Celery Health Benefits

The ancient Greeks used leaves of celery as laurels to decorate their soldiers and athletes. Homer, in his epic Odyssey, mentioned the usage of celery for its medicinal properties. So, celery not only has a prestigious mention for its phenomenal uses but has medicinal usage too. The health benefits of celery date back to the 9th century, however, they have become more popular in the 18th and the 19th century.

Celery health benefits stem from the compounds called coumarins. These compounds reduce the possibility of free radicals damaging the cells, which prevents mutations and growth of cancerous cells. Coumarins help in generation of white blood cells which, strengthen the immune system. Another compound in this green leafy herb is acetylenics, which has shown the capacity to fight tumor cells, in certain cases.

Rich Source of Vitamin C
Celery is a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a very crucial vitamin for the body to operate at its best. Vitamin C helps the body to develop it's defense against cold infections and symptoms. Vitamin C also helps in preventing free radicals from damaging the cells and causing inflammation related disorders like, osteoarthritis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Having celery as a part of your diet also helps in reducing the oxidization of cholesterol, leading to plaques and resulting in strokes. Thus incorporating a bit of celery in your everyday diet can make a huge difference in your life.

Lowering Blood Pressure
In the maddening race of making careers, breaking barriers and being the best, many young minds and hearts are in dangers of high blood pressure. The best way to cope with it, is to have a glass of celery juice for a week, without any additives. Celery contains a compound known as phthalides, which helps in relaxing the muscles adjacent to the arteries. Relaxed muscles pump the blood better, which automatically reduces the pressure on the arteries. Drink a glass of drink of celery juice for a week, without any sugar or refrigeration. Then stop for a 3 weeks and start again. See the change in your health after a month or two.

Controlling Obesity
It has been found that celery helps in reducing obesity. It does so by reducing you cravings for rich, high in carbohydrates food items. As you don't eat such food items, your consumption of unhealthy food reduces. Over a period of time, this makes you feel lighter and increases your energy levels. All of this culminates, into reducing obesity. A glass of celery juice helps you in reducing your obesity, so why not lose weight with its help?

Diuretic Properties
Diuretic is a substance that increases the flow and frequency of urine, so that the excess water in the body passes away. Celery seed health benefits have been used as a diuretic, since an ancient time. Potassium and sodium in the celery seeds help in increasing the flow of urine, which help the body lose all the excess fluid. This helps in reducing bloating of the body as well. You can either have celery seed oil capsules or celery seed extract. However, do consult a doctor, before taking any such supplements.

Other Health Benefits of Celery
Celery helps in treating the following ailments:

• Constipation
• Catarrh
• Neuritis
• Tuberculosis
• Pyorrhea
• Diabetes
• Dropsy (root juice)
• Diseases of the kidneys and pancreas
• Brain overwork and fatigue
• Improvement of teeth
• Anemia
• Insomnia

To enjoy these health benefits, I suggest, make celery a part of your everyday diet. Just as we use coriander for garnishing, use celery. The best celery is the one which has a crisp green color and snaps easily when it is pulled apart. If you are storing your celery in a refrigerator, prevent it from freezing because frozen celery is of no good use.