Whether you eat it or turn it into juice, celery is a vegetable that you should try to eat every day. You will reap all the health benefits that it had to offer. It is high in electrolytes, vitamins, and fiber and can be an easy addition to your meals. Here is what happens to your body if you begin to add celery to your diet.
Your Body Will Be Hydrated
Celery is a source of electrolytes, it will help move water into your cells to naturally hydrate you, according to Caroline Thomas, RDN. Eating celery every day as a snack can help you reach the sufficient amount of water intake that your body needs for the day. Electrolytes are important when you are exercising, celery can become a great pre-workout snack with your water for added hydration as you exercise.
Helps You Burn Calories
According to Endi Prayi, B.S., the calories of celery itself are ignored, since some evidence shows that it may burn more calories than it has. It is often called a negative caloric superfood. It is important to remember to eat it in moderation because your body may not be used to the high-fiber diet. Celery is high in fiber which plays a key role in losing weight, says Prayi. Eating plenty of fiber will keep you full longer, which will help suppress your appetite and help you lose weight.
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
According to Luke Laffin, MD, celery contains a phytochemical called phthalides. It relaxes the tissues of the artery walls to increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Eating celery is best to reap this benefit. Celery stalk salt content is low, and the fiber, magnesium, and potassium in it will help regulate your blood pressure, according to Laffin. To get the benefit, you should eat roughly four stalks – one cup chopped – of celery daily.
Helps Your Digestion
Celery has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients that offer protection to the entire digestive tract, it also has great benefits to the stomach with pectin-based polysaccharides that decreases instances of stomach ulcers, improves the lining of the stomach, and modulate stomach secretions, according to Natalie Butler, RD. Along with the high water content and fiber, it supports a healthy digestive tract. According to Butler, one cup of celery sticks has 5 grams of dietary fiber.
It Reduces Inflammation
Celery is high in various plant compounds called phytonutrients, which help reduce inflammation, according to Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD. These compounds act as antioxidants, which help lower oxidative stress, which occurs when unstable molecules called free radicals accumulate in your body, says Davidson. Including vegetables like celery can help lower rates of chronic ailments, like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Eating celery every day can also help boost your skin health.
