Trinitonian 16 ONLINE

HEALTH FEATURE
CELEBRATING
CELERY
... AND ALL ITS GOODNESS!
By Natalie Kinsley
As far as food fads go, celery juice is on everyone’s lips, literally! We know
that when it comes to food, anything that God created, and which is from
the ground, is generally good for us, but what is so special about these
stringy celery sticks with its earthy taste? We set to find out why we should
all have a fresh glass of this green goodness every morning…
In his book Liver Rescue, author Anthony
William says: “Celery juice is one of the most
powerful and healing juices we can drink.
Just 16 ounces [almost 2 cups] of fresh celery
juice every morning on an empty stomach can
transform your health and digestion in as little as
one week.”
Bursting with goodness, just 100g of raw celery
contains minerals including calcium, magnesium,
iron, zinc, and potassium, and vitamins A, K, C,
E, and the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, folic
acid and vitamin B6). Here are some of celery’s
fascinating facts (source: Organic Facts):
Lowers inflammation: It has anti-inflammatory
properties that help reduce swelling and pain
around the joints.
Helps lower high cholesterol: The fibre found
in celery may help reduce artery-clogging
cholesterol. The phthalides in this vegetable also
stimulate the secretion of bile juices, which work to
reduce cholesterol levels.
Reduces blood pressure: Those chemical
compounds we just mentioned and cannot
pronounce – phthalides – can lower the level of
stress hormones in your blood.
Anti-cancer properties: Celery contains
coumarins that enhance the activity of certain
white blood cells, which can effectively stave off
cancer.
Boosts immune function: Rich in vitamin A and C
as well as antioxidants, celery does a great job of
boosting the immune system and makes it more
active and efficient in fighting off the common cold!
Prevents oxidative damage: Eating celery
regularly protects your organs from oxidative
damage and helps to avoid diseases of the kidney,
pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
Nerve tonic: Celery contains high levels of
calcium and magnesium, two minerals that have
been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and
perceived stress.
“Don’t let the simplicity of humble celery mask its
strength — it’s often the simplest of measures in life
that gracefully work wonders in the most complex
situations,” said William.
So, when you’re wondering what you’ll serve with
snacks, or what to pack in that lunchbox ...
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