You won’t find many people who’ll claim to love celery. Rarely the star of the show, you’ll probably only eat it if it’s tucked away in turkey stuffing, or you might enjoy just a couple of bites with buffalo wings and lots of ranch. Despite its unfavorable reputation, celery should be a regular item on your grocery list. Why? This crunchy, watery vegetable offers powerful health benefits. Here are some facts about celery you probably didn’t know.
What are the health benefits of celery?
#1. Anti-inflammatory benefits: Celery contains non-starch polysaccharides, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits. This includes protecting the digestive tract from inflammation.
#2. Antioxidants: It is rich in phytonutrients, which reduce oxidative damage to body fats and blood vessel walls.
#3. Vitamins and Minerals: It contains a long list of vitamins and minerals, but it is especially high in Vitamin K and molybdenum. Vitamin K is an important nutrient that plays an essential role in blood clotting, as well as bone and heart health. Molybdenum is a mineral that helps activate enzymes that prevent toxins from building up in the body. These enzymes also help break down harmful sulfites.
What is the best way to eat celery?
If you’re going to commit to eating more of it, you might as well get the most out of it! Like most veggies, the best way to eat celery is to buy and eat it fresh. This means eating it within five to seven days. Studies show that celery older than a week may reduce its phenolic antioxidants. Keep it whole (meaning unchopped) when you store it in the refrigerator to preserve its maximum nutrient potential. To prepare it, you can either eat it raw or steam it. Blanching or boiling it can cause you to lose almost half the antioxidants, but you won’t lose much by steaming it for ten minutes.
How do you get your child to eat veggies? Read Hospitality Health ER’s blog for a few tips. For more family health care topics, join our active online community by liking our Facebook page.
