Leaf celery: the benefits and harm, tips on eating
Leaf celery is an umbrella family plant in which any part can be used for food. It is called the "pantry of health", as it contains many useful substances that have a positive effect on the human body. It is necessary to examine it in more detail and find out how it looks in order to know its properties and those parts that, when eaten, bring particularly pronounced benefits.
Benefit
This plant, regardless of its variety, is enriched with vitamins, minerals and other substances that are beneficial.
Any part of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes.
Celery prevents the formation of stones in the kidneys and crushes those that already exist. This property will be useful for those who lack the formation of large stones. Regular consumption of celery leaves in food can help to forget about beriberi. Greens stabilize the work of the digestive organs. The use of celery is very useful for men. It is only necessary to properly prepare it so that in the process of preparation the useful properties of the plant are not lost.
From the upper parts of celery make oil, which favorably affects the work of the reproductive system of people. This effect is especially pronounced in the male sex. In addition, they can be treated for infertility. Celery tops have substances that make the vessels more elastic, which is necessary for people in age.
Inclusion in your daily diet of green plants can prevent a person from getting the following illnesses:
- rheumatism;
- atherosclerosis;
- gout
Due to the high content of vitamin B, celery has beneficial restorative properties.
The plant, including its roots, has a positive effect on:
- nervousness;
- overwork;
- sleep disturbance;
- stresses.
Tincture of the root is used in the following diseases:
- neuralgia;
- rheumatism;
- gastritis;
- lung diseases.
Green plants will be useful in cases of problems with hair. Leaves saturated with vitamins will help with dryness and other skin diseases.
Celery green juice can be used as local lotion for:
- cuts;
- hematomas;
- skin inflammations.
It is believed that food containing such a useful herb contributes to the development of mental abilities and stabilizes the mood of the body. Also, due to the large amount of vitamin C, by consuming the plant in question, you can save yourself from infection in the body.
Harm
It is worth saying that some people are prohibited from using celery leaves. It all depends on the human body and its condition.
The body can react negatively to the plant in the following cases:
- the presence of chronic diseases;
- receiving meals in an unhealthy state of the body;
- allergic reaction;
- intolerance to this product.
A moderate intake of celery cannot harm health in the absence of individual contraindications. Also, it is not recommended to use it on an empty stomach and make it the main product for the diet.
Even a small amount of celery juice, taken for a day without any other food, can provoke gastrointestinal diseases.
Contraindications
Vitamins and minerals in the plant
This plant does not need to be eaten in large quantities by those with kidney stones. Celery can provoke movement and movement of stones, and this often leads to emergency care of doctors. The plant can cause harm to people with inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the large intestine due to the presence of essential oils.
It is believed that celery provokes attacks of epilepsy. In the presence of such a disease, the product can be consumed, but only with great care.
Also, do not abuse it in the following diseases:
- varicose veins;
- thrombophlebitis;
- uterine bleeding;
- allergies;
- flatulence.
Taste qualities of this plant have a negative effect on breast milk. Therefore, nursing mothers should refuse to take the spices during feeding, otherwise the baby may stop taking the breast. During pregnancy, eating a large amount of celery is not necessary. It contains substances that, at a certain size, contribute to the reduction of the uterus.
Vitamins and minerals in the plant
The energy value of celery is about 30 kilocalories per 100 grams. The root system contains 32 kilocalories for the same weight.
The finished product has the following composition characteristics:
- proteins - 0.9 g;
- fat 0.1 g;
- carbohydrates - 2.1 g
As for the content of vitamins, then per 100 grams of any part of the plant are the following indicators.
A - 0.01 mg, takes part in metabolic processes, normalizes hormonal background, it is necessary for healthy skin, eyesight, bone formation. The recommended dose for adults is 0.6 mg per day;
- B1 - 0.03 mg, promotes the work of the intestine, nervous and cardiovascular system, has a calming effect under stress, strengthens the immune system. Dosage for adults two milligrams per day;
- B2 - 0.05 mg, needed for problems with vision, brain cells, nerves, skin, endocrine glands, digestion, prevents the development of oncology. Daily dose - 1.5 mg.
- B3 - 1 mg, lowers cholesterol, stabilizes blood circulation, converts amino acids, normalizes hormonal synthesis, which affects the psyche, prevents "pellagra." Daily dosage is 1.4 mg.
- C - 8 mg, need digestion of carbohydrates, cell development, raising immunity. With its shortage, there are problems with: bones, gums, skin, blood. Per day you need about 90 mg.
Mineral substances contained in 100 g of celery. characterized by the following numbers.
- Calcium - 60mg, the daily rate of 1000 mg. It is necessary for such processes as: contraction of muscles, nervous processes, hormone production, normalization of the composition of bone tissues and cells;
- Magnesium - 30 mg, 400 mg per day is required. Takes part in almost the entire body. Works as protection against allergies, diabetes. It prevents the formation of kidney, improves the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract, muscle contraction, the nervous system, the assimilation of macronutrients;
- Potassium - 390 mg daily rate of 2500 mg. Stabilizes the balance of water, heart work, the functionality of nerves and muscles;
- Phosphorus - 27 mg, 800 mg per day is required. Prevents bone fragility, affects the dynamics of nerves, muscle contraction and development of the mind in children;
- Sodium - 75 mg, the norm per day is 1300 mg. Stabilizes internal pressure. The body needs it to stabilize the digestive system, work the endings of nerves, hormones and enzymes;
- Manganese - 150 mg, the desired dose per day is 2 mg. Balances the degree of cholesterol and sugar, protects cells from damage, enhances immunity, takes part in strengthening the skeleton;
- Iron - 0.5 mg, the rate per day will be 18 mg. It is necessary for the transport of oxygen by blood. Participates in the synthesis of most enzymes;
- Zinc - 0.3 mg, the required amount per day is 12 mg. A lack of this substance in the body can lead to cessation of growth, increase in the skull and infertility. It helps fight infection, promotes skin renewal, prevents vision from deteriorating, synthesizes hormones.
- The plant is saturated nicotinic and glutamic acid.
When using celery, of course, all important substances for the body are not replenished, however, it is excellent for prevention. If celery is added to food from time to time, it will help to cope with vitamin deficiency during the off-season period.
If celery is added to food from time to time, it will help to cope with vitamin deficiency during the off-season period.
The benefits and harms of this plant depend not only on the presence of minerals and vitamins in it.Celery has a complex essential oil. Too much to use it is not worth it, because it can lower the pressure and cause allergies.
How to store
Green plants are stored in dried or frozen form. In the process of drying it is necessary to constantly stir, in order to avoid rotting.
It is possible to freeze a plant by several methods:
- in an airtight container;
- in cellophane bags;
- in ice molds.
Before the procedure, the leaves can not be sorted from the stem part. To freeze in ice forms, greens must be chopped and then filled with water.
Celery can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if it is dried beforehand and wrapped in foil. When the leaves are cut off from the stem part, then they will be stored for some time less. Well dried and chopped celery can last for a long time in a paper bag.
Greens can be salted in the bank. Salting, basically, are either leaves with stems, or some stems. On 1 kilogram of greens need 200 grams of salt.
Cooking methods
Any part of the leaf celery can be eaten both after heat treatment and raw. Raw greens are added to salads and vegetable snacks. The roots are consumed in any form: raw, you can cook, fry and bake, they are combined with spices and vegetables.
There are many dishes using celery leaf.
The plant retains its beneficial properties if it does not undergo heat treatment, but in boiled form, celery is good for the body.
How to choose
In order not to buy poor quality celery in the store, you need to pay attention to the condition of its stems. If they are fragile and bend badly, then this is a good product. The flexibility of the plant means that it was stale on the shelf. The best option is when the stems are soft, but at the same time fragile. Leaves should not be lethargic. Wilted celery can last only 2 days.
Root parts better to buy large sizes. You can check for the presence of an internal void by tapping, if the sound is voiced, then the void is present. The beginning of decay can be determined by pressing on the tip. Good root is solid from any side.
Product combinations
Eat this plant as a food can not only as an independent product.
It is used in:
- snacks;
- salads;
- meat dishes.
Taste qualities of the plant do not allow to use it in combination with fruit, sweet to taste. The stems are combined with sour fruits, and the leaves are used as spices.
In hot dishes, celery leaves in any form can be used without stems. They are used on par with parsley or basil.
In such foods, the tops of the plant are compatible with:
- other spices;
- tuna;
- boiled meat;
- vegetables.
The dish will be useful and tasty if, along with celery, add: paprika, greens and nuts. The stems are used in soups and casseroles, the leaves will add beauty and flavor to the dish. Celery is used in canned fish dishes and boiled meat of any animal and poultry. Sausage with a plant is combined very rarely. Fried roots of the plant are perfect for mushrooms, especially this dish will appeal to those who fast or are on a diet.
On how to cook a salad with celery, you will learn from the following video.