Is Celery Paleo?

Short Answer:

Yes, Celery is Paleo!

The One that Doesn’t Make the Limelight…

Celery is a vegetable in the plant family called Apiaceae which has been cultivated since early times. Its scientific name is Apium graveolens. Celery is a green-stemmed cluster that ranges in color from green to white. The darker the green color, the more intense its flavor. The texture of celery is very crisp and its taste has a bitter tinge. Depending on its variety and location, almost all parts of celery are consumed; from its leaves, stalks up to the seeds. The roots and leaves of celery are valued for their unique flavor and aroma. It can be enjoyed raw or cooked and can be a good addition to many Paleo dishes.

Most people don’t enjoy celery because of its weird taste. Not known by many, celery is often used in weight loss diet because of its very low caloric content. It may not suit to the taste of many but definitely worth to add to your soups, salads, smoothies and dressings.

Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits of Celery

Celery if often overlooked in the groceries but it is packed with nutrients that can be beneficial to the body. It is loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals which have astounding effects.

Celery contains great amounts of vitamins A, B6, C, K, pantothenic acid, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, sodium and dietary fiber.

Below are some of the health benefits that celery can offer:

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

For centuries, celery has been used as an anti-hypertensive agent. The active compound phthalides in celery help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels and lower inflammation that can prevent heart illnesses.

Digestive Health

Celery contains dietary fiber that can boost digestion and weight loss. The high percentage of water and electrolytes in celery makes it a diuretic and can prevent dehydration and aids in good bowel movement. Celery can also aid in reducing and preventing formation of ulcers through a special type of ethanol extract that is useful in protecting the digestive tract lining. The extract of celery has the ability to replenish depleted gastric mucus levels needed to protect the stomach lining from formation of openings.

Reduce Inflammation and Infection

The antioxidants and polysaccharides in celery are known to be anti-inflammatory which supports overall health by fighting oxidative stress that can lead to inflammation. These antioxidants include phenolic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid and quercetin. They are all responsible in treating illnesses caused by inflammation like joint pain, gout, IBS, UTI and kidney and liver infections.

The seeds of celery have antibacterial effects that can reduce growth of bacteria, fighting infections and boosting immunity.

Liver Health

A diet high in celery can be beneficial for people suffering liver diseases. The compounds found in celery can improve enzyme function and blood lipid levels that can promote liver health.

Good Eye Health

Celery contains significant amounts of vitamin A which is an essential contributor for good eye sight, protecting the eyes and prevents age-related degeneration of vision.

Weight Loss

If you are someone who is trying lose weight, celery can be a valuable food for you! Celery is extremely low in calories and it has the ability to provide essential nutrients and help regulate lipid metabolism.

Anticancer Properties

Celery contains polyacetylene, a chemo-protective compound which have shown to help reduce toxins in the body and fights against cancer. Polyacetylynes together with flavanoid luteolin, have immune-boosting and tumor-fighting ability that can help in inhibiting growth of cancer cells.

Concerns on Celery

There is just one concern when it comes to celery consumption. Celery can be quite high in pesticide residue. This is why it is important to always choose fresh and organic celery because organic produce are not treated with pesticides.

What Experts Say About Celery

“Celery has never really enjoyed the starring role in dishes that other vegetables do. It’s not that celery isn’t worthy. The vegetable is inexpensive, stays fresh for weeks, has a mild and pleasing flavor, a nice crunch and is a great source of vitamins and fiber”. – Mark Sisson