Celery an Aphrodisiac

Celery is considered as an important male aphrodisiac for centuries in Europe. Its uncooked roots were once considered cure for impotence. The origin of its reputation as a libido booster may have to do with its resemblance to the male phallus. Historical anecdotes of celery’s significance as an aphrodisiac includes Romans dedicating the plant to Pluto, their God of Sex; and the famous Italian lover Casanova making it a part of his regular diet in order to boost his libido. Again, a quote discovered by Grimod de la Reyniere, in the eighteenth century says “It is enough to stress that [celery] is not in any way a salad for bachelors”; indicating its powers of arousing illicit sexual desire.

Health Benefits of Celery

Celery contains minerals such as calcium, sodium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. It contains fatty acids and vitamins including vitamin A, C, E, D, B6, B12 and vitamin K. It also contains thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, dietary fibers and lots of antioxidants.

Antioxidants

Celery is a very rich source of antioxidants that help in reducing the risk of cancer. The vegetable contains the following phytonutrients: phenolic acids, flavonols, dihydrostilbenoids, flavones, furanocoumarins, and phytosterols.

Celery contains pthalides, which are organic chemical compounds that can lower the level of stress hormones in your blood. This allows your blood vessels to expand, giving your blood more room to move, thereby reducing pressure. When blood pressure is reduced, it puts less stress on the entire cardiovascular system, and reduces the chances of developing atherosclerosis, or suffering from a heart attack or a stroke.

Celery is also known for its inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and pain around the joints; great for people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

Vitamin A

Its leaves are a good source of vitamin-A. A hundred grams of fresh celery comprises 449 IU or 15% of daily-required levels of this vitamin. Vitamin A is required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin, and for eyesight.

Vitamin C

Celery is rich in vitamin C, which greatly boosts the strength of the immune system. Stimulated by the activity of other antioxidants in celery, it becomes more active and efficient. It also keeps your skin healthy.

Fiber

The vegetable contains 1.6 grams of fiber per 100 grams. Fiber promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, and regular bowel movements.

Vitamin K and minerals

Fresh celery is an excellent source of vitamin-K, provides about 25% of DRI. Vitamin-K helps increase bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. The same goes with calcium and magnesium, which are also crucial elements of bone development.

Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure.

Celery has nerve-calming qualities, which is primarily the work of its high calcium content. As such it is helpful in easing stress and anxiety.

Other health benefits

Celery is also known for its diuretic and antiseptic qualities making it useful for people with bladder disorders, kidney problems, cystitis, and other similar conditions. Celery seeds also assist in preventing urinary tract infections in women.

According to some sources, celery is particularly beneficial for diabetes since it contains a compound similar to insulin and hence important for management of blood sugar levels.

Aphrodisiac qualities

Recent studies reveal that celery contains androsterone, one of the most potent of the male pheromones. Researchers believe that androsterone is released from the male body through sweating even though it cannot be actually smelt on the body. Androsterone is in fact a product of the metabolism of testosterone and possibly an important link in the chain of the breakdown of the male androgen hormones into chemicals like andro-pheromones, androstenone and androstenol, all of which are known to play a crucial role in sexually arousing women. For this reason consuming adequate amounts of raw celery may increase the natural production of these pheromones and make a man sexually attractive to members of the opposite sex.

The fact that it contains small quantities of essential minerals like sodium, calcium, zinc, iron and phosphorus as well as Vitamins like A, B and C makes it an even healthier choice. Besides helping with one’s sex life, the right body weight is also crucial for a healthy heart, management of diabetes, lowering of blood pressure and overall physical well-being.