Does Celery Good For Cholesterol Reduction
What Is Celery Good For?
Celery is a vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, parsley, and fennel. It is a long, thin, and green vegetable with a crisp texture and a mild, slightly bitter flavor. Celery is low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is commonly used in soups, stews, and salads, as well as in many other dishes as a flavoring ingredient or as a garnish. Celery is also known for its high-water content, making it a great choice for low-calorie snacks or for adding crunch to sandwiches and wraps. In Spanish, celery is called "apio." It is spelled the same way in Spanish as it is in English.
How To Grow Celery?
To grow celery, you will need to start with celery seeds or seedlings.
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Celery prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Plant the seeds or seedlings in the garden bed, spacing them about 12 inches apart. If starting with seedlings, plant them a little deeper than they were in the container.
- Water the celery regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Celery needs a lot of water, especially during hot weather.
- Fertilize the celery every 2-3 weeks with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.
- Celery takes about 70 to 80 days to mature, so be patient and keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
- To blanch the celery, tie the outer stalks together with twine or wrap them in foil about 2 weeks before you plan to harvest. This will make the stalks turn white and tender.
Celery is a cool-season vegetable, so it's best to plant it in the fall or early spring. If you live in a warm climate, you can also grow celery in the cooler months.
When To Harvest Celery?
Celery can be harvested when it reaches maturity, which is typically 70-80 days after planting. The stalks should be thick and firm and reach a height of about 12-18 inches. You can harvest individual stalks as needed or pull up the entire plant when it's ready. If you want to harvest the whole plant, it is better to do it in the morning, when the stalks are crisp.
How To Store Celery?
To store celery, first make sure it is dry and clean by washing it and patting it dry with a paper towel. Then wrap the celery in aluminum foil or place it in a perforated plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator.
Celery can be stored this way for up to 2-4 weeks, depending on the freshness of the celery when you purchased it. To make it last even longer, you can also trim the ends and submerge the celery stalks in a bowl of water in the refrigerator. This helps to keep the stalks hydrated and fresh for longer.
Another way to store celery is to chop it up, then blanch it and freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags. This will allow you to have celery on hand for a longer period of time.
How Long Does Celery Last In The Fridge?
Celery can last 2-4 weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly. To extend its shelf life, wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in a perforated plastic bag and store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. It is important to keep celery dry and at a temperature between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, as these conditions slow down the process of decay and keep it fresh for longer. Keep an eye on the celery and use it as soon as possible if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as wilting, browning, or sliminess.
Celery Nutrition Fact: How Many Calories In Celery?
One medium stalk (about 40 grams) of celery contains:
- 6 calories
- 1 gram of protein
- 1 gram of carbohydrates
- 1 gram of fiber
- 0.1 gram of fat
- 0.1 gram of sugar
- 95 milligrams of sodium
- 7 milligrams of vitamin K (8% of the daily value)
- 3 milligrams of vitamin A (4% of the daily value)
- 60 milligrams of potassium (1% of the daily value)
- Small amounts of vitamin C, folate, and other vitamins and minerals.
Celery is also a good source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is low in calories and high in water content and fiber, making it a great addition to any diet.
It's important to note that the above nutritional information is based on raw celery, if it's cooked or mixed with other ingredients the nutritional values will change.
Health Benefits And Side Effects Of Celery
Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in water content, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. It is also a good source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Therefore, it has many potential health benefits:
- 1. May lower blood pressure: Celery contains a compound called phthalide, which has been shown to relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.
- 2. May aid digestion: Celery's high water and fiber content can help keep the digestive system regular and prevent constipation.
- 3. May reduce inflammation: Celery is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- 4. May promote weight loss: Celery is low in calories and high in water content, which can make it an ideal food for weight loss.
- 5. May improve heart health: Celery contains a flavonoid called apigenin, which has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects that may help to improve heart health.
On the other hand, celery is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrot, fennel, and parsley. Some people may have an allergic reaction to celery and may experience symptoms such as hives, itching, or anaphylaxis. Some people may also experience digestive issues such as bloating or gas after consuming celery. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when introducing celery to your diet and to speak with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Celery Good For Weight Loss
Celery can be a good addition to a weight loss diet because it is low in calories and high in water content. One medium stalk of celery contains only 6 calories and is mostly made up of water, which can help you feel full and satisfied while consuming fewer calories.
In addition, celery is a good source of fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. Fiber can also help to regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion, which can be beneficial for weight loss.
Another benefit of celery is that it is low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it a good option for people following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Additionally, celery is a good source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and promote overall health.
However, it's important to keep in mind that celery alone will not lead to weight loss, it is important to maintain a calorie-deficit diet and to have a proper exercise routine to lose weight. Celery should be considered as a low-calorie option to add to a balanced diet, not as a magic food.
Celery Good For Arthritis
Celery may have potential benefits for people with arthritis. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The warmth and stiffness related to arthritis are largely attributed to inflammation.
Celery contains antioxidants and phytochemicals, such as apigenin and luteolin, that have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds may help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve symptoms of arthritis.
In addition, celery is a good source of vitamin K, which has been found to improve bone health and potentially reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. Vitamin K helps to regulate the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone tissue, and promote healthy bone density.
However, it's important to note that more research is needed to understand the specific effects of celery on arthritis and its symptoms. While it may have potential benefits, celery should not be considered as a replacement for any prescribed medications or treatments. It need to be consumed under the guidance of a healthcare provider and as part of a healthy diet.
Celery Good For Cholesterol
Celery may be beneficial for cholesterol management. Celery contains a compound called 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) which has been found to lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. Studies have also shown that consuming celery extract regularly can improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, celery is a good source of fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids and promoting their excretion from the body. Celery is also low in calories and high in water content, which can make it a healthy addition to a weight-loss diet, as being overweight is one of the risk factors for high cholesterol. However, it's important to keep in mind that more research is needed to understand the specific effects of celery on cholesterol levels, It need to be consumed under the guidance of a healthcare provider and as part of a healthy diet.
Celery Good for Diabetics
Celery may be beneficial for people with diabetes due to its low glycemic index and high fiber content. The low glycemic index means that celery does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Celery also contains a compound called 3-n-butylphthalide which has been found to lower blood sugar levels. The high fiber content in celery can also help to regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion. However, it's important to keep in mind that celery should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and in consultation with a healthcare professional.
How To Make Celery Juice?
Making celery juice is a simple process that requires only a few steps:
- Wash and clean your celery stalks. Make sure they are well washed, as celery can hold a lot of dirt and debris.
- Cut the celery stalks into small pieces, this will make it easier for your juicer to extract the juice.
- Turn on your juicer and slowly feed the celery pieces into the juicer. The juice will come out the other end and into a container.
- Once you have extracted all of the juice, you can strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any remaining pulp or fibers.
- The juice is ready to drink. Enjoy it immediately for the best taste, but you can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
It's also worth noting that celery juice can be bitter and some people prefer to blend it with other fruits or vegetables to make it more palatable. Some popular options include adding apple, ginger, lemon, or cucumber to celery juice.
What Are The Benefits Of Celery Juice?
Celery juice is a popular health drink that is said to offer a range of benefits. The following are a few potential advantages of celery juice:
- Anti-Inflammatory: Celery juice contains a high amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Digestive Health: Celery juice is high in fiber, which can help to promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Blood Pressure: celery juice contains a compound called phthalide, which has been found to relax the muscles in the walls of the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
- Hydration: Celery juice is high in water content, which can help to keep the body hydrated and promote healthy skin.
- Weight loss: Celery is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a good option for weight loss.
- Detox: Celery juice is said to help the liver and kidneys detoxify the body by flushing out toxins.
It's worth to mention that while there is some scientific evidence to support these claims, more research is needed to fully understand the specific benefits of celery juice. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that celery juice should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Where To Buy Celery Juice?
Celery juice can be found in several places:
- Grocery Stores: Most grocery stores carry celery and celery juice. You can find celery in the produce section and celery juice in the juice or refrigerated section.
- Health Food Stores: Some health food stores carry a wider selection of celery juice and other vegetable juices.
- Online Retailers: You can also buy celery juice online from retailers such as Amazon, Thrive Market, or Vitacost.
- Juice Bars: Many juice bars and smoothie shops offer celery juice as part of their menu.
- Farmer's Markets: You can buy celery and celery juice from local farmers at farmer's markets.
It's worth mentioning that celery juice is a perishable product and should be consumed as soon as possible after purchase, or stored properly in the refrigerator. Also, make sure you check the expiration date and the quality of the celery before buying it. It's best to buy organic celery if possible.
Is Celery Good For Dogs?
Yes, celery is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts and can be a good source of fiber and hydration. It's also low in calories, which can help with weight management. However, it's important to make sure the celery is washed and cut into small pieces to avoid choking hazard.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is packed with nutrients and offers a range of potential health benefits. Some of the benefits of celery include its anti-inflammatory properties, its ability to promote healthy digestion, and its potential to lower blood pressure. Celery juice is also a popular health drink that is said to offer many benefits such as detoxifying the liver and kidneys, weight loss, hydration, and more. However, it's important to keep in mind that more research is needed to fully understand the specific benefits of celery juice. Additionally, it's important to consume celery as part of a balanced diet and in consultation with a healthcare professional. And also, it's safe for dogs to eat in small amounts and can be a good source of fiber and hydration.