If you are looking for a nutritious alternative, that does not require many ingredients but is equally as beneficial for your health, then this is a great option for you and your family. This salad makes a great addition to a milder flavoured meal, or can be eaten on its own for lunch, as the beans, nuts and seeds in it make it packed with protein and many other essential nutrients.
Celery has some unbelievable health benefits which nobody can ignore. Here are just some of the reasons why celery should always be on your menu.
- Celery leaves have a very high content of vitamin. The stems are loaded with vitamins B1,B2, B6, and C. They also contain rich supplies of potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and even plenty of amino acids.
- The natural organic salt in celery is very safe and is essential for the body. Even people who are salt sensitive can safely eat celery as unlike the processed iodised salt or table salt it won’t be a problem for people with high blood pressure.
- Celery helps to lower blood pressure.
- Balances acidity in the body
- Celery replaces lost electrolytes and replaces minerals lost through exercise.
- Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti cancer compounds. Among them are acetylenics that have been shown to stop cancer growth.
- Celery lowers LDL or bad cholesterol.
- Celery provides a gentle laxative effect.
- Celery is know to normalise body temperature.
- The potassium and sodium in celery help regulate body fluid by stimulating urine production.
- Celery promotes healthy kidney function by helping eliminate toxins.
- Reduces blood pressure. A compound called phtalides helps relax the muscles around arteries dilating the vessels and allowing good blood flow.
- Celery helps curb craving for sweets and rich food.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup or can of beans(if using a can, make sure there is no salt or sugar added)
- ½ red onion-finely chopped
- 5 large sticks of celery-include some of the leaves as well(try and use organic when possible)
- 2 handful of roughly chopped walnuts
- 2 Tbs of pumpkin seeds
- 100 mls of the home made dijon dressing. Follow this link for the dijon dressing recipe.
- cracked pepper to taste
Method:
- Soak and cook beans ahead of time, or if using a can, strain and rinse beans, then place in a bowl.
- Add finely chopped onion, then cubed celery( around 1 cm cubes), nuts and seeds. Top with the dressing and cracked pepper, then stir well.
Enjoy !
