Eat This!
I am a big supporter of FOOD. I think it is absolutely remarkable that everything we humans need to live and be in health is found on this planet. It’s almost like it was made for us. In fact, it is exactly like it was made for us. I have never been a food blogger but I have done a stint teaching nutrition for the University of Florida Extension Service. I learned a lot and it was fun. I think I can share some of the fun and interesting things about some of my favorite foods – one each day during this A to Z Challenge. All these foods have some kind of health advantage and most of them are nutrient dense and very good for you. Today, it’s celery.
.It wasn’t until I started noticing my blood pressure rising that I got serious about eating celery. Before that it was chopped up in soup once in a while or on the veggie tray with other stuff and dip, of course. Now I buy several bunches at a time and always have it cleaned and conveniently ready. It contains a chemical called 3-n-butyl phthalide (you won’t remember this but when it has a name it’s more real, right?) which smooths the muscles in blood vessels, creating better blood flow and a lower pressure. Studies have shown this to be true. My own experience is that it lowers my systolic pressure about 10 points (but this is not a guarantee for everyone). About a cup of chopped celery a day should give results. (http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/foods-that-lower-blood-pressure/)
It’s cool, crunchy, wet and a very pleasant color when it’s fresh (please don’t let it sit forever in the fridg drawer, please…) And you don’t need to do anything fancy with it – just eat it. It’s quick and ready so keep it simple.
*** Important edit! Please do not forget how important and upgrading peanut butter, raisins, or Ranch dressing can be to celery if you don’t mind the added calories. Thank you readers!
I Just Have to Say... 
I would never have thought to put peanut butter on celery, wrong side of the pond 😉 but am going to try it now. Blessings Joy
haha loved the way you have arranged Celery. I love them dipped in tuna 😀
A Whimsical Medley
Twinkle Eyed Traveller
Tuna and celery, yes, I can see that. Thanks for reading.
Thanks for the tip. My husband has a fluctuating BP and I should try celery. Btw – that plate of salad looks so healthy and fresh.
Food is meant to be our medicine – hope it helps his BP. Thank you for reading.
Thanks for the reminder. I make smoothies most everyday and use to add celery but got out of the habit…guess it’s time to add it again.
Not a fan of celery, unless it’s smothered in cream cheese… does that count?
And by the way, I’m SO impressed how you have built your letters out of the relevant fruit! That’s going the extra mile 😀
I agree with Sue! As a child I would always love the snack of peanut butter on celery with raisins on it. So yummy! If my husband liked celery I would probably eat it more. I think I will find ways to throw it into our meals.
You actually cook! Wonderful!
wellllllll sometimes. My husband does a good portion of the cooking so I guess I can’t complain much 🙂
First time I ate celery, it was dipped in some light mayo sauce and it was delicious. I also like celery salad but most of all I put it in juices these days. Yum!
It is a good juice. And the dip sounds a lot like Ranch dressing. Btw I am editing the post to include this due to reader outcry. Haha
Haha I saw there was some fight over the peanut butter. 😁
What? No peanut butter? I do enjoy celery raw and on its own, but filling that groove with peanut butter changes a juicy, crunchy snack into complex appetizer mixing textures and flavors as delightfully as any 5… 3-1/2 star restaurant. Add raisins and it’s an entree! 😉
Ok, ok, so I’ll go back and edit peanut butter in. I didn’t include it originally because I eat way too much celery to have peanut butter on all of it. But pb deserves mention. Thanks.
No, thank YOU! Lol