Free Radicals
Celery is high in vitamin C and other compounds that can help to eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are chemicals that can cause an inflammatory reaction within the body. This reaction contributes to illnesses such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. Free radicals can also cause cholesterol to form plaques within the circulatory system, which can lead to strokes or heart attacks. Vitamin C binds to free radicals, cleansing them from the body and thereby minimizing the damage they can cause.
Dietary Fiber
A source of dietary fiber, celery helps provide adequate roughage in the diet, which is essential for maintaining gastrointestinal health. Dietary fiber adds bulk to and softens stools. The fiber in celery acts as a cleansing agent within the bowel, helping the body to eliminate waste products more effectively. This can help to eliminate toxic substances from the bowel, reducing the risk of exposure to carcinogenic agents that may cause colon cancer and other gastrointestinal illnesses.
Diuretic
Celery, particularly celery seed, can be used as a diuretic. This can help the body to eliminate excessive water, which may help reduce blood pressure and the risks associated with congestive heart failure. This flushing action of water from the body can cleanse the body of toxins through the kidneys and urinary tract.
References
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Celery
- Colorado State University Extension: Dietary Fiber
- "The Healing Herbs: Celery"; by Michael Castleman; 1991
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