Growing up, one of my favorite snacks was “ants on a log.” I
never realized the benefits of eating peanut butter, raisins and celery. Here’s
why to this day I enjoy making ants on a log:
Celery:
Blood Pressure Reduction
Celery contains a compound called phthalide. These compounds
have a relaxing affect on the arteries; in turn, they allow blood to flow at a
lower pressure. Phthalides also lower stress hormones and calm the central
nervous system, leading to lower blood pressure. A serving of four stalks per
day can have a significant impact on blood pressure levels, providing a natural
approach to hypertension management.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Celery is very high in potassium, magnesium and calcium;
they help support the nervous system and control stress levels. The potassium
in celery hearts has a diuretic effect on the body, which helps you maintain
proper fluid balance. It’s rich in vitamin C, which supports healthy immune
system functions and helps your body fight infections.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Celery hearts offer anti-inflammatory properties that reduce
any existing swelling or inflammation, so celery can be used to ease conditions
such as rheumatism and gout. The diuretic properties of celery hearts also
helps prohibit the build-up of uric acid around the joints, which prevents
further inflammation and supports healthy joints function.
Cancer Prevention
The phthalides and polyacetylenes in celery help detoxify
the body of carcinogens, or cancer- causing chemicals. If carcinogens build up
in your body, you’ll have a higher risk of developing cancer. Eating celery
hearts helps rid your body of these harmful chemicals. Celery hearts also
contain coumarins, which help support white blood cell functions. Both of these
factors contribute to the prevention of various cancers by detoxifying the body
and supporting proper immune system functions.
Raisins:
Daily Nutrition
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary
Guidelines for Americans 2010, consuming 2 ½ cups of fruit and vegetables a day
helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Raisins qualify as fruits under this
dietary recommendation. According to the website FitDay, consuming 100 grams of
raisins will allow you to meet 5 percent of your daily calcium needs, 15
percent of your daily iron needs and 16 percent of your recommended daily
amount of potassium.
Illness Prevention
According to the website Organic Facts, raisins help ward
off several illnesses. The iron in raisins strengthens the body against anemia,
and the phenolic phytonutrients help it to resist both viral and bacterial
infections. The potassium and magnesium in raisins helps to neutralize excess
stomach acid, which can build up and enter the blood stream in a condition
known as acidosis. Finally, the fiber content of raisins helps to bind the bile
acids in your digestive tract and reduce colon cancer.
Energy
The simple sugars containing in raisins provide a natural
source of energy. These sugars are fructose, glucose and sucrose. Mixing nuts
with raisins before a workout will provide protein.
Maintaining Your Body
Raisins can keep many parts of your body in good health.
They contain oleanolic acid, a phytochemical that helps protect your teeth from
cavities and decay. Not only do they contain calcium, which helps maintain strong
bones and teeth, but they also contain a micronutrient called boron, which
assists with the body’s absorption of calcium. Finally, the phytonutrients in
raisins have antioxidant properties, which guard your eyes against macular
degeneration and the weakening of vision that comes with age.
Peanut Butter
Cholesterol
Most of the fats contained in peanut butter are
monounsaturated fats (MUFA), which lower “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipids)
and raise high-density lipids (HDL), the “good” cholesterol, according to the
Mayo Clinic. MUFAs found in peanut butter improve anti-inflammatory abilities
in HDL.
Diabetes
According to research by the Harvard School of Public
Health, published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association,” peanut
butter helps significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Eating an ounce of peanut butter, five times per week, help decrease the risk
of developing this serious disease by as much as 27 percent.
Fiber
Peanut butter is high dietary fiber, which reduces instances
of colorectal cancer and regulates body sugar and cholesterol. Fiber also helps
prevent atherosclerosis, which leads to hardening of the arteries.
Vitamins & Minerals
Peanut butter is about 24 percent protein by weight, and is
a good source of Vitamins E and B6, iron, folate, niacin, magnesium, phosphorous,
potassium, zinc, manganese and calcium. Niacin plays an important function in
the secretion of sexual hormones, and the “Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery
& Psychiatry” reported that niacin provides protection against Alzhiemer’s.
Gallstones
A Nurse’s Health Study found that women who ate at least 1
oz. of nuts or peanut butter each week decreased gallstone development by 25
percent compared to those women who did not eat nuts.
*Taken directly from livestrong.com
How to Make Ants on a Log
2 raw celery stalks
½ cup of peanut butter
15 raisins
Wash your celery stalks, dry and cut in half. Take a knife
or spoon to scoop peanut butter along the celery. Add raisins to the top. Enjoy!
