Celery is often underestimated. It is very low in kilojoules, but it provides vitamin K, potassium, folate, vitamin C and fibre, along with antioxidant compounds such as apigenin and luteolin.
Wellness
Hydration Celery is around 95% water, making it a crunchy way to top up your fluids.
Bone health Celery is a good source of vitamin K, needed for healthy bones and normal blood clotting.
Heart health Celery provides potassium and fibre, and contains compounds called phthalides that researchers are studying for their effects on blood pressure. It is a great salt-free way to add flavour to stocks and soups.
Digestive health The fibre in celery stalks helps keep you regular.
Antioxidants Apigenin, luteolin and other flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies.
A note on celery juice Celery juice has become very trendy, with claims that it “detoxes” and “alkalises” the body. Your liver and kidneys do the detoxing, and diet doesn’t change your blood pH, but celery juice is still a hydrating, low-kilojoule drink.
Beauty
Hydration from the inside Water-rich foods like celery support well-hydrated, healthy-looking skin.
Hair rinse A traditional rinse of strained celery water with a squeeze of lemon is a fun DIY final rinse for shine.
Weight management
A large stalk of celery has only around 40 kJ (10 calories), and its crunch and fibre make it a satisfying snack, especially filled with a little nut butter or labna.
Cooking with celery
Sous vide baby celery bunches in vegetable stock with whole garlic cloves, black pepper until tender serve in its juice with shaved truffle as a dish on its own or a delectable side
Simply braise in some chicken stock, pumpkin, black sesame, fennel seeds and lemon zest for a fresh and comforting winter vegetable dish
Make a fantastic celery vinegar which can be added to dressings
Add to sauerkraut and pickled with black peppercorns and dill
Apple and celery Waldorf style salsa Celery including some young leaves, granny smith apples, shallots and walnuts, toss in a mustard, cider vinegar, sour cream and grape seed oil dressing.
Celery soup is a favorite, team celery with onion, buckwheat groats, a few celery seeds, miso, add a big dollop of coriander, lime, peanut pesto, finish with young leaves
Saute celery with garlic, lima beans, cumin, capers flat leaf parsley and chicken stock, puree and serve with steamed fish
Detoxifying and refreshing, celery juice re hydrates and alkalizes the body. It is perfect for mixing with other vegetables and fruits, like broccoli, apple, carrots and beetroot.
Fill delectable stalks with Labna (yoghurt cheese) slithered roasted almonds, pistachio nuts, currants and shredded baby spinach make a scrumptious snack
Fast fact
“Its great to grow in the garden, just cut a stem as you need for stocks and soups, leaving the base to continue to grow in the garden”
This article is general information about food and wellbeing, not medical advice. Please talk to your GP or a qualified health professional about any health condition, medication or major change to your diet.
