In medieval times, celery was often eaten for improved erectile function because it contains high amounts of nitrates. Nitrates in the body are converted to a chemical called nitric oxide in a natural process in the human body.
Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and create a rush of blood to your genitals, actually sparking an erection when you think about sex.
When someone eats foods high in nitrates, such as celery and beets (another food historically linked with sexual potency), the physique learns how to get hard without physical contact or stimulants like drugs or alcohol that can damage tissue and arteries if abused.
Recent studies have shown that celery extract increases the production of nitric oxide, which has the ability to dilate blood vessels; it also improves sexual performance by decreasing erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in males while it boosts vaginal engorgement and lubrication in females.
Celery extract can be used as an alternative therapy for cases of low libido or erectile dysfunction among adult men. Libido may be restored; likewise, problems associated with erectile dysfunction or poor sperm motility (due to disease) may be relieved.
Data suggest that testicular function may improve following celery extract consumption which would make sense if testosterone levels are linked directly to vascularity in both sexes.
In two studies — one replicated in men and women for cardiovascular wellness, the other in postmenopausal females, a daily intake of celery increased sexual interest significantly. In one study there was a 13% increase in sexual interest.
The researchers theorized that this effect might be due to increased production of testosterone or estrogen — or maybe just from improved circulation due to exercise via cardiovascular wellness or better blood flow because of vasodilator effects on smooth muscle cells (which regulate erections).
Some people believe that celery may act as an aphrodisiac because of its phthalides, which are naturally occurring chemicals with strong odors (like perfume) and powerful effects on our noses. They also produce olfactory-induced erections. Some say these phthalide levels are 10 times higher in the stalk than leaves or roots, making them most concentrated near the base.
Celery is widely regarded as one of the most potent natural aphrodisiacs.
The Romans believed celery had the effect of promoting sexual desires, and 18th-century physicians prescribed celery to induce discharge in men suffering from strangury (a condition characterized by difficult or painful urination).
Galen (an ancient Greek physician) advocated celery seed extract or an infusion of seedless stem tops for this purpose. Scientists attribute these effects to estrogenic compounds called phthalides found in some members of the Apiaceae family, which also includes caraway, cardamom, cumin, and fennel.
What is celery?
Celery is a plant native to the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, Central Asia, and India. Varieties include Chinese celery (shaicism), livered celery (ribbed with red ribs; often erroneously called “grappino”), and bunching (garden) celery.
Celery is a plant belonging to the celery genus Apium. The word celery derives from Latin seleria.
Celery can grow up to 4 ft tall and has been used as a medicine for many years dating back as far as 100 AD in China. In fact, it was considered an effective treatment for stomach issues such as ulcers, indigestion, and flatulence until recent advancements in modern medicine made these drugs more widely accessible.
It’s also commonly consumed raw or cooked with many common dishes. However, we don’t recommend consuming it raw because it does not taste good and contains high salt content.
Celery is a vegetable with low calories, high in micronutrients, vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. It tends to improve urination in both pregnant women and erectile dysfunction sufferers by lowering their blood pressure. It can be used to treat hemorrhoids by reducing pressure on the anal sphincter muscles.
However, because celery is high in fiber, it should not be eaten too much if suffering from constipation or irregular bowel movements due to its binding nature. Harsh laxatives may also be necessary if consuming it causes gas or straining when defecating.
Similarly, celery contains sodium so it could cause water retention which may exacerbate heart problems or contribute to headaches caused by dehydration.
Health benefits of celery:
Celery is a very low-calorie vegetable. It’s mainly made of water and fiber, with only a few calories from carbohydrate content. A cup of chopped celery has less than 15 calories.
Celery has no fat or cholesterol but packs in some nutrients like vitamin K and vitamin C as well as potassium and manganese. It can be added to soups or eaten raw on its own as a crunchy snack.
One of the chief benefits is celery’s ability to reduce blood pressure. Celery has been shown to be just as effective in reducing hypertension as prescription drugs, but without the side effects and most importantly — the high cost.
A key component of celery appears to be a chemical called apigenin which is also found in parsley and carrots. Apigenin blocks an enzyme that causes high blood pressure, and this property is shared by celery and other rich sources of apigenin such as parsley and carrots.
Celery is also a good source of vitamin K (good for building strong bones) with 100 grams providing 103% of the recommended daily intake per the U.S Department of Agriculture.
Conclusion:
Celery is a highly under-consumed vegetable and provides a vast mixture of micronutrients. A few side effects could include heart disease if eaten in excess, bloating from the fiber content, gas for some people (especially during digestion), and mild water retention (from the high levels of minerals like sodium).
Some people may experience a few side effects from eating celery as an individual or as part of a diet.
These side effects include constipation, increased anxiety, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
In extreme cases- very rare thankfully- some people have experienced life-threatening gastrointestinal ills such as perforated ulcers with prolonged use.
However, most people never notice any significant difference in these symptoms with this particular vegetable or any other vegetable they consume on a regular basis.
If you find that the risks outweigh the benefits for you personally then it is suggested not to eat celery on a regular basis and try other types of vegetables instead.
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