This celeriac salad was invented by my mom.
It owes its abundance of minerals to celeriac.
What is it? It’s a root of a celery. But not the regular green type of celery you are used to. A different species. Quite ancient actually. Its cultivation goes as far back as BC. It’s grown specifically for its yummy salty roots.
Teeth
Why good for teeth?
Celeriac is high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. As well as has good levels of manganese (1). All these participate in keeping your teeth strong and resistant to decay.
Your teeth may be in trouble if you like to graze on sweet fruits, unsoaked nuts/seeds, and grains.
In trouble because, first, your teeth are constantly exposed to carbs. Second, because of antinutrients, like phytic acid. Sadly, many raw vegans do rely on improperly prepared raw foods. This ultimately may lead to health issues like too much tooth decay.
Celeriac also offers you a helping of vitamin K. You need this vitamin to channel calcium into teeth and keep it there (2).
The same can be said about celeriac’s impact on your bones.
Anemia
Like I noted above, celeriac is a marvelous source of iron (1). The official literature says that vegans can have difficulty getting enough iron. But I don’t really think so.
Iron has many roles in the body. In addition to keeping your teeth clean and nourished, it’s necessary for production of red blood cells. Red blood cells, as you may know, deliver oxygen to all tissues in your body.
Ingredients
♦ 1/8 medium celeriac
♦ 1 medium sour apple (the sour the better)
♦ 1 small carrot
♦ 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds
♦ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for soaking)
Directions
1. Soak raw pumpkin seeds in warm acidic water, overnight (add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice). Put enough water just to cover the seeds.
2. Grate celeriac, green apple, and carrot.
3. Throw in pumpkin seeds and mix everything.
Main references:
1. http://frida.fooddata.dk/ShowFood.php?foodid=46&2
2. http://foodfacts.mercola.com/celeriac.html#_edn6