Health benefits of celery

Used by both the Greeks and Romans for its medicinal properties celery is thought to have originated from the Mediterranean basin some time around 2000 BC. Infact celery leaves and inflorescences were part of the garlands found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun (died 1323 BC) Although greatly embraced in the food and culture of ancient times It wasn’t until the 1600s that celery found its way onto the dinner tables of Europeans, first in France but soon spreading across the continent.

Now days celery is a common sight on supermarket shelves around the globe, but what can this versatile vegetable offer our bodies in the way of health benefits?

Top 5 benefits of celery

1. Protection from some types of cancer - Celery contains two known anti-carcinogenic substances known as phthalides and polyacetylenes these two key components also help to stimulate the production of white blood cells and combat free radicals throughout the body.

2. Improved digestive health - Suffering from constipation? Fear not. Celery contains a gentle acting natural laxative compound that can help to loosen stools and help you to become more regular.

3. Reduce and treat bad breath - Often found in natural fluoride free toothpaste celery, along with its close relative fennel both posses powerful antibacterial properties that can help to keep our breath fresh and our teeth cavity free.

4. Diuretic action - Urine production is both stimulated and increased by the high levels of potassium found in celery, this can be especially useful for people suffering from conditions involving water retention.

5. Celery the weight loss king - Celery is famed for its high fibre, low calorie structure that has made it a go to vegetable for anyone serious about shedding some pounds. Research also suggests that eating celery can reduce sugar cravings again helping people trying to lose weight.

Grow your own

Although some may refer to celery as a difficult crop to grow in our opinion, this  is one of the simplest vegetables to grow in the UK, Simply sow seeds in march and keep them inside for the first 8 weeks. Transplant to outside around May, avoiding the spring frosts. Celery will be ready for picking from August until the first frosts of winter. To harvest, simply lift plants as required using a hand fork.