Celery:
Fresh celery is an excellent source of vitamin-K. Vitamin-K help increase bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has established role in Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
Celery juice is highly nutritious and one of the most hydrating foods we can put in our bodies. Because it is incredibly alkalizing, it equalizes the body's PH, which is vital for peak health. In ancient times, it was considered a medicinal herb used to treat a variety of health complaints. The minerals and vitamins and nutrients are in perfect harmony with each other. Celery leaves are high in vitamin A, whilst the stems are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C and dense in potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and essential amino acids.
This super food also contains important concentrations of plant hormones and the very special essential oils that give celery its characteristic smell. These oils help to regulate the nervous system, and are very calming.
Celery is rich in sodium, which is very different to table salt. Normal table salt is composed of insoluble inorganic compounds which lead to the development of varicose veins, hardening of the arteries and other aliments. If salt, including sea salt is white, then it has been processed and all minerals and nutrients have been destroyed.
On the other hand, the sodium that is available in celery is soluble and organic (live), and is essential for the body. Organic salt allows the body to use the other nutrients that are taken into the body. Every cell in our body is constantly bathed in a salt solution, and if the salt level is not in balance, dehydration occurs. This is why celery juice is a perfect rehydration drink for athletes.
Other Benefits of Celery Juice
Fights Cancer- Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. A study at Rutgers University of New Jersey found that celery contains a number of compounds that help prevent cancer cells from spreading. Celery contains compounds called acetylenics and this compound has been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Celery contains other compounds called phonolic acids that block the action of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which encourage the growth of tumor cells. Coumarins, another phytonutrient in celery helps prevent free-radicals from damaging cells and prevent the formation and development of the colon and stomach cancers.
Lowers Cholesterol- Laboratory studies also indicate that butyl phthalide, a chemical in celery, may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. According to researchers at the University of Chicago, celery reduces cholesterol levels by as much as 7 points with as little as 2 stalks a day. Celery also aids in increasing bile acid secretion which helps to remove cholesterol from the body.
Aids in Digestion- Special nutrients in the fiber are released during juicing that aid bowel movements. This makes celery a natural laxative that helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.
Diuretic- The potassium and sodium in celery juice are powerful body fluid regulators that stimulate urine production to help rid the body of excess fluid.
Anti Inflammatory- The polyacetylene in celery is an amazing relief for all inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis. A study published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Science U.S.A found that another powerful phytonutrient called luteolin prevents activation of a pathway that allows inflammation in the brain to get switched on. Luteolin also inhibits the excess production of TNF-alpha, a direct cause of inflammation. Juice is the most efficient and nutritious way to eat celery, and people who have these conditions can drink as much juice as desired without overdosing.
Lower blood pressure- Celery's potential for reducing high blood pressure has long been recognized by Chinese medicine. Studies show that drinking celery juice every day for 1 week can significantly help lower blood pressure. A compound called phtalides helps relax the muscles around the arteries, dilating the vessels and allowing blood to flow smoothly. Pthalides also reduce stress hormones, one of whose effects is to cause blood vessels to constrict. When researchers injected 3-n-butyl phthalide derived from celery into laboratory animals, the animals' blood pressure dropped 12 to 14 percent. Celery amazingly doesn't lower blood pressure which is already low.
Insomnia- The minerals and essential oils in celery juice have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it beneficial for insomniacs. Its high magnesium levels help people to relax into a soothing and restful sleep.
Weight loss- Drinking celery juice frequently throughout the day helps curb cravings for sweet. It is filling without putting any extra pounds on.
Elimination and Prevention of stones- Celery juice is an amazing eliminator of toxins from the body, which aids in the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones. This lovely juice helps those who have suffered from stones from getting them again.
Increased Sexuality- Celery juice is beneficial for weak sexuality, yet doesn't cause an uncontrollable urge as some pharmaceutical drugs do. Celery balances the system rather than increasing it.
Celery can be juiced with any other fruits or vegetables. A particularly delicious and powerful combination is carrot, apple, cucumber and celery.
This super food also contains important concentrations of plant hormones and the very special essential oils that give celery its characteristic smell. These oils help to regulate the nervous system, and are very calming.
Celery is rich in sodium, which is very different to table salt. Normal table salt is composed of insoluble inorganic compounds which lead to the development of varicose veins, hardening of the arteries and other aliments. If salt, including sea salt is white, then it has been processed and all minerals and nutrients have been destroyed.
On the other hand, the sodium that is available in celery is soluble and organic (live), and is essential for the body. Organic salt allows the body to use the other nutrients that are taken into the body. Every cell in our body is constantly bathed in a salt solution, and if the salt level is not in balance, dehydration occurs. This is why celery juice is a perfect rehydration drink for athletes.
Other Benefits of Celery Juice
Fights Cancer- Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. A study at Rutgers University of New Jersey found that celery contains a number of compounds that help prevent cancer cells from spreading. Celery contains compounds called acetylenics and this compound has been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Celery contains other compounds called phonolic acids that block the action of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which encourage the growth of tumor cells. Coumarins, another phytonutrient in celery helps prevent free-radicals from damaging cells and prevent the formation and development of the colon and stomach cancers.
Lowers Cholesterol- Laboratory studies also indicate that butyl phthalide, a chemical in celery, may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. According to researchers at the University of Chicago, celery reduces cholesterol levels by as much as 7 points with as little as 2 stalks a day. Celery also aids in increasing bile acid secretion which helps to remove cholesterol from the body.
Aids in Digestion- Special nutrients in the fiber are released during juicing that aid bowel movements. This makes celery a natural laxative that helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.
Diuretic- The potassium and sodium in celery juice are powerful body fluid regulators that stimulate urine production to help rid the body of excess fluid.
Anti Inflammatory- The polyacetylene in celery is an amazing relief for all inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis. A study published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Science U.S.A found that another powerful phytonutrient called luteolin prevents activation of a pathway that allows inflammation in the brain to get switched on. Luteolin also inhibits the excess production of TNF-alpha, a direct cause of inflammation. Juice is the most efficient and nutritious way to eat celery, and people who have these conditions can drink as much juice as desired without overdosing.
Lower blood pressure- Celery's potential for reducing high blood pressure has long been recognized by Chinese medicine. Studies show that drinking celery juice every day for 1 week can significantly help lower blood pressure. A compound called phtalides helps relax the muscles around the arteries, dilating the vessels and allowing blood to flow smoothly. Pthalides also reduce stress hormones, one of whose effects is to cause blood vessels to constrict. When researchers injected 3-n-butyl phthalide derived from celery into laboratory animals, the animals' blood pressure dropped 12 to 14 percent. Celery amazingly doesn't lower blood pressure which is already low.
Insomnia- The minerals and essential oils in celery juice have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it beneficial for insomniacs. Its high magnesium levels help people to relax into a soothing and restful sleep.
Weight loss- Drinking celery juice frequently throughout the day helps curb cravings for sweet. It is filling without putting any extra pounds on.
Elimination and Prevention of stones- Celery juice is an amazing eliminator of toxins from the body, which aids in the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones. This lovely juice helps those who have suffered from stones from getting them again.
Increased Sexuality- Celery juice is beneficial for weak sexuality, yet doesn't cause an uncontrollable urge as some pharmaceutical drugs do. Celery balances the system rather than increasing it.
Celery can be juiced with any other fruits or vegetables. A particularly delicious and powerful combination is carrot, apple, cucumber and celery.
Cucumber:
Nutritional Benefits
Cucumber has an impressive amount of water (about 96%) that is naturally distilled, which makes it superior to ordinary water. Its skin contains a high percentage of vitamin A, so should not be peeled off.
The cucumber contains alkaline-forming minerals and is an excellent source of vitamin C and A (anti-oxidants), folate, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulfur, and lesser amounts of vitamin B complex, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and chlorine.
You have seen beauty practitioners use slices of cucumber on their eyes. It is found that the caffeic acid in this vegetable helps to prevent water retention and when applied topically, helps reduce puffy and swollen eyes.
Health Benefits of Cucumber:
It rids the body of extra fluids and removes toxins and harmful wastes from the body. The flesh contains adequate quantity of vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin A. The hard skin of cucumber contains a lot of fiber. It has adequate silica and assists in strengthening bones, ligaments, blood vessels and tendons. Other minerals that are found in skin of cucumber are magnesium and potassium.
Keeps body hydrated and cool
Cucumber has 96% water content that is more nutritious than ordinary water and it helps in keeping the body hydrated and regulates the body temperature. It also helps in getting rid of the toxic elements of the body by flushing them out.
Treats high blood pressure
Juice of cucumber contains a lot of potassium, magnesium and traces of sodium that work effectively for regulating blood pressure. This makes cucumber good for treating both low and high blood pressure.
Treats acidity
Cucumber juice is essentially alkaline in nature due to the minerals it contains. Hence it is very effective in curing acidity in people by neutralizing the pH content of the body. Apart from acidity it also acts as a soothing agent for gastric ulcers.
Cures skin problems
Cucumber skin contains silica that helps in forming healthier connective tissue for the skin giving the person a healthier skin, cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Cucumber is very useful for skin problems, sunburns and also for curing swelling under the eyes. Beauticians have been using cucumber generously and advice placing cucumber slices on the eyes. It contains caffeic acid which assists in preventing water retention. Placing two cucumber slices on eyes for ten minutes can reduce the puffiness considerably. Cucumber is also known to be beneficial for curing skin diseases like eczema. Cucumber oil when combined with olive oil is excellent for curing blackheads, acne, boils etc. Vitamin A, B & C in cucumber helps maintain a healthy and glowing skin.
Promotes healthy hair growth
Cucumber is rich in silicon and sulphur and thus a regular intake can help promote healthy hair growth. For having healthy hair it is recommended to add cucumber juice with carrot juice, lettuce juice or spinach juice.
Diuretic
Cucumber contains natural salts and vitamins which are good for cell growth. Its high mineral content provide natural source of antioxidants. Because of water base it is very useful as diuretic. It has cleansing action inside body by removing old waste. It assists in eliminating uric acid and is good for those who have arthritis. Mixture of cucumber and carrot juice is excellent for rheumatic conditions.
Prevents water retention
Cucumber contains caffeic and ascorbic acids which prevent water retention. It is helpful for burns, swollen eyes and dermatitis. Chinese believe that cucumber has high cooling effect but is not suitable for those having rheumatism. However, there are reports that suggest otherwise as cucumber can help reduce the uric acid of the body and be beneficial for rheumatic patients. On taking cucumber the joints get cleaned. It assists in inflamed conditions like asthma, gout and arthritis.
Helpful for diabetics
Research has shown that cucumber contains a hormone that is required by the pancreas to produce more insulin and is thus an essential diet for diabetics. Also the carbohydrate content in cucumber is nutrient carbohydrates and so the glycemic index of cucumber is zero. These carbohydrates are quickly digested and do not increase the sugar level in diabetics and can be easily consumed. Also due to its skin healing properties it is highly recommended for diabetics as generally the healing process in diabetics is comparatively much slower.
Helpful for treating pyorrhea
Cucumber is very useful for treating various teeth and gums related problems especially pyorrhea as it is a rich source of vitamin C.
Helpful for losing weight
Cucumber is high on the list for diet to be taken for weight loss. Its high water content and no calories make it ideal for losing weight effectively. It keeps the body satiated with water and keeps away hunger pangs and at the same time does not add to the fat intake. The high water content flushes out the toxins from the body. Its anti-oxidants prevent the free radicals from causing any harm to the body’s cellular structure too.
