Celery: The Crisp Veggie That Bolsters Health and Keeps Blood Pressure in Check
Ever wonder which veggie can help stave off illness and aid in your diet? It's the one you've been adding to smoothies, soups, and other dishes. Find out why this crunchy staple deserves a spot in your weekly meals.
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Many vegetables are known for their beneficial properties in skincare, vision, and even heart health, but which vegetable is scientifically proven to both prevent illness and contribute to a healthy diet? Celery makes a great addition to a variety of dishes, from salads to soups. Its naturally sweet flavor and crunchy texture make it a popular choice for smoothies, too.
"It turns out it's considered one of the healthiest leafy vegetables and there are plenty of good reasons to include it in your weekly diet," wrote Efrat Ben Shatz-Porishian, a clinical dietitian, R.D., B.Sc, from Chaly Maman, a network specializing in healthy lifestyles, for the N12 website. According to her, the vegetable is low in calories, with 100 grams of celery containing just 16 calories. Adding it to salads or cooked vegetables increases the overall volume of the dish with minimal caloric cost. So, what are its main benefits? She lists them one by one.
Aids Digestion: "Thanks to its high dietary fiber content, celery assists in a healthy digestive process and provides a sense of fullness over time. The dietary fibers also help maintain gut bacteria, which are extraordinarily beneficial, especially for our immune system."
Supports Bone Health: "100 grams of celery contain 40 mg of calcium. It's a fantastic dietary addition helping to reach the daily recommended calcium intake, contributing to bone strength, nerve, and hormonal function."
Reduces Blood Pressure: "Due to its high potassium and magnesium content, celery can aid in lowering blood pressure. By the way, potassium is a vital mineral released into cooking water, so adding celery to soup can enhance its benefits."
Additionally, it Protects Against Disease: "Celery contains many antioxidants, such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and beta carotene, which protect the body from oxidative damage and inflammatory processes. It includes several other important vitamins like vitamin K, vitamin A, folic acid, and more, all of which contribute to overall health."