Celery Nutrition Facts and Benefits That Every Dieter Should Know

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There are many celery nutrition facts that could change the way you think about dieting forever. Foremost among these is that celery is negative in calories. This means that your body will actually burn more calories while digesting these crunchy stalks, than you are actually ingesting when eating it. More importantly, however, it boasts a range of powerful and extremely important vitamins as well as a number of impressive capabilities.

The Nutritional Benefits Of Celery

For pregnant women and lactating mothers, the benefits of celery are expansive. Celery stalks are a rich source of folic acid which is essential for optimal fetal brain development during the earliest stages of gestation. Fortunately, its somewhat salty taste, crisp texture and sodium-laden composition, make it palatable throughout morning sickness. Celery additionally serves as an effective galactogogue, which means that it aids in the secretion of breast milk. New mothers who are suffering from blocked milk ducts, poor milk flow or an inability to induce letdown can simply munch on a few celery leaves and wait for their tonic properties to take effect.

Every adult, however, can benefit from the range of nutrients that are found in the leaves and stalks of this plant. It is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium and manganese among other things. In some circles, it is believed that crunching on these crispy stalks is one of the best, all-natural ways to clean plaque build-ups from the teeth. The included minerals can have a restorative effect on tooth enamel by remineralizing the outer tooth surfaces. If you are using the Ayurvedic technique of oil pulling to naturally restore oral health, adding fresh celery to your regular diet can have amazing benefits.

Celery Acts As A Mild Anti-Inflammatory

If you are suffering from the signs of arthritis, routinely eating the leaves of the celery plant can have an amazing impact on joint swelling. This is a characteristic that is unique to the leaves and one that you cannot benefit from if you are only eating the stalks. This is because celery leaves and seeds contain a number of volatile oils such as limonene and terpene among others. Extractions of these oils have proven to be very beneficial in the treatment of gouty-arthritis, osteoarthritis and even nervousness. They also serve as a potent diuretic, making it possible for people to quickly shed unwanted water weight. Combinations of fresh lemon juice, tomato juice and the extract of celery leaves will form a powerhouse beverage that can clear the skin, minimize bloating, drop blood pressure and alleviate multiple forms of swelling.

Lowering Your Blood Pressure With Celery

Celery is most effective for promoting weight loss and health improvements when included in a healthy and well-balanced diet. While it boasts a range of benefits for the human body, these are not possible to recognize if a person continues to consume fatty, empty-calorie foods and eschew regular exercise. Regular servings of celery when eaten as part of a proper diet plan, however, can help to regulate blood pressure levels quickly. In certain instances, this makes it possible for people to either avoid or discontinue prescribed blood pressure medications. These efforts, however, are best undertaken under the guidance and supervision of a reputable doctor. Among some of the additional celery benefits that can be gained by regular consumption are enhanced immune system functioning, increased cancer protection and a greater resilience against the common signs of aging.

The Side Effects Of Celery

Although celery certainly isn’t dangerous to consume, eating to much of it can have an adverse effect on the digestive system. This is especially true for people who are not accustomed to getting high amounts of fiber in their normal diets or who struggle with chronic constipation. Excess fiber from any source can exacerbate constipation and this is all the more true when large quantities of fiber are introduced into the body in a short period of time. The results are usually gas, abdominal bloating and intestinal cramps. Given the high content of volatile oils in the leaves, it is also important for people to moderate their consumption of celery leaves and celery leaf extracts.

The most important thing to note about celery, however, is that it has the most benefits for people when it is consumed fresh and by itself. Most people are wont to slather these fibrous stalks in large quantities of salad dressing, peanut butter and other nut butters. These toppings are high in fat, sugar, sodium and calories and do not dramatically enhance the overall value of this plant. Thus, if you truly want to see how celery benefits your body, you should try noshing on it fresh, or lightly steaming or pan-searing the leaves and stalks and then adding these to stir-fry dishes and soups.