This veggie packs a powerful
punch!
Thanks to the popularity of celery juice, this once not-so-popular
cruciferous vegetable has now been glorified. Rightfully so, celery deserves a
place at the table for all of the health benefits it offers. But don't panic;
you don't have to drink celery juice to get its benefits. You're still getting
all of these fantastic benefits if you eat celery!
Celery is high in electrolytes, vitamins, and fibre and can be
eaten raw for a light lunch or snack. Buy a stalk for easy snacking, and keep
it pre-chopped and submerged in water in the fridge to keep it crisp for
longer!
So, what are the health benefits of celery consumption?
1. You will shed water.
There's no need to overdo it on over-the-counter supplements if
you're puffy. Load up on cruciferous vegetables like celery to help beat the
bloat! Celery's natural diuretic effect will help flush water from the body
thanks to phthalides, a compound found in vegetables that are credited with
removing excess fluid.
2. You'll be more hydrated.
As a source of electrolytes, celery will help move water into your
cells to hydrate you naturally. If you're feeling particularly parched, keep
celery cut and packaged in your fridge to snack on when you get a drink of
water. Electrolytes are essential during physical exercise. Consider packing
celery and peanut butter as a pre-workout snack with your water for added
hydration.
3. You'll burn extra calories.
Celery is credited as one of the only foods that cause you to burn
more calories than you take in. At only nine calories per stalk, this is due to
the Thermic Effect of Food. In other words, the amount of calories it takes the
body to digest and absorb celery is more significant than the total calories in
celery. You're in luck if you like celery. Munch away.
4. Your blood might be thicker.
Most veggies contain vitamin K, which is responsible for slightly
thickening your blood and improving blood clotting! This improves your body's
ability to respond to minor cuts or injuries via blood clotting.
5. You'll be more regular.
Celery is high in fibre, which helps digestion by keeping you
regular. If you're having trouble getting enough fibre in your diet, a cup of
raw celery will help you reach your daily fibre goal of 25 to 38 grams!
"Celery is low in calories and high in water content. And
it's super crunchy," says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN and author of Finally Full,
Finally Slim.
6. You may lower blood pressure.
Potassium is the superstar electrolyte known for managing blood
pressure. It has been proved that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, and low in sodium will lower blood pressure! Increase your intake
of rich potassium vegetables like celery to lower your blood pressure
naturally!
7. Celery can help fight cancer cells.
Antioxidants are the name of the cancer-fighting game, and if you
eat celery, it's chock-full of them. Antioxidants help neutralize
cancer-forming cells in the body and restore damaged cells! These nutrients are
potent.
"Apigenin and luteolin are found in celery. Both are antioxidants that may reduce the risk of cancers and protect the body from free radical damage," says Lacy Ngo, MS RDN.