Health Benefits of Celery
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant All-Arounder
Rich in flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin, celery neutralizes free radicals that can trigger chronic inflammation and cellular damage. These polyphenols decrease inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein.
Antioxidant vitamins C and K add further protection, making celery a valuable ally against oxidative stress linked to aging and disease.
Blood Pressure and Heart Health
Celery contains a phytochemical called phthalide that relaxes arterial walls, improving blood flow and contributing to lower blood pressure. Its potassium content further supports healthy circulation by balancing sodium levels.
Meanwhile, the soluble fiber in celery binds excess cholesterol in the gut, helping maintain balanced lipid profiles and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
Digestive Dynamo
Celery’s fiber (both soluble and insoluble) promotes regular bowel movements and feeds beneficial gut bacteria, fostering a balanced microbiome that supports nutrient absorption and gut barrier integrity.
Celery’s natural sugar alcohol, mannitol, can also draw water into the intestines, gently easing digestion for those prone to occasional constipation.
Hydration and Weight Management
Celery’s 95% water content not only refreshes but also increases satiety with minimal calories.
Crunching raw stalks helps you feel full for longer, making celery a top choice for healthy snacks and weight-loss plans that emphasize volume and nutrient density. Basically, if you get the munchies, go for the crunchies (aka celery).
Blood Sugar Regulation
With a low glycemic index of 35 and high fiber content, celery helps slow glucose absorption, helping blunt post-meal blood sugar spikes. Certain studies also suggest that apigenin in celery leaf extracts enhances insulin sensitivity and protects pancreatic beta cells, offering supportive evidence for dietary strategies in diabetes management.
Cancer-Fighting Potential
Antioxidants in celery, including vitamin C and phenolic acids, help neutralize carcinogenic free radicals and reduce DNA damage in cells. Observational studies associate high intake of non-starchy vegetables like celery with lower risks of certain cancers, particularly in the digestive tract and lungs.
Why Celery Makes the Perfect Juice Ingredient
Celery’s naturally high water volume yields generous juice with minimal produce. Its mild, slightly salty flavor balances sweeter fruits like apple or pineapple, letting you reduce added sugars in blends. Celery juice retains stable levels of vitamins K and C plus polyphenols when extracted cold-press style, ensuring you sip on crisp flavor and health benefits alike.
Hate watered-down juices? Well, so do we. Check out these three green juices powered with celery.
- Cold Pressed Celery Juice Blend: We start with the celery-packed juice, of course! As the main ingredient, celery shines with just a touch of lemon and Himalayan salt for taste. That’s it!
- The Clover: Hydrating, energizing, and alkaline-boosting, this marries celery with cucumber, cilantro, lime, pear, spinach, and even mint!
- Detox Greens: This detoxifying blend contains celery, of course, and backed by cucumber, kale, coconut water, E3 Live, and spirulina.
How to Incorporate Celery into Your Diet
Try these quick ideas:
- Raw celery, peanut, butter, and raisins make the iconic snack, ants on a log.
- Add celery in stir-fries at the last minute for texture, color, and flavor.
- Soups, sauces, stocks, and stews? Celery is one of the main ingredients for the essential mirepoix.
- Pickled celery! Don’t knock ‘em until you’ve tried ‘em.
Or, instead of water, add celery to smoothies and juices instead. Celery works with veggie blends, of course, but they also make apple-y or lemon-y juices taste balanced.
Is Celery for Everyone? The Yes’s and No’s
Yes, if…
- You need gentle fiber for digestive comfort.
- You are looking to boost hydration and satiety without extra calories.
- You are seeking natural blood pressure support
No if…
- If you have, though uncommon, celery allergies.
- If you are on blood thinners. The vitamin K may affect your medication and/or dosing.
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