Celery is one of the most common ingredients in Thanksgiving stuffing, but it’s often underestimated. It’s also commonly found in soups, stir-fries, green salads, pasta salads, egg salads, chicken salads, stews, vegetable trays, and of course potato salads.
One of the reasons celery is used in so many recipes is that it’s affordable, has a longer season than many other vegetables, and is very good for you.
“Celery is also loved for its crunch, versatility, and ease of dipping,” she adds. lisa youngregistered dietitian nutritionist, author of “Finally Full, Finally Slim” and adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University.
And even if you eat celery right after you buy it, there are many health benefits to eating celery.
What is celery?
Celery is a vegetable that grows above ground and belongs to the same family of vegetables as carrots, cumin, parsley, fennel, and parsnips. Celery planted in the spring is harvested in September and October by hand or by machine, depending on the region.
Although it is commercially harvested in Mexico, China, India, and Spain, the United States remains the world’s largest producer of celery. CALIFORNIA RESPONSIBILITIES Approximately 80% National supply.
Celery has the ability to stay fresh longer than other vegetables if stored properly. For example, if you wrap celery in aluminum foil without cutting it, you can store it in the refrigerator for more than a month. Even chopped celery (kept in an airtight container) will last a long time. About half of that length of time.
Finger foods elsewhere:Yes, carrots are good for you. However, there is one drawback to overdosing.
Is celery good for you?
In short, yes (but like anything else, there are risks). In addition to protein, this vegetable contains numerous nutrients such as calcium, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, folate, vitamin K, vitamin A, iron, magnesium, and especially large amounts of phosphorus and potassium. Masu. US Department of Agriculture.
Abbey Langer Founder abby langer nutritionalso praises celery as being “packed with water,” which helps keep you hydrated. And because celery contains potassium, she notes, it can help “regulate heart rate and muscle contraction.”
Celery is also a good source of fiber, which “helps with regular digestion, feeds your good gut bacteria, and helps you feel fuller longer,” says Langer. The high fiber content also means that celery can help lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels.
Young said the vitamin K in celery “supports blood clotting and bone health,” and celery’s flavonoid antioxidants “may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic disease.” There is. She added that the folate found in celery also “supports healthy cell function and is important for pregnant women.”
It is rich in water and dietary fiber, making you feel full. Celery is also known as a low-calorie food. less than 14 calories With two stems. These factors, says Young, “make celery useful for weight management.”
Dietary fiber:Are you getting enough of it? Did you know it helps control cholesterol?
Is it okay to eat celery every day?
Because of these and other nutritional benefits, it’s generally considered safe to eat celery on a regular basis. At the same time, some people need to be careful. “People who have allergies, especially those who are allergic to birch pollen, may also have a celery allergy,” warns Young.
People with irritable bowel syndrome should also be careful about celery intake. Celery contains a short-chain carbohydrate called mannitol, which can ferment in your intestines and worsen your symptoms. Celery also contains oxalates, which “may be a concern for people who are prone to kidney stones,” Young says.
She added that the vitamin K content “may interact adversely with blood-thinning medications.” People taking medication for thyroid disease should also talk to their doctor about foods that can affect thyroid disease, such as celery.
Langer tells others that celery is a great food to include regularly as part of a balanced diet.
This article contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.