History of celery leaf

The modern type of celery was developed from wild celery, which is believed to have originated in marshy areas around the Mediterranean. Its seeds were once widely used as a medicine, particularly as a diuretic. 

Leaf celery has been cultivated for many years in Western Europe for flavoring purposes and as a leaf garnish.

Leaf celery was a herb known to the ancient Romans. Writers of the day often mentioned both a wild and a cultivated sort.

It appears that the leaves of wild celery were first used as a medicine because the earliest mention of the plant in ancient literature is in Homer’s Odyssey, within in the 9th century BC.

Later, just before the Christian Era celery leaves were used by the Greeks as laurels for their athletes and in funeral wreaths.

Cultivated celery as recorded in 1623 in France, where plants with a milder taste were selected from wild plants for use as a vegetable.

Leaf celery is still used today in many parts of Western Europe, Israel and Asia. Celery was brought to the United States early in the 9th century.
History of celery leaf

Health benefits of celery

Celery has long been known to be one of the best foods to keep the blood pressure normal.

It dilates blood vessels like most potent drugs, but without the harmful side effects.

Celery contains an ingredient acetylenics, which has been shown to stop the growth of cancer cells. Celery also contains phytochemical compounds known as coumarin, which are being shown to be useful in cancer prevention and capable of enhancing the activity of certain white blood cells.

Coumarin compounds also tone the vascular system, lower blood pressure, and may be useful in cases of migraines.

Celery is an excellent source of organic sodium, which gives it a slightly salty taste. Along with potassium, sodium helps to maintain the body’s electrolyte balance. Celery has high calcium content and can help to calm nerves.

Celery may help lower cholesterol and prevent cancer by improving detoxifying.

Celery has a calming effect on the digestive system, relieving gas and indigestion. It is also reputed to be helpful against rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Health benefits of celery