12 Interesting Facts of Celery

Below you will find information on each of the celery plant varieties.
1. The celery’s importance is not only due to its value as a food source but also because of the medicinal and cosmetic benefits that it provides.
2. Weight watcher love munching on celery stalks. Aside from being extremely low-calorie (10 calories per stalk), it is low in sodium but high in fiber and water content.
3. A type of celery that has a reputation of its own is the celeriac. Unlike celery that is grown for its stalks, the celeriac is primarily grown for its root. Celeriac root is used as an ingredient in stews and soups, but can also be eaten raw.
4. Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician who is known as the “Father of Western Medicine,” recognized the nerve-soothing capabilities of celery. Modern research proves that the old doctor was right; since celery is found to contain magnesium and essential oils that help regulate the nervous system and have a calming effect.
5. The crunchiness of celery comes from its tough cell walls that help keep the herb upright. Soaking the stalks in ice water is a very effective way of maintaining crispness.
6. Celery seeds are used as spice.
7. The ancient Romans used to wear celery wreaths during a night of drinking to avoid experiencing the effects of a hangover the next morning.
8. There is a rule of thumb to follow when buying celery: the darker the color of the stalks, the stronger their flavor will be.
9. In ancient Greece, an athlete who won in a competition was presented with bunches of celery.
10. Celery has androsterone, a hormone that is released by males via the sweat glands that attracts females. This gives credence to the belief of the ancient Romans that the celery was an aphrodisiac. It is said that the well-known Italian lover, Casanova, ate lots of celery to maintain his stamina.
11. Italians were the first to use celery as food. The vegetable was one of the ingredients in an old dessert recipe that was unearthed in the island of Pompeii, outlining instructions on how to roast chopped celery in an oven and mixing it with honey and ground pepper.
12. Celery seeds are so small that only one ounce is needed to plant a whole acre.

7 Amazing Facts About Tomatoes

Tomatoes rarely come up in conversation unless I’m ordering a salad or veggie burger. But after senior style editor Ellie asked me about the beauty benefits of the juicy red fruit, I’ve discovered more than enough reasons to make it a part of my daily routine.

It turns out that tomatoes contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that work wonders when you slice them open and put them on your hair or face. Lycopene, the carotenoid that gives the tomato its red color, is key in reversing signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A also helps to heal and repair damaged skin cells. And it gets even better! Behold, seven amazing uses for tomatoes.

1. Cleanse and tone skin. Get your hands messy and mash one tomato and one avocado into a facial mask. Smooth onto your skin and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. (Tip: Because tomatoes are highly acidic, it may sting or burn. I always recommend testing a small area first.) The tomato deep-cleans dirt and debris, while the avocado restores moisture. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat face dry.

2. Shrink large pores. Combine one tablespoon of fresh tomato juice and two drops of lime juice in a small bowl. Dab a cotton swab into the mixture and swipe onto your face in upward circular motions. After about 10 minutes, rinse the pore-shrinking solution off with cool water.

3. Treat acne and remove blackheads. A tomato’s acidity is powerful enough to clear up pimples and blemishes. Simply apply the pulp to the affected area for up to 30 minutes each day, and then rinse off. Do this consistently over two weeks and you will begin to notice fewer breakouts.

4. Get rid of oily skin. The above routine can reduce shine, too. Vitamins C and A, as well as amino acids, are known for their oil-minimizing properties. Just be sure to follow up with a hydrating moisturizer immediately after cleansing.

5. Remedy sunburns. Laid out in the sun for too long and ended up with a painfulburn? Soothe your skin by rubbing on a cool blend of tomato and yogurt.

6. Add shine to a dull complexion. Want glowing skin in under 15 minutes? No big deal when you’ve got tomato juice. Just add a bit of honey until you’ve created a thick paste. Rub the gooey mask onto your face, relax while it does its thing and then wash off.

7. Condition dry hair and relieve an itchy scalp. Once you’ve shampooed your hair, pour tomato juice onto your strands and leave on for five minutes. The homemade conditioner will not only remove buildup, but it will hydrate parched locks. Rinse with cold water.

10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Cucumbers

Turns out that cucumbers aren’t just for placing over your eyes while you get a facial. Who knew, right!? Check out some fun and surprising facts about cucumbers and learn how to cure a headache, hangover, or even keep your breath in check!

The Facts

• The term “cool as a cucumber” is actually derived from the cucumber’s ability to cool the temperature of the blood. Also when applied topically, cucumber really does cool the blood and eases facial swelling, which is why cucumbers are so popular in facial regimens.
• Out on a date and realize that you forgot gum or breath mints? Relax! Ask your waiter for some sliced cucumber with your meal. Take a slice and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria that are responsible for causing bad breath.
• Cucumbers contain Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc. Who needs a multivitamin?
• Stressed? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma. How’s that for a quick and easy stress reliever?
• Do you have a problem with your bathroom mirror fogging up after your morning shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror. It will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.
• Do you have a hard time drinking your eight glasses of water per day? Try munching on some cucumbers. They are made up of 95% water! Snacking on cucumbers can help curb hunger.
• Using a pen and made a mistake? Move over, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! Take the outside waxy coating of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing.
• Want to brighten up your bathroom without harsh chemicals and still have all of your surfaces streak free? Look no further. Take a slice of cucumber and wipe it on any surface that needs a little TLC—your faucets, sinks, stainless steel, etc.—and it will remove tarnish and built-up residue and leave it looking beautifully clean and shiny.
• Had a few too many? We’ve been there, bro. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in balance. Eat a couple slices before bed and wake up headache free!
• Need a burst of energy in the afternoon but no time for a nap? Stay away from the Monster or Redbull! Cucumbers are a great source of B vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that afternoon pick-me-up that can be just the jolt that you need. Cucumbers give you wings.