Why tennis pros and nutrition experts swear by celery – and how it keeps you fit and vital
Celery is not just a vegetable, it is now a global trend for everyone who wants to stay fit and healthy. Hashtags about celery juice are exploding on social media, nutritionists are praising its effects, and even in traditional medicine such as Ayurveda it is considered a real miracle cure. More and more people swear by the green stalks - and for good reason: celery can make you healthier, more vital and more energetic in many ways. Even top athletes such as tennis pros have integrated celery into their daily diet to optimize their performance. But why is this inconspicuous vegetable king on everyone's lips right now?
Celery as a vitality booster: What's in it?
Celery is chock-full of valuable ingredients that support your body on many levels. Its high water content of around 95% makes it a low-calorie snack that also provides plenty of nutrients. Here's a quick overview of why celery could become your new best friend:
- Rich in antioxidants: The flavonoids found in celery protect your cells from free radicals and help reduce inflammation. This is especially relevant for people suffering from chronic conditions such as polyneuropathy or restless leg syndrome (RLS), as inflammation can play a role in these conditions.
- Digestive aid: The fiber in celery promotes digestion and has a regulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract. This is particularly important because healthy digestion is essential for a strong immune system and general well-being.
- Blood pressure reducer: Due to its high potassium content, celery helps regulate blood pressure. This is a great advantage, especially for people with cardiovascular problems.
- Anti-inflammatory: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, celery helps the body fight chronic inflammation, which is particularly valuable for people with nerve diseases or joint problems.
Ayurveda and Celery: A Tried and Tested Remedy
Celery also plays an important role in Indian Ayurveda medicine. Here it is valued above all for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. In Ayurveda, the body is divided into different doshas - energetic principles that control the balance in our organism. One of these forms of energy is the Pitta Dosha , which stands for the fire element and is associated with metabolic processes, body temperature and inflammation.
If the Pitta dosha is out of balance, this can lead to overheating, inflammation and irritability. In this case, celery has a calming and balancing effect. People with a dominant Pitta dosha particularly benefit from the cooling effect that the vegetable has on the body. You can find out more about the interaction of the doshas and how you can find your balance with nutrition in our article on Ayurvedic nutrition .
Practical tips for use: How to easily integrate celery into your everyday life
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Celery juice: A big trend among nutrition-conscious people is to start the day with a glass of fresh celery juice. Simply juice the stalks and enjoy them pure. It helps to detoxify the body and bring the acid-base balance into balance.
Tip: If you want to buy a juicer, make sure that it is compact enough to fit in the dishwasher. This saves you the hassle of cleaning it by hand. You can get good juicers for around €50, while high-quality models can cost up to €300. - Celery as an onion substitute: Here's a tip from me (Carsten): If you're sensitive to onions like me, you can use celery sticks instead as a flavor carrier. I peel it before steaming to get a softer consistency. It's a bit time-consuming, but the mild, yet spicy flavor is worth it. It's a great alternative, especially for stews and soups.
- Light snack: Cut the celery sticks into pieces and enjoy as a crunchy snack between meals. Combined with hummus or a light yoghurt dip, it becomes a nutritious energy boost.
- Fresh salad: Finely chopped celery sticks combine perfectly with apples, nuts and a light yoghurt dressing to make a refreshing salad. Ideal as a side dish or main course for hot summer days.
Conclusion: What you can take away for yourself
It's not for nothing that celery is the star of social media and on the plates of professional athletes. Its anti-inflammatory, blood pressure lowering and digestive properties make it a real all-rounder. Whether as a juice, snack or onion mixture - it can help you to go through everyday life healthier and more vital. Celery can be a valuable addition to your diet, especially if you suffer from chronic complaints such as polyneuropathy or RLS.
