Celery is one of the vegetables from the family Apiaceae. It has a long and hairy stalk, which can be eaten, along with its leaves. In cooking, the vegetable’s seed is used as a spice while its extracts are utilized in medical field. Celery is also packed with health benefits.
General Nutrients
Celery is rich in vitamins and minerals. According to World’s Healthiest Foods, the vegetable contains vitamins A, B, C, and K. Vitamin A is great for the eyes’ vision, as well as the integrity of the skin and the mucus membranes. Also, it acts as an antioxidant, which helps the body eliminate toxins and free radicals. Vitamin B, on the other hand, is important in the proper function of the nervous system; such functions include learning, thinking, memory, and sensation. The vegetable also has vitamin C, which is known for its ability to raise the body’s defenses against infection and illness. Finally, vitamin K helps in blood clotting, which prevents excessive loss of blood.
In terms of minerals, celery contains molybdenum, potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Molybdenum help enzymes break down substances like amino acids in the body. Potassium counters sodium’s water retention properties and helps promote health muscle contraction, which covers the heart. Manganese and copper play a role in metabolism, as well as in the growth and development of cells and tissues. Calcium, on the other hand, works hand in hand with phosphorus in boosting bone health. Then, magnesium is essential for neuromuscular coordination.
Celery and Liver
Celery helps boost the liver’s health. As per Dr. Axe, a study by the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Helwan University in Egypt involved rats, which were fed with celery, barley,and chicory. As per the publication, it was found that the rats demonstrated a reduction in the amount of dangerous fat buildup within the liver. With a healthy liver, the body will be able to detoxify itself and eliminate unwanted and harmful substances.
Sample Recipe
Celery can be added to various meal recipes, such as Potted Beef and Celery Root with Celery Gremolata. As per Food Network, the ingredients include three pounds of beef chuck or other stew meat (cut into two-inch cubes), two medium celery roots (peeled, cubed), all-purpose flour, half cup olive or vegetable oil, four cloves garlic (crushed), two medium onions (chopped), three tablespoons tomato paste, two cups beef stock, one and a half cups dry red wine, one-fourth cup Worcestershire sauce, bay, fresh sage, parsley, salt, and pepper.
For the celery gremolata, the ingredients include a cup of fresh flat-leaf parseley leaves (chopped), four ribs organic celery with leafy tops (chopped), two anchovy fillets (finely chopped), one lemon (juiced), three tablespoons EVOO, shaved pecorino curls, and crusty bread or baby potatoes (mashed or boiled).
To prepare, the oven is preheat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, the meat is pat dry and is sprinkled with salt and pepper, before dredging it in flour. Next, the meat is browned in batches in the oil over medium-high heat in an oven, with the beef set aside. Then, the celery root, garlic, and onions are added to the beef drippings and are seasoned with salt and pepper. After that, the ingredients are cooked for five to seven minutes, until they become soft. Once done, the tomato paste is added and stirred for one minute, before adding the stock, beef, herb bundle, wine, and Worcestershire. The food is covered and cooked in the oven for up to two hours, until they become tender. Then, they are cooled and stored for a make-ahead meal and is reheated in a 325 degree Fahrenheit oven, until bubbly.
As for the celery gremolata, the parsley, anchovies, celery, and lemon juice and combined. Then, they are dressed with the EVOO and loosely combined with pecorino cheese. Finally, the potted beef is served in shallow bowls, topped with the celery gremolata. Mashed or boiled potato or crusty bread is served alongside.
Overall, celery is one of the nutritious food selections in the market. Thus, its inclusion in various meal plans helps boost a person’s health and well-being.
