In the course of this article we will analyze both his property that its beneficial properties for our health.
In botany, the scientific name of the celery is Apium greveolens: this plant is a herbaceous species that is part of the Umbelliferae family. Typically, it is a plant that grows most often in grassy areas rich in marshes and can reach a height of 90 cm, depending on the specific variety considered. The plant has the characteristics bipinnate leaves with serrated edge or serrated: Celery leaves have a sweet taste, pleasant and very delicate. The root of the celery is equally edible: large and round form, contains in its interior a white pulp that has a taste similar to that of the celeriac.
There are different varieties of celery, the best known is the celery coast. It is a very sweet variety of the vegetable, its root is particularly thin and not very developed, is ranked according to the color of the coast that can be white, green or golden.
Another variety of celery is celery cutting, whose flavor is very intense and strong. Of that variety may only use the leaves as the root is not edible.
Finally, last but not least, there is the celery root, especially appreciated in northern Italy: grown in massive doses in the city of Verona, it is presented with a root composed of small globes and is round in shape. The celeriac root can be consumed both in raw form is boiled form.
Celery: properties, nutritional value, calories
An ancient proverb reads like this: "If the farmer knew the value of the celery plant, then it would end up filling his whole garden." Especially in the kitchen, celery can hide very well the smells and the flavors not too pleasing, it is very tasty and widely used for the preparation of the vegetable broth. But the celery properties are really a lot, far more articulated.
Since medieval times, the use of celery was, for example, useful to those suffering from melancholy and depressive traits, its properties were also known for the treatment of deep and open wounds. Also in antiquity, this vegetable was also known for its aphrodisiac properties and stimulation and excitement of all the senses.
A nutritional level celery has a very low calorie: in just 100 grams contains only 20 calories. And that's why this vegetable is a food that never fails in slimming diets. In addition, the main element of which is composed of the celery is water: it constitutes 90% of the weight of the celery while the other ten percent is made up of carbohydrates, fiber, protein and fat. Finally, this vegetable is a mine of minerals including manganese, iron, potassium and other antioxidants including vitamins A, C and E.
Celery: the health benefits
To date, the celery is known for its diuretic, digestive and is a good remedy for cramps. This prodigious plant is also a powerful ally against the accumulation of lipids in the body: the celery, in fact, counteracts the deposit of excess fat due to the high quantity of water contained inside. Its beneficial action will address the issue on the blood pressure: recent studies showed that the consumption of celery helps regulate blood pressure, especially in those subjects suffering from hypertension.
More and recent studies have shown that celery would also be a good ally of the central nervous system: it is believed, in fact, that the consumption of this vegetable acts as a mild antidepressant and is an aid to those particularly anxious. As mentioned earlier, the celery has diuretic properties as it stimulates urine production and is an ally against the symptoms of water retention, so also a good anti-cellulite.
Celery is also useful in treating conditions such as arthritis, bronchitis, coughs and bloating, due to its expectorant effect. In addition, consuming celery is beneficial against inflammation: it can help all those who suffer from acne or it can be good to counter the eyes are burning or inflammation urinary tract. Still, being the celery rich in minerals, is a reserve mineralizing completely natural and beneficial. The celery juice, finally, is also employed to combat lung diseases, the calculations to the kidney and liver failure.
Celery: the uses
As mentioned earlier, this vegetable is very used in culinary preparations cooked both in raw form is: the celery can be used for the realization of dips and fresh salads. Celery is the most widely used ingredient for the production of soups and preparations in the form of soup: this plant enriches the taste of the dishes of Italian culinary tradition enhancing the flavor.
Together with the onion and carrot, also, the celery is very used to prepare the mixture, to achieve a rich meat broth or, still, to prepare roast and to cook the red meat. However, this vegetable has uses ranging from the scope of herbal medicine to the herbalist up to the cosmetics. In particular, in the form of essential oil, celery contains numerous mono terpenes, including the saliene and limonene. Its use is a resource for all those who suffer from high cholesterol, thanks to flavonoid and alkaloid content.
Celery: contraindications to its intake
Despite the many healing and beneficial properties of celery, this vegetable also has some drawbacks: we must, then, be very careful and avoid a massive and constant use of celery in our diet. But what are the contraindications and side effects that could cause this vegetable?
Well, first of all, it can be highly toxic to those people suffering from kidney problems become acute, or in women who are pregnant. Also the use in external shape must be conducted with extreme care and attention: the presence within the celery furanocoumarins makes it highly photosensitizer, especially because of the presence of Bergapten. As regards the oral administration, generally, the concentration of psoralens is not such as to expose the subject to the risk of photosensitivity. This condition does not apply to those who, instead, undergo puvaterapia. Finally, we do not recommend contact with the plant if you are suffering from any kind of contact dermatitis.
