Celery has a number of good things going for it, but perhaps the most well known fact about celery is how low in calories it is. One cup of chopped celery yields about 16 calories (about 6 calories per stalk). This makes celery a favorite of many who are trying to cut back on calories.
Celery is an excellent source of vitamin K, a vitamin used in the body for blood clotting. Some studies have shown that vitamin K may also be helpful for maintaining healthy bones in older adults. Celery is also a good source of vitamin A and folate (a nutrient important for women of child bearing age).
While shopping for produce, look for celery that is firm and rigid, without blemishes or a wilted appearance. Celery keeps well in a plastic bag stored in the refrigerator for a week or two. If you don't make it to your celery in time and find it a little softer than you'd like, simply slice off a little off the bottom of the stalks and place them sliced side down in a glass of water. Just like a wilted flower straightens up when watered, so will your celery.
Want more celery in your diet?
Try one of these simple suggestions to help you bring the benefits of celery to your plate.
Chop, dice or slice it and add it into...
- salsa
- stir-fry
- stuffing
- egg rolls
- casseroles
- a green salad
- soups and stews
- rice or couscous
- potato or macaroni saled
- chicken or tuna salad sandwiches
- dipped in low-fat ranch
- filled with hummus or cheese
- filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins for a childhood favorite, "Ants on a Log"
Celery Soup
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