer after eating, which prevents you from cravings - ultimately making it easier to lose weight. High water content of Celery could be another boon for people looking to lose weight - insufficient water absorption causes dehydration, leaving you tired and demotivated to hit the gym and workout room.
Celery also regulates lipid metabolism, and is therefore an interesting option in weight loss diets. It can also be consumed with other vegetables that have a higher energy density - celery, being rich in water, reduces the energy density of other ingredients and promotes weight loss.
The energy intake of this vegetable is very low: only 16 kcal per 100 grams so consuming it (even in large quantities) will not increase your daily caloric intake or very little.
Encourages neurogenesis and prevents memory loss:
A study conducted in 2016 found a link between luteolin and decreased rates of age-related memory loss. The purpose of luteolin is to soothe inflammation in the brain, which experts believe may be the main reason for neurodegeneration.
Apigenin, the chemical in celery, is also suspected to help neurogenesis (the growth and development of nerve cells). Although it has been proven that in the case of mice, additional studies are needed to confirm similar results in humans. One particular study proves the incredible capabilities of apigenin - researchers applied the chemical to human stem cells in a Petri dish, and 25 days later, the stem cells transformed into neurons. This effect was absent without the application of apigenin.
Facilitates transit:
Ideally, eat celery to improve intestinal transit, strengthen the stomach and avoid constipation. Indeed, this vegetable is rich in fiber. It contains 1.5 grams (per 100 g). A tip: to get the most fiber, grate it finely in your preparations.
Has anti-aging properties:
Rich in vitamins A and C, celery protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals.
The anti-aging properties of vitamin C are not unknown. In a South Korean study, vitamin C was found to show excellent anti-aging effects. Even vitamin A contributes greatly to skin health. According to a report published by Oregon State University, our skin is sensitive to retinoic acid (vitamin A and other major compounds derived from it).
Regulates blood pressure and reduces cholesterol:
The phthalides in celery lower blood pressure by relaxing the muscles around the arteries and reducing stress. They also reduce cholesterol by increasing acid secretion.
Maintains joint health:
Celery can be used to treat joint pain and gout.
One of the main reasons for joint pain is the accumulation of uric acid, which can lead to severe pain. Celery, being also a diuretic, helps in the excretion of uric acid - thus treating joint pain.
According to an Irish study, celery seed oil is a good source of sedanolide, which can be used to treat related inflammatory problems such as gout and rheumatism.
Helps urine secretion:
This vegetable removes excess liquid from the body thanks to the potassium and sodium it contains. It has a significant diuretic effect.
Regular consumption of celery helps us to regulate blood cholesterol levels, eliminate uric acid, prevent heart disease, and fight high blood pressure and menstrual pain.
Precautions :
Celery is also a food implicated in oral allergy syndrome. This syndrome is an allergic reaction to certain proteins in a range of fruits, vegetables and nuts. It affects some people with allergies to environmental pollens, such as birch and wormwood pollen. This syndrome is almost always preceded by hay fever. For example, when some people allergic to ragweed consume raw celery (cooking usually breaks down allergenic proteins), an immunological reaction may occur. These people experience itching and burning sensations limited to the mouth, lips and throat.
Symptoms may appear and then disappear, usually within minutes of consuming or touching the food. In the absence of other symptoms, this reaction is not severe and celery consumption does not need to be systematically avoided. However, symptoms of celery allergy may in some cases include severe digestive and respiratory symptoms. It is recommended to consult an allergist to determine the cause of reactions to plant foods. The latter will be able to assess whether special precautions should be taken.
