Celery Roots – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

07/22/2017 / By Frances Bloomfield

Celery root (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) is a type of celery grown for its edible roots, shoots, and hypocotyl. This bulbous, off-white root vegetable comes in many varieties cultivated in all corners of the globe. Its culinary uses aside, celery root has a rich medicinal and religious history that goes as far back as 800 B.C., when it was first discovered and used by the ancient Greeks. These days, celery root’s status as a nutritional powerhouse has become more widely known.

List of known nutrients

Celery roots are full of important vitamins and minerals, primarily:

Antioxidants
Calcium
Dietary Fiber
Magnesium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Phthalides
Potassium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

The most abundant nutrient in celery roots is vitamin K: a one-cup serving of cooked celery roots is enough to provide 34 percent of the recommended daily amount.

That single-cup serving offers 9.1 g of carbohydrates, but it makes for it by delivering 1.8 g of fiber and 1.5 g of protein, or seven percent and three percent of the recommended daily amounts of each nutrient, respectively. Moreover, celery root is naturally low in saturated fats and cholesterol.

Medicinal uses for celery roots

Eating celery root can be good for the prevention of:

Anemia
Arthritis
Cancer
Common Cold
Constipation
Flu
Hypertension
Insomnia
Osteoporosis

Because celery roots are a great source of vitamin K, consuming them can greatly reduce the likelihood of osteoporosis. Vitamin K modifies bone matrix proteins to improve calcium absorption, making the bones stronger and less prone to breakage. The moderate amounts of phosphorus and copper play important roles in bone metabolism as well.

Celery roots can aid in the prevention of hypertension. In addition to containing potassium, celery root has phthalides as well. Both potassium and phthalides lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, which in turn allows them to dilate properly and provide smooth passage for blood.

Juice made from celery root has been used to calm the nerves and induce a restful sleep.

Note: Pregnant women should avoid celery root because it may cause sensitivity reactions, such as phototoxicity.

Body systems supported by celery roots

Celery root can nourish:

Cardiovascular System
Digestive System
Immune System
Kidneys
Skeletal System

The fiber in celery roots are can maintain proper and healthy digestion, namely by regularizing bowel movement and offering relief from constipation.

Celery root fiber is good for the heart as well, since fiber can reduce blood lipid levels and the fat being absorbed from the intestines.

Celery roots can help strengthen the immune system, thanks to their moderate content of vitamin C and antioxidants. The antimicrobial properties in celery roots also play a role in boosting the immune system, namely through protecting the digestive tract.

Ways to use celery roots

Celery roots can be consumed raw and cooked, though their strong flavor may be too much for some people. This is why they’re often paired up with other equally strong ingredients to neutralize their flavor. They do well in salads, curries, and stews, either as core components of the dishes or as garnishing.

Celery roots can be used as substitutes for potatoes, especially as hashes, fries, and chips.

Where to learn more

Summary

Celery roots are nutritionally dense vegetables that are excellent sources of vitamin K, protein, fiber, and many other vitamins and minerals.

Consumption of celery roots can help make the body less susceptible to osteoporosis, constipation, hypertension, and the common cold.

Though generally thought of as healthy, celery roots are not recommended for pregnant women due to their ability to induce sensitivity problems.

Sources include:

DoctorsHealthPress.com
SteadyHealth.com
Juicing-For-Health.com
BonAppetit.com

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