15 Interesting Facts About Celery

Celery is a vegetable that is often featured in soups, salads, and as part of veggie platters. But there’s more to this crunchy, green stalk than meets the eye. Here are 15 fascinating facts about celery that you may not know:

Introduction

Celery has long been enjoyed for its fresh, savory flavor and satisfying crunch. But it also has some hidden talents as an ingredient and boasts a number of health benefits.

From its rich history to its chemical compounds that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, celery is a humble but powerful vegetable. Learning more about it will help you better appreciate its many virtues.

Facts About Celery

1. Celery was used medicinally in ancient times. Celery has been cultivated for over 3,000 years. The ancient Greeks used celery as a medicine and as an award for athletic victors. Romans used celery to treat headaches, insomnia, and pain caused by arthritis.
2. It’s mostly water. Celery is made up of about 95% water. This makes it a very hydrating, low-calorie food. Just one large stalk contains only about 10 calories.
3. It contains useful phytochemicals. Celery contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. These compounds provide anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.
4. Celery may help lower inflammation. Compounds found in celery called phthalides have been shown to lower inflammation by reducing the release of certain proteins that cause it.
5. It can reduce blood pressure. Studies show celery seed extract can significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Even eating celery stalks may help lower blood pressure thanks to its fiber and phytochemicals.
6. It promotes regularity. Celery is very high fiber, with 1 cup providing about 6 grams. This makes it an excellent food to support healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
7. Celery may help prevent ulcers. Research indicates celery extract may help inhibit the growth of H. pylori, the bacteria associated with gastric ulcers.
8. It contains nutrients like vitamin K. One cup of raw celery provides over 30% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin K, which supports bone and heart health. Celery also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
9. Juicing celery is extra healthy. While eating celery stalks is very healthy, juicing them is even better. This allows you to consume a more concentrated dose of its beneficial nutrients.
10. It may help reduce cancer risk. Certain compounds naturally found in celery called acetylenics have been shown to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
11. There’s a wild variety. In parts of Europe and the Mediterranean, a wild variety of celery grows which has thinner stalks and a stronger flavor. Its seeds are used as a spice.
12. It’s quite versatile in the kitchen. Every part of the celery plant can be used, including the stalks, leaves, seeds, and even the roots. It adds great flavor to soups, stews, stir-fries, juices, and more.
13. The strings can be bitter. The small strings or fibers on the celery stalk are more pronounced in older, mature celery. They tend to be more bitter, so removing them reduces bitterness.
14. Stalks can regrow. Don’t throw away your celery bottoms. Place them cut side down in a shallow bowl with just a bit of water in the bottom and they will begin to regrow, allowing you to harvest celery stalks again.
15. It’s high on the ANDI scale. Celery ranks among the top 15 fruits and vegetables on the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI). This index measures vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient content in relation to caloric content.

Conclusion

Celery is clearly much more than just a low-calorie crunchy veggie for salads and recipes. It harbors real medicinal properties thanks to its unique plant compounds that provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects.

Munching on celery is an easy way to stay hydrated, promote digestion, potentially reduce blood pressure and cancer risk, and obtain important vitamins and minerals. This versatile vegetable can be juiced, eaten raw, cooked into dishes, and even regrown.

So next time you buy celery at the grocery store or farmers market, remember all it has to offer. Incorporating more of this super healthy stalk into your diet can lead to better health.