What Is Celery?
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a marshland plant from the Apiaceae family, closely related to carrots, parsley, and fennel. The edible stalks grow in long ribs topped by feathery leaves. These stalks (medium-sized, roughly 40-gram quantity) contain:
- Calories: 6 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 grams
- Fiber: 0.6 grams
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Potassium: 104 mg (2 % DV)
- Folate: 14.4 µg (4 % DV)
- Vitamin K: 11.7 µg (10 % DV)
- Trace amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and phosphorus
- Fat: < 0.1 grams
As a bonus, celery’s water content is over 95%!
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.