Did you know that consuming celery can protect the kidneys from toxins? The benefits of celery for the kidneys have long been trusted by the public. To find out more about these benefits, let's look at the explanation in the following article.
Celery or a plant with a Latin name Apium graveolens It has a distinctive aroma and a crunchy texture. Therefore, this vegetable is often used as a complementary ingredient in cooking, either as a flavoring or just a decoration. Celery is also widely consumed raw as a salad mixture to make soup ingredients.
In addition, celery can also be processed into juice. Celery juice is considered as one of the best drinks for maintaining kidney health.
Nutritional Content of Celery Leaves
In 1 serving, or about 100 grams of celery, contains at least 14 calories and a variety of nutrients, such as:
- 1.5 grams of fiber
- 2.5–3 grams of carbohydrates
- 0.7 grams of protein
- 80 milligrams sodium
- 260 milligrams of potassium
- 1.3 grams of sugar
- 40 milligrams of calcium
- 29–30 micrograms of vitamin K
In addition, celery leaves also contain flavonoid antioxidants as well as various vitamins and minerals, including zinc, copper, choline, iron, magnesium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
Facts about the Benefits of Celery Leaves for Kidneys
Thanks to its diverse nutritional content, celery is considered to have benefits for maintaining kidney health. The following are some of the benefits of celery leaves for the kidneys:
1. Prevent the formation of kidney stones
Celery is one type of vegetable that contains lots of potassium and antioxidants. These substances are known to prevent the buildup or deposition of minerals in the kidneys, thereby reducing the risk of kidney stones forming.
In addition, celery also contains a lot of water. Thanks to its high potassium and water content, celery can make the body get rid of waste and toxins through urine. This effect makes celery good consumed for the detoxification process while preventing kidney stones.
2. Reduce the risk of kidney failure
Body cells that are often exposed to free radicals or undergo oxidation processes tend to be damaged more quickly. This can lead to impaired function or even damage to certain organs, including the kidneys. If there is damage to the kidneys, the risk for kidney failure will be greater.
To prevent this, be sure to consume enough antioxidants by eating healthy and nutritious foods, one of which is celery.
According to various studies, antioxidants are proven to be able to counteract or prevent damage to body cells caused by free radicals. This effect makes celery rich in antioxidants useful for preventing kidney damage. In addition, antioxidants are also known to optimize overall kidney function.
3. Control blood pressure
Kidney disease is closely related to high blood pressure (hypertension). Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels throughout the body. This condition can damage various organs of the body, including the kidneys.
If kidney function is impaired or damaged, various kidney functions such as filtering the blood of toxic substances, helping hormone production, and regulating electrolyte and salt balance in the body will be disturbed.
Therefore, you need to control blood pressure to remain stable in order to maintain kidney health. This can be done in several ways, starting from having a healthy diet, limiting salt and sugar intake, drinking lots of water, to exercising regularly.
One type of food that is good for controlling blood pressure is celery. This is thanks to the content of potassium, antioxidants, and antioxidants phthalid in celery which can lower blood pressure and keep it stable.
Tips for Making Celery Juice
To get the various benefits of celery for the kidneys, you can process celery into juice. The trick, first wash 3-4 stalks of celery, cut into pieces, put in a blender, then add a little water.
You can add a few slices of apple or lemon juice for added flavor. After being processed into juice, you are advised to consume it immediately.
Celery leaves do have health benefits. However, claims of the benefits of celery leaves for the kidneys still need to be investigated further. Therefore, celery has not been proven to be used as a treatment for kidney disease.
If you have kidney disease or certain health problems, you should still consult with your doctor before trying to consume celery as an alternative treatment method.