Eat Me: Boosts sex drive, reduces blood pressure… why celery should be in your diet

Known for its strong distinctive smell and flavor, celery is a green stalky vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae plant family.

The nutritional values and health benefits of celery have been well studied over time making it a favourite in culinary and folk medicine for centuries.

The vegetable is an excellent source of beneficial enzymes and antioxidants, loaded with essential minerals and vitamins such as folate, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin K.

Every part of celery, including the stalks, seeds, and leaves, are edible and can be used in homemade smoothies and juices, soups, salads and stir-fries.

Here are five benefits of this juicy stalk that would encourage you to incorporate them in your diet.

Reduces blood pressure

High blood pressure may increase the risk of coronary heart disease which can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

Celery seed extracts can treat high blood pressure because of their anti-hypertensive properties.

Celery is loaded with potassium and calcium. And the muscle relaxant effect of celery can help to control blood pressure.

Celery extract can improve overall heart health and should be considered as part of an adult’s diet.

Lowers inflammation

Celery is packed with polysaccharides and antioxidants that have the ability to cure free radical damage that contributes to inflammation.

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer or arthritis are often caused by inflammation.

The antioxidants in celery including ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and quercetin have been found to be an effective remedy for a wide range of inflammatory conditions including liver and kidney infections, joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome, skin disorders and urinary tract infections.

Aids digestion

Rich in “juicy goodness,” some say celery tastes like “crunchy water” and this may be part of the reason it is so good for your digestive system.

The high water content of celery, combined with the insoluble fibre in it, makes it a great tool for easy passage of stool.

Because of its diuretic and cleansing properties, those with diarrhea should avoid eating it.

Promotes cognitive and eye health

Celery has numerous amazing benefits for the human eye and cognitive health.

Apigenin, found in Celery, is believed to stimulate neurogenesis, which is the growth and development of nerve cells that improves learning and memory.

One large stalk of celery delivers approximately five percent of your daily need for vitamin A, which protects the eyes and prevents age-related vision degeneration.

‘Scentsational Sex’

Celery contains two pheromones– androstenone and androstenol –which when eaten is said to make men release more pheromones right away, making them more attractive to women.

In his book, “Scentsational Sex,” Alan R. Hirsch, a US doctor who specialises in pain medicine and geriatric psychiatry, said eating celery regularly can boost your arousal levels.

Chomping on the vegetable is also said to increase sex drive and boosts the amount of ejaculatory fluids release by men, making them climax stronger.