Celery is an excellent food for clearing heat and detoxifying: the medicinal properties of celery and healthy recipes.

78. Celery, an excellent food for clearing heat and detoxifying.

Celery belongs to the Apiaceae family. There are two types: dry celery and water celery. They have similar functions, but dry celery is generally used for medicinal purposes. Dry celery has a strong aroma, hence it is also called "fragrant celery" or "medicinal celery." Celery contains a large amount of dietary fiber, and regular consumption has a good preventive effect on arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Celery is rich in nutrients. Every 100 grams of celery contains 2.2 grams of protein, 94 grams of water, 1.9 grams of carbohydrates, 0.3 grams of fat, 1 gram of ash, 0.6 grams of crude fiber, 0.03 mg of vitamin B₁, 0.04 mg of vitamin B₂, 0.11 mg of carotene, 6 mg of vitamin C, 0.3 mg of nicotinic acid, 61 mg of phosphorus, 160 mg of calcium, 163 mg of potassium, 8.5 mg of iron, 280 mg of chlorine, 31.2 mg of magnesium, and 328 mg of sodium. In addition, celery also contains apigenin, volatile oils, and organic acids.

The medicinal properties of celery

Calming and soothing effects. Celery contains an alkaline component that has a calming effect on the body. Apigenin can counteract the mental stimulation caused by cocaine, helping to eliminate irritability and stabilize emotions.

Celery has liver-soothing and blood pressure-lowering properties. It contains acidic components that lower blood pressure significantly. It can dilate blood vessels, counteract the hypertensive response caused by lobeline and nicotine, and thus lower blood pressure.

Cancer prevention and treatment. Celery is rich in dietary fiber, which, during intestinal digestion, produces a substance called intestinal lipid or lignin. This substance has a strong antioxidant effect, and at high concentrations, it can eliminate carcinogens in the intestines. It can also speed up intestinal peristalsis, thus effectively preventing constipation and indirectly reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Celery has diuretic and swelling-reducing properties. It contains diuretic components that can help eliminate water and sodium retention in the body, thus reducing swelling.

For weight loss. Celery is an excellent food for weight loss, not only because it contains a lot of dietary fiber, but also because chewing celery itself requires a lot of energy.

It nourishes the blood and replenishes deficiencies. Celery is high in iron, which can prevent dry, pale skin and dull complexion, and can also make hair black and shiny and eyes bright.

Celery has heat-clearing and detoxifying properties. Springtime weather is relatively dry, and people often experience shortness of breath, irritability, dry mouth and throat, and general discomfort. Eating celery regularly can clear heat, detoxify, and strengthen the body. People with rough skin, excessive liver fire, frequent headaches, and insomnia can benefit from eating more celery.

Healthy Celery Recipes

(1) Celery porridge

Ingredients: 5g scallion whites, 50g japonica rice, 40g celery, scallions and salt to taste.

Instructions: Wash the celery and remove the roots. Heat peanut oil in a pot, sauté the scallions, add salt, water, and rice, and cook into porridge. Then add the celery and cook briefly. Add MSG to taste.

Efficacy: This dish has the effect of clearing heat and promoting diuresis, and can be used as an auxiliary food therapy for patients with edema and high blood pressure.

(2) Celery with dried tofu strips

Ingredients: 300g dried tofu, 250g celery, appropriate amounts of ginger, scallion whites, and salt.

Instructions: Wash the celery, remove the roots, and cut into sections; crush the ginger, cut the scallions into sections, and cut the dried tofu into thin strips; place a wok over high heat, add peanut oil, heat to 70% hot, add ginger and scallions and stir-fry, add salt, add the dried tofu strips and continue to stir-fry for 5 minutes, add the celery and stir-fry together, pour in MSG diluted with water, stir-fry until cooked and serve.

Efficacy: This dish is fresh and delicious, and has the effects of relieving constipation, lowering blood pressure and calming the liver. It is suitable for symptoms such as constipation and high blood pressure.

(3) Celery soup

Ingredients: 150 ml milk, 50 ml cream, 150 g celery, appropriate amount of flour and salt.

Instructions: Wash the celery, remove the leaves and cut into sections. Boil in 150 ml of boiling water. Mix butter, salt and 2 tablespoons of flour into milk, then pour into the celery soup. Bring to a boil and it's ready.

Efficacy: This soup is fresh, fragrant, appetizing, and light. It has the effects of stopping bleeding, promoting urination, nourishing the stomach and yin. It can be eaten regularly by patients with painful urination, hematuria, and diabetes.

(4) Sweet and sour celery

Ingredients: 500g celery, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and salt to taste.

Instructions: Wash the tender celery, remove the leaves and keep the stalks. Blanch in boiling water until the stalks are soft, then remove and drain. Cut into 1-inch sections, add vinegar, salt and sugar, mix well, drizzle with sesame oil, and serve.

Benefits: This dish is refreshing and appetizing, with a sweet and sour taste. It also has the effects of lowering lipids and blood pressure, making it suitable for patients with hypertension to eat regularly.

Wash and finely chop the onion, celery, and ham. You can also add only vinegar, salt, and a little MSG and mix well. The aroma of onions stimulates the cerebral cortex, producing a calming effect. In addition, onions are rich in vitamins, phosphorus, calcium, and other minerals, which are beneficial to the nervous system. When eaten with celery, their effects on treating insomnia and lowering blood pressure are greatly enhanced.