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Thursday, August 1, 2019

Awesome Reasons to Eat Celery with Prep Ideas

Benefits of Celery and Serving Suggestions


You may not realize it, but adding celery to your food plan is simple and healthy, and its wellness benefits are so awesome you'll be glad you saw this post.


Research shows celery lowers the risk of developing certain forms of cancer, and reduces the risk from a host of other diseases and health concerns. 


Updated 7/30/2022


Improved well-being is achievable, if you develop a healthy lifestyle that  includes exercise, stress reduction techniques, and a whole food plant-based eating plan. 


Celery stalks and leaves have numerous medicinal properties. Select celery fresh from a local market, your home garden, or farmer's market.


Celery is part of the "green" family of vegetables and a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6.



Why is Celery Healthy?


Celery contains an anti-cancer compound (apigenin) that reduces risk of lung cancer and shows promising signs it may kill breast cancer cells as well.


Further investigation indicates celery may help reduce symptoms of Arthritis (RA).



To help lower high blood pressure eat celery. It contains a phytochemical called phthalides that relaxes the tissues of the artery walls to increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure.


A compound in celery, apiuman, can decrease instances of stomach ulcers, and improves the lining of the stomach. 


Some people ingest a therapeutic grade celery seed essential oil to enhance heart health and for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 


Word of warning: Check with your medical professional before taking any new supplement or food. Go slow when changing your diet, and check with your provider before you begin. Posts on this site are offered for informational purposes, and not offered as medical advice.


Celery is 95% water. This makes it low calorie and hydrating, with only 16 calories per cup. 


It's cleansing as well. With a combo of soluble and insoluble fiber, each cup contains 6 % of the daily requirement for fiber. See more about the nutritional breakdown here.


It's interesting to note, as celery travels through your digestive tract, its fiber feeds good gut bacteria, and aids digestion and elimination. 


Fiber-rich vegetables including celery help reduce bloat caused by food that hasn’t worked its way through your intestines. 


Celery contains minerals, especially magnesium, potassium, and calcium that improve bone health.  


Celery contains a plant-based form of sodium, one that is easily absorbed and essential to good health.


Ways to Eat More Celery


One folk remedy suggests you eat a celery-based snack a few hours before bedtime. This may relax you and promote sounder sleep.


This writer makes it a point to consume at least 2 stalks of raw celery every few days. You can too. Munch on it au naturel or with hummus, guacamole, or nut butter.


Food Tips, Serving Ideas for Celery



Make sure to purchase and eat organic celery, since conventionally grown celery is on the dirty dozen list. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reviews fruits and vegetables each year and lists those that contain the highest levels of pesticide residues.


Savor celery stalks, leaves, and celery seeds blended into your favorite casserole dish, stew, or roasted veggie medley. Cooking celery makes it taste sweeter, than when it's served raw.



Vary the way you prepare this veggie; chop, dice, slice, or cut into chunks and include it in sauces, chili, soups, and a crudités platter.


Check for recipes online or in cookbooks. Favorite ways I serve it are raw, steamed, or roasted. 


Try your hand at making a crisp, crunchy, fresh-tasting veggie salad with a rainbow of colors that's pleasing to the eye and palette. 



Recipe for Chickpea/Celery Salad on a Bed of Tossed Greens


1. Use the chopping blade in a food processor to chop celery, a drained can of chickpeas, carrots, red cabbage, zucchini, red pepper, onion, 2 T. lemon juice, and 2T. extra virgin olive oil. 

2. Grate 2 cloves garlic and a 1/2 slice of fresh ginger and add that too. 

3. Season with your favorite herbs and spices. Mine are parsley, oregano, basil, black pepper, sage, and thyme.




See Chickpea/Celery Salad on a bed of tossed green salad right below.



Salad that features celery

Top this salad with a vegan bean, garlic, and ginger salad dressing, and sprig of celery leaf. This combo shows off celery's subtle, but juicy flavor. 



Thinking of juicy? Multi-vegetable smoothies that include celery are loaded with vitamins and minerals and provide quick energy and satisfy thirst. 


Eastern medicine has used celery for thousands of years to treat bronchitis, skin disorders, nervousness, and the flu. 


Don't you think it's time for modern medical practitioners to recommend it and folks like us to eat more celery? 


Before you go, please comment below. 💓


Did you discover something new about celery? 

Are you willing to add more of it to your food plan? 

Do you have info about celery's health benefits I didn't mention? Please let me know.

I appreciate and read every comment, but do not publish them, if you add links. Thanks for understanding.

Spread the word by re-sharing on social media, and please credit me with a link back to this post.
 💓




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42 comments:

  1. I always thought celery had not much food value. Thanks for educating me !

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    1. So glad you learned something new. I did too, when I was writing this post. It's healthy to keep on learning new things as we age. It keeps the brain cells happy. Have a good day and thanks for the visit.

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  2. I'm already a big fan of celery and eat it often. I include it in my salads, soups, stews, and even stir fries!

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    1. Thanks for the comment. So glad you are a big fan of celery Carol. Have a wonderful weekend and lead a colorful life.

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  3. Thanks so much for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 40!

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    1. Love to participate so it's my pleasure. Thanks so much for hosting. Have a great day and celebrate the moment.

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  4. Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 3! Shared.

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    1. Thanks Dee. Think the idea of running a month long blog party is a wonderful idea and thanks so much for hosting.

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  5. Nancy,
    This was a wonderfully informative post on celery! Who knew how beneficial it is for us. I like celery but don't use enough of it. I'll be thinking about ways to include more of it in my daily routines. thanks for a great post Nancy..

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    1. Thanks Judee for the visit and comment. I didn't know some of these health benefits either, until I researched the subject. As I discovered...celery is awesome! Have a great weekend Judee.

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  6. good to know! I eat celery every single day, but not the organic kind. I'll have to look into switching.

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    1. Thanks Amy Johnson for the comment and visit. have a wonderful weekend.

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  7. I did learn some new things about celery, Nancy. I assumed it was good for me, because it's a green vegetable, but I didn't know all the ways celery is good for me. I like it with humus or nut butter. I also like celery chopped up to add extra crunch to a salad or in soup. Thanks for linking up with #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I will share on social media.

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    1. My pleasure to link up at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. Thanks for hosting. Celery is certainly a powerhouse veggie, one I use as often as I can. Have a beautiful weekend and enjoy.

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  8. I learned some things about celery today! Even though I don't prepare and eat it often, you've given me inspiration to add it to my shopping list :)

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    1. Thanks for your comment Candi and visit too. I put celery into almost everything, especially since learning it's so healthy! Have a great day and eat celery.

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  9. I've never really thought of celery having any health benefits before. And I rarely buy it unless an dish required it and then the rest would most likely linger too long to be safe to eat. But now I am seeing celery in a whole new light. I don't think I've ever noticed organic celery in my market but will certainly be on the look out for it. TFS

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    1. Thanks Clearissa for the comment and visit. More and more markets are offering organic produce. If you don't see it, ask the dept. manager to get it. That way it will be more readily available to everyone. Have an amazing day.

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  10. Great advice and I'll look for organic next time!

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  11. Thanks Debbie the comment and visit. Wishing you a happy 4th year blog anniversary and have a lovely day.

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  12. I enjoy eating celery raw, in salads and in casseroles, but I never knew of the goodness and benefits! Thanks so much. Sharing for #mlstl

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    1. Wonderful that you already eat celery in so many ways. Thanks for the visit Deb. Isn't #MLSTL grand?

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  13. I'm not a huge fan of celery - I enjoy it with a dip or included in a salad, but I don't like it in soups or smoothies. I didn't know about the benefits of buying organic - I think in Australia ours is locally grown so we should be fairly safe.
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I've shared on my SM :)

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    1. Thanks Leanne for the visit, comment, and SM shares. Appreciate your honesty. Hope in your retirement you'll find many things that bring you joy. Thanks for sharing. As I mentioned above...I think #MLSTL is grand and thanks for hosting.

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  14. I love crunching into a fresh stick of celery, Nancy but wasn't aware of all the health benefits that you have mentioned. I also like that it is so versatile and can be included in many meals and snacks. Thanks for sharing at #MLSTL and have a fabulous day. x

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    1. Love to participate in #MLSTL and thanks for hosting. I learn such interesting things and get food to thought from the other bloggers. Thanks for the visit Sue and have a wonderful weekend.

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  15. Replies
    1. Thanks Beth for the visit and comment. Wishing you a beautiful weekend.

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  16. I love celery and eat it almost daily! Your healthy eating knowledge is awesome! Shared.

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    1. Thanks Dee for the visit and comment. I love celery as well. The research I did for this post made me feel joyful and well informed. Have a great weekend. Hugs, Nan

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  17. I'm a celery fan, but because I'm a low-carb eater, I dip mine in dill vegetable dip! Yummy

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    1. Thanks Sally for the visit and comment. Sounds like a wonderful idea to use a dill dip with celery. Happy munching and have a beautiful day.

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  18. I am a big fan of celery and your salad looks so tasty--thanks for sharing with Souper Sundays this week. It's nice to have you back! ;-)

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    1. Thanks Deb for the visit and comment. Souper Sundays is such fun...and it's my pleasure to participate. Have a beautiful day, munch on celery, and be well.

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  19. Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party - Have a great week.

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    1. Thanks Helen for the What's for Dinner Party and Wish you a Beautiful Week.

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  20. I love celery and can eat it every day.
    Thank you from your Vroom Vroom Team for sharing your links with us at #262 SSPS Linky. Please check back weekly to see if featured on the blog post or by any of the co-hosts.

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    1. Thanks Esme for your kind words. It's my pleasure to attend your fun blog party, #262 SSPS Linky. Have a beautiful day.

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  21. I love celery. I eat it plain or load a stalk with something like hummus or even egg salad. The salad you shared looks wonderful!

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    1. Thanks so much Carol for the visit and comment. I spread almond butter on my celery and it makes a yummy snack. Wishing you a good day.

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  22. Hi Nancy, celery is always in our fridge, organic of course due to the sprays. Perfect for that crunch factor in snacking but also it goes great with just about everything. Thanks for sharing with SSPS, have a great week ahead.

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    1. Thanks Melynda for the kind words and visit. Have a great weekend and be well.

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