Apio is the commercial name, derived from Spanish, for the sweet stalk of celery. It is very beneficial for health, having significant nutritional properties. It has a high water content (95%) and provides very few calories.
It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C, E, and K, minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, sulfur, phosphorus, and silicon, as well as fiber and essential oils.
Due to the 8 anti-cancer compounds it contains, it can be effective in both preventing cancer and accelerating the development of white blood cells that destroy cancer cells. The celery stalk contains a compound called coumarin, which can prevent the formation and development of stomach and colon cancer.
It helps to eliminate toxins from the body more quickly, improving kidney function. If you are prone to kidney stones, celery stalks can stop their formation.
Consuming it contributes to lowering blood pressure. Used as an antihypertensive agent in folk medicine for centuries, celery continues to prove that it has numerous benefits for heart health. Celery leaves contain components called phthalides, substances that have relaxing effects on arterial muscles, thus regulating blood pressure. Phthalides also reduce cortisol levels, thereby reducing stress in the body, one of the sources of high blood pressure.
When celery juice is combined with juices from other plants, the benefits are enhanced for various conditions.
Among the main components of celery apio are fibers. These help with digestive issues, preventing constipation and regulating intestinal transit.
Another quality of celery is its ability to reduce harmful cholesterol in the blood by up to 20%, according to studies. The phthalides in celery are again responsible for this, as they reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol by stimulating the secretion of bile acids in the liver. Increased bile acid secretion leads to greater bile circulation, contributing to better digestion and absorption of dietary fats and cholesterol.
The antioxidants in celery stalks fight bacteria, viruses, and inflammation in the body; they stimulate the immune system and help the body recover more quickly from colds and flu. Celery juice is particularly recommended in this case!
Attention! Apio is not recommended for pregnant women as it stimulates uterine contractions.
For individuals with severe kidney problems, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Those with low blood pressure should avoid consuming celery or celery leaves!
