Include celery in your diet for its health-promoting qualities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can potentially aid digestion.
With a mere 10 calories per stalk, celery has long been celebrated as a low-calorie “diet-friendly” option. However, don’t underestimate the health advantages of this crisp and crunchy vegetable. Here are five compelling reasons to incorporate celery into your diet, along with a selection of recipes for effortless integration.
1. Celery Reduces Inflammation.
Persistent inflammation has associations with various ailments, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Celery and celery seeds contain roughly 25 anti-inflammatory compounds, potentially providing defense against bodily inflammation.
2. Celery is a Good Source of Important Antioxidants.
Antioxidants play a vital role in safeguarding cells, blood vessels, and organs against oxidative harm.
Within a single celery stalk, one can find not only vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids but also a minimum of 12 other varieties of antioxidant nutrients. Furthermore, celery is an excellent source of phytonutrients, which have demonstrated their ability to decrease instances of inflammation within the digestive tract, cells, blood vessels, and organs.
3. Celery is Rich in Vitamins and Minerals with a Low Glycemic Index.
When you incorporate celery into your diet, you’ll benefit from a rich supply of vitamins A, K, and C, as well as essential minerals such as potassium and folate. Notably, celery is low in sodium and ranks low on the glycemic index, signifying that it exerts a gradual, stabilizing influence on your blood sugar levels.
4. Celery Supports Digestion
Although celery’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients provide general protection to the entire digestive tract, it appears to offer unique advantages to the stomach.
Studies involving animals have demonstrated that pectin-based polysaccharides in celery, including a compound called apiuman, can reduce the occurrence of stomach ulcers, enhance stomach lining integrity, and regulate stomach secretions.
Furthermore, celery boasts an impressive water content of nearly 95%, along with substantial quantities of both soluble and insoluble fiber. These factors collectively promote a healthy digestive tract and help maintain regular bowel movements. Just one cup of celery sticks contains a notable 5 grams of dietary fiber.
5. Celery has an Alkalizing Effect.
With minerals like magnesium, iron, and sodium, celery can have a neutralizing effect on acidic foods — not to mention the fact that these minerals are necessary for essential bodily functions.