Celery is used in cooking as a spice or as an independent ingredient. Leaves, stems, roots, seeds are used. Despite the large number of varieties, the benefits and harms of this vegetable remain identical. Celery slows down the aging process, normalizes metabolism, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the reproductive system, hormonal background, although it is not always safe to use.
The benefits of celery
Celery has a huge amount of nutrients, which makes it so "versatile" in terms of preventing diseases and disorders.
- It contains several amino acidsthat are difficult to find in other products. For example, tyrosine, which is synthesized by plants, is not all. They have the ability to slow down the aging process, contribute to the restoration of damaged tissues.
- Essential oils in huge volumes. They have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. The benefit can result in harm if the vegetable is consumed excessively or if there is an allergy.
- The complex of vitamins. Group B (promote tissue repair), A - normalizes the condition of the skin and has a beneficial effect on the retina, ascorbic acid. It is also vitamin C. It prevents the oxidation of cell membranes, the influence of free radicals, and restores connective tissue. Also, vitamin K, E. Separately, it is worth mentioning about nicotinic acid, which prevents atherosclerosis, normalizes metabolic processes, and streamlines the biochemical basis of fat deposition (storage). Celery is good for diet food, as a means for burning fat, but in strictly limited quantities.
- Organic matter Choline. Beneficial effect on the liver, promotes the regeneration of its cells. It prevents the development of atherosclerosis or helps in the fight against an existing disease. Proteins - act as a building material for building muscle mass. Prevent vascular destruction, muscular atrophy.
- Cellulose. Accelerates the processes of excretion of waste products from the body. Prevents constipation, allows you to fight stool disorders.
The presence of such a number of useful substances, in particular esters, vitamins, organic components, allows celery to be recommended for diabetics and patients with obesity. In small amounts, celery helps reduce the load on the nervous system. Speaking about the benefits of celery, you need to remember the harm that this vegetable can cause to some people.
About the dangers of celery
When used in reasonable amounts, celery will not cause harm. However, there is always such a risk. What consequences can be:
- Jumps in blood pressure. A vegetable has the ability to thicken blood, cause hypertonicity of blood vessels. Although not always, moreover, to insignificant limits. Nevertheless, if a person is prone to hypertension, it can be dangerous.
- Celery juice increases the acidity of gastric juice. Hence the risks of gastritis, stomach ulcers and the initial sections of the small intestine.
- Individual intolerance to substances, which are part of the vegetable, is fraught with a skin rash, excruciating itching, less often - attacks of shortness of breath, swelling of the respiratory tract. In this case, an allergy may not develop immediately, but after some time, when a person does not expect this. The initial signs of intolerance are always there: mild burning, redness of the skin, lacrimation and others. You need to carefully monitor changes in health.
- During pregnancy celery can provoke mutual compression of the intestines and uterus due to the processes of protein fermentation and breakdown, gas formation. This will cause significant discomfort.
- Ether compounds penetrate into breast milk and can provoke negative consequences for the baby: from allergies to intestinal disorders.
- Celery damage is also observed due to its ability increase blood coagulation. What can result in thrombosis, thrombophlebitis in some categories of people, or at least, jumps in blood pressure, the formation of varicose veins.
- Celery has diuretic propertiescauses an increase in the load on the kidneys.
Despite the fact that the vegetable is recommended for losing weight, certain combinations put an end to the potential of celery to burn fat. It is strictly forbidden to consume it with fatty meats, a large amount of oil. This will slow down the metabolism and the effect will be the exact opposite.
To whom is celery strictly contraindicated?
There are no strict contraindications, but some people should use the vegetable carefully. These include:
- Pregnant and lactating women.
- Hypertensive. Patients with severe cardiovascular disease, in the sub- and decompensated phase.
- Allergy sufferers. Moreover, it does not matter what the reaction is. The body is already in a state of excessive sensitivity, which increases the risks of celery intolerance including.
- Patients with gastritis, an ulcer in the acute phase. Before the correction of the condition.
- Epileptics. Essential compounds cause excitement of the central nervous system. If you overdo it with the amount of vegetable, a seizure is possible. Although the risks are not great.
- Persons with urolithiasis, renal failure in the decompensated stage.
- Recently given birth women. Due to the high probability of bleeding. The same applies to postoperative patients.
- Pathology of veins, violation of the rheological properties of blood. Possible provocation of thrombosis. The same applies to vasculitis (vascular inflammation) of any kind.
Is there any difference in which form to use celery?
There is no fundamental difference. However, during heat treatment, part of the benefits of celery comes to naught. So, vitamin C is destroyed by high temperatures. On the other hand, the juice of the vegetable is neutralized, so baked, boiled celery can be eaten by patients with gastrointestinal diseases. To preserve all the nutrients, it is better to eat raw celery.
Celery is a real find for the prevention of most diseases and the overall healing of the body. If consumed in reasonable amounts, the risks of harm are negligible. Benefit is always present.
