Posted in PLANT FOOD FACTS

Ginger

Ginger, a delicious spicy addition to many favorite dishes, has also been widely used in traditional medicine.

Ginger is the spicy root of the flowering plant Zingiber officinale. It is used to season many kinds of food, and it also has a long history as a folk medicine treatment for multiple ailments. The edible portion of the thick root, called a rhizome, is available in the produce section of most grocery stores. Dried and ground ginger can also commonly be found in the herbs and spices aisle.

Research suggests that eating ginger provides multiple health benefits, inculding nausea relief, pain relief, and blood sugar management. The health benefits of ginger are mainly attributed to its phenolic compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols. Ginger possesses multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardiovascular protective, respiratory protective, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antinausea, and antiemetic activities.

Source: NIH

Posted in PLANT FOOD FACTS

Celery

Celery provides 37% of the daily requirement of Vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and regulating blood calcium levels.

Celery (español: apio) has the scientific name Apium graveolens. is a vegetable in the plant family called Apiaceae. Celery stalks are the best-known part of this plant, but the green leaves and seeds are edible and beneficial too. Celery seeds are known to help lower inflammation and fight bacterial infections. Celery is high in antioxidants, beneficial enzymes, fiber, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and polyphenols. Celery supports liver, skin, eye and digestive health. Parts of this vegetable were administered in folk medicine as natural anti-hypertensive agents. Recent pharmacological studies have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Celery acts as a natural detox tonic that may prevent sickness because of its hydrating qualities and high nutritional content.

Nutrition Facts: 1 cup chopped raw celery (100 g)
calories 16.2
carbohydrates 3.5 g
calcium 4% DV
fat 0.2 g
fiber 1.6 g
folate 9% DV
magnesium 3% DV
manganese 5% DV
potassium 8% DV
protein 0.7 g
riboflavin 3% DV
vitamin A 9% DV
vitamin B6 4% DV
vitamin C 5% DV
vitamin K 37% DV
SOURCES: DR. AXE