Cold and flu season: This vegetable competes with ginger

I have often heard about ginger as a traditional “panacea” for health problems. Its health benefits are well deserved and confirmed by various studies, but there is another food. And you can take advantage of its benefits especially now, in times of flu and various forms of colds.

Vegetables are generally considered the best source of vitamins and other nutrients. However, some species do not inspire such enthusiasm and are rather neglected. Celery, which has a distinctive green colour and a typically spicy aroma, also belongs to this group. Its taste is not particularly pleasant in itself, so it is not surprising that it becomes a mere ingredient in some dishes. I used to have a similar opinion myself and hardly used it in cooking. However, in an effort to promote a healthy lifestyle, I gave it a chance.

Celery becomes a healthy friend

When you see celery in the store, don’t avoid it, but instead stop and consider how it might help you. Although many lay people point to its benefits, celery has been studied by scientists many times and studies have confirmed its benefits. Even I used to have thoughts of ewww, I’ll never eat this. But as they say, man thinks, life changes. At first it was hard to get used to the unpopular taste, but once I started to feel my body getting healthier, I began to perceive its taste in a different way. A lot of times it’s also about mind-set.

If we look at the effects by composition, celery is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. They help to protect the stomach lining and balance the pH, which can alleviate stomach and digestive problems such as heartburn and stomach ulcers. Insoluble fibre then promotes bowel movements and prevents constipation, while carbohydrates promote a healthy digestive tract and improve gut health, says dietitian Amber Sommer. The antioxidant ingredients also have anti-inflammatory properties , which help support the immune system during colds.

Thanks to its potassium content, celery is able to help the body to excrete excess fluid and uric acid through the kidneys. Potassium thus prevents the harmful accumulation of its crystals. Celery also contains bioactive substances, especially flavonoids and phthalides, which can benefit the health of arteries and blood vessels. In fact, they help relax the muscles of the blood vessels, causing them to dilate. As a result, blood pressure is lowered and some studies suggest that it may contribute to blood vessel health and reduce the risk of calcium deposits.

Don’t be put off by the colour and flavour of brussels sprouts

The health benefits of celery are not the invention of modern nutritionists. Ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Indians were aware of its potential and used it in their traditional medicines. The American Anthony Williams, who has published a number of papers on celery’s effects and made it viral, has drawn the most attention to it, despite having no formal medical training. Indeed, when I look at social media posts, I keep coming across the trend of drinking celery juice.

Many times I hear that what’s green, some people don’t eat. Yet this colour is a symbol of vitality, health and positive mood. This opinion is often due to the fact that many people simply do not want to include healthy foods in their diet. In the case of celery, it is also discouraged by its flavour, which in itself is not exactly pleasing to the palate.

It is most often recommended for consumption in juice form. I do not find the flavour of celery particularly pleasant either; however, I do enrich the juice with other vegetables and fruit. However, it is important to remember that celery loses its antioxidant effects after five to seven days, so always drink it fresh. You can tell it in the store by the fact that the stalks are firm and have no spots or bruises.

You don’t need to include celery juice in your daily routine. I use it especially in the fall and winter when the body is more susceptible to colds and other illnesses. I feel more vital, less tired and colds affect me only sporadically.