Celery leaves are very good for health and can be used to prepare many delicious dishes at home.

1. The Forgotten Liver-Boosting Treasure – Celery Leaves

When it comes to celery, most people are familiar with it. Usually, when eating celery, we only consume the crunchy stalks and often discard the green leaves. However, celery leaves are actually very beneficial in nourishing and protecting the liver.

In traditional Chinese medicine, celery leaves are considered a valuable herbal remedy. They have a cooling nature and a sweet-bitter taste, and they enter the liver and stomach meridians. Celery leaves can help clear heat, detoxify the body, promote urination, reduce swelling, soothe the liver, and lower blood pressure. Ancient texts such as the classic "Compendium of Materia Medica" mention that celery leaves can "treat symptoms of liver yang rising such as dizziness, facial redness, heavy-headedness, light legs, and unsteady walking." This shows how amazing celery leaves are for liver health.

2. Celery Leaves in Modern Nutrition

From a modern nutritional perspective, celery leaves are rich in carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and many essential minerals. These nutrients are especially favored by the liver, helping to detoxify it and reduce its workload. Moreover, celery leaves are high in dietary fiber, which promotes intestinal motility and aids digestion, helping to maintain a healthy gut after meals.

In addition to supporting liver health, the antioxidants present in celery leaves help combat oxidative stress, which is a common cause of liver damage. This makes celery leaves a natural ally in protecting against liver diseases such as fatty liver and hepatitis.

3. How to Prepare Celery Leaves for Delicious and Healthy Dishes

Celery Leaf Salad

Ingredients: Fresh celery leaves, minced garlic, chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, sugar, sesame oil.

• Wash the fresh celery leaves thoroughly and let them drain.

• Bring a pot of water to a boil, blanch the celery leaves briefly, then remove and rinse with cold water to retain their crispness, and drain again.

• In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, sugar, and sesame oil to create the dressing.

• Pour the dressing over the celery leaves, toss well with chopsticks, and serve immediately. This dish has a crunchy texture, a refreshing taste with a spicy and sour kick, making it perfect for hot summer days.

Celery Leaf Omelette

Ingredients: Fresh celery leaves, eggs, salt, cooking oil.

• Clean the celery leaves, drain, and chop into small pieces.

• Beat the eggs in a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and whisk well.

• Heat some oil in a pan, pour in the eggs, and spread evenly.

• When the eggs are almost cooked, sprinkle the celery leaves on top, stir-fry briefly, then serve. This dish has a fresh and tender flavor, and it pairs wonderfully with rice. The combination of celery leaves and eggs provides a balanced nutritional profile rich in vitamins and protein.

Additional Tips for Incorporating Celery Leaves into Your Diet

Celery leaves can also be added to soups, stews, and smoothies for an extra boost of nutrients. Their slightly bitter flavor complements rich dishes and enhances overall taste. For those who enjoy herbal teas, boiling celery leaves with a bit of ginger and honey makes a soothing drink that supports liver detoxification.

Conclusion

Despite often being discarded, celery leaves are a hidden gem packed with nutrients that are highly beneficial to liver health. Eating them at least once a week can help detoxify the liver, support its functions, and improve overall well-being. Don’t overlook these green leaves next time you prepare celery—they might just be the liver’s best friend!