Petiole, or stem celery, is actively used in cooking for making fresh salads, appetizers, side dishes. The popularity of this vegetable plant is primarily due to its beneficial properties. Read more about the benefits and harms of celery in this article.

Calorie content and chemical composition

Celery is a low-calorie product. 100 g contains only 13 kcal.

Did you know? In ancient times, celery was not only eaten, but also used for decoration. So, in the tomb of Tutankhamun was found a shroud with garlands from various plant cultures, including celery. The inhabitants of ancient Greece made wreaths of it to reward the winners of the competition.

As for the energy value of the plant (BJU), then in the same amount it fits:

• proteins - 0.9 g;
• carbohydrates - 2.1 g;
• fat - 0.1 g;
• dietary fiber - 1.8 g;
• ash - 1 g;
• water - 94.1 g.

Effect on the body

Due to the fact that the plant has such a rich vitamin and mineral composition, it is able to beneficially influence the activity of most internal organs and systems.

However, it can be harmful to the human body.

What is useful

• It is important to eat celery regularly, as it has such positive effects:
• increases the body's defenses against diseases;
• replenishes the necessary supply of vitamins and minerals;
• leads to a decrease in blood pressure;
• makes the vessels stronger;
• improves appetite and improves digestion;
• cleanses the body of toxins;
• improves memory;
• normalizes the nervous system;
• relieves sleep problems;
• improves the functioning of the organs of vision;
• accelerates metabolism;
• establishes the activity of the urinary and reproductive systems.

Did you know? The ancient Romans believed that celery affects the sexual function of men and women. A few centuries later, the same, but already through experimentation and research, scientists have confirmed. They found in the organs of the plant androsterone - pheromone, which is secreted by the sweat glands of men to attract women.

For women, the plant is useful in that it normalizes hormones, makes skin, nails and hair more beautiful, and slows down the aging process. And therapeutic decoctions help to cope with menstrual pain.

Men also need to eat celery, since it enhances potency and generally improves the functioning of the genitourinary system, and is a prophylactic against prostatitis.This culture is known for its fat-burning properties, as well as its ability to effectively cleanse the intestines, so it is recommended to those who follow their figure, adhere to dietary nutrition or plan to lose extra pounds.

Harm and contraindications

Celery stalks can cause harm if they are used too much, as well as if a person has an individual intolerance to the product. The plant is capable of causing increased gas formation, bloating.

Vegetable culture is contraindicated in pregnancy, since it tends to increase blood circulation in the pelvis, which can cause contractions in the uterus and provoke a miscarriage or premature birth.

Celery can not be consumed by those people who have serious problems with the digestive tract - gastritis, ulcer, colitis, high acidity. It is also advised to abandon this plant to those who have varicose veins.

Consumption rate per day

Healthy adults can consume up to 200 g of a vegetable plant per day. Children after 3 years are allowed to eat up to 100 g.

Important! For medicinal purposes, use celery juice. It can be drunk no more than 100 ml per day and only after consulting a doctor.

Cooking Application

Petiole celery can be consumed fresh. It has a sweet taste. It is good to add as one of the ingredients of salads. It is this vegetable plant that gives them a piquant taste and interesting aroma.Celery goes well with fresh tomatoes, green salad, nuts, leeks. It can often be found in salad recipes with chicken, seafood, eggs, cheese.

Cooked and stewed dishes are also prepared from it, added to seasonings, sauces, vegetable soups, snacks, omelets. To preserve most of the vitamins and minerals, a vegetable plant is placed in a dish a few minutes before it is removed from the stove.

Features of the selection and storage of petiole celery

In order for a vegetable plant to bring only benefits, it must be chosen correctly.

You need to buy stems that meet the following characteristics:

• fresh in appearance;
• saturated green color;
• solid.

It is worth refusing to purchase plants of yellow or brown color, sluggish. This is a spoiled product, it is impossible to eat it.

Keep the vegetable plant in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh for 3-4 days, it needs to be wrapped in cling film. It is possible to extend the shelf life of stems up to 10 days by wrapping them in food foil.However, it should be understood that with each day of storage in a vegetable plant the amount of valuable substances is reduced, which means that it loses a number of its beneficial properties.

Important! Celery can be freshened slightly. To do this, cut the end of the stem by 5-6 mm, place it in water with ice and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Thus, petiole celery is a vegetable plant with a rich vitamin and mineral composition, which must be introduced into the daily diet for both women and men. With it, you can replenish the body with vital elements and solve some health problems.

However, before you start to regularly use celery, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications.