Introduction
Celery is a vegetable of the Apiaceae family. It has been grown and used by humans for over 3000 years. It was first used by Greeks and Romans as medicine and was grown near the Mediterranean sea. Its inclusion in food as a vegetable started in 1600. Various types of celery are used as vegetables, such as leaf celery, pascal celery, and celeriac.
The long stalks and leaves are edible and can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days. In India, it is known as Ajmoda, consumed in raw and cooked form. It is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also a good source of phytonutrients, reducing the inflammation of organs. In addition, it is good for the digestive system. Dry leaves of celery can be used as a seasoning in various food items. It can also be consumed in seed, leaf, and juice forms. It contains various nutrients; however, it may provoke allergies in a particular group.
What Is Celery?
Celery is a plant that belongs to the Umbelliferae family or carrot family. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and grows as a marshland plant. It is cultivated as a vegetable for consumption. The celery plant has long, pale, firm, and green fibrous stalks used as edible ingredients. The plants grow in eight to ten bunches. The leaves and seeds are edible and taste mild, earthy, and slightly peppery.
What Are the Types of Celery?
The most commonly used Celery variety in the United States is the Pascal. The various types of celery are used in an edible form.
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Pascal Celery - Pascal celery also stalks celery. It is one of the most common and popularly used celery. It is usually grown in a hot and warm climate. The stalk is the edible part of celery. Common examples of pascal celery are golden boy, Monterey, and tall Utah.
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Celeriac - Celeriac is also known as celery root, knob, and turnip-rooted celery. It is similar to root vegetables and resembles a turnip. It is consumed in mashed or roasted form. It is also used as a garnisher in various dishes. Marble ball, tellus, and globus are commonly used in celeriac.
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Leaf Celery - It is a commonly used herb in European and Chinese cuisines. It is cultivated for the consumption of its leaves. Therefore, it is also known as Chinese celery. Commonly used leaf celeries are safe, and Par Cel. It is cooked or added in various recipes, such as pasta soup and stews.
What Is the Nutritional Content of Celery?
Celery contains a low amount of carbohydrates and less sugar. The glycemic index of raw celery is 35. It is naturally fat-free with a very minimal amount of fatty acids. It consists of low protein content. It is a good source of micronutrients such as potassium, folate, choline, and vitamins. It is rich in fiber content.
Following is the nutritional content of one medium stalk of celery.
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Calories - 5.6-kilo calories.
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Fats - 0.1 grams.
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Carbohydrate - 1.2 grams.
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Fiber - 0.6 grams.
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Sugar - 0.5 grams.
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Potassium - 104 milligrams.
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Protein - 0.3 grams.
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Sodium - 32 milligrams.
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Phosphorus - 9.6 milligrams.
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Vitamin A - 8.8 micrograms.
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Vitamin K -14.4 micrograms.
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Folate -14.4 micrograms.
What Are the Health Benefits of Celery?
Following are the various health benefits of celery as below.
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Antioxidants - Celeries are an excellent source of antioxidants. It is enriched with vitamin C, flavonoids, and beta-carotene. A single celery stalk contains twelve antioxidants that are beneficial for health. It is also a great source of phytonutrients. The celery's antioxidant property helps reduce inflammation and protects the cells from oxidative damage.
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Inflammation - Celery reduces the inflammation of various organs, the digestive system, and blood vessels. The celery seeds consist of anti-inflammatory compounds that protect the body from inflammation.
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Digestion - Celery improves the digestive system and benefits people with gastric issues. Pectin-based polysaccharides present in celery reduce gastric ulcers. It improves gastric lining by modulating the secretions in the stomach.
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Alkalizing Effect - Celery neutralizes acidic food containing iron, magnesium, and sodium content.
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Nutrition - Celery is nutrient-dense food as it contains a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is enriched with vitamins A, C, K, potassium, and folate. It contains a low amount of sodium which is beneficial for blood pressure and blood sugar level.
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Cancer Prevention - Celery reduces cancer risks as it is enriched with antioxidants. It contains apigenin and melatonin, which is a potent anticancer compound. It also has bioactive polyacetylenes, which prevent the formation of cancerous cells. It promotes cancerous cell death and free radical destruction.
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Memory - Celery prevents memory loss and promotes brain health. It contains a specific compound known as L-3 -n butylphthalide, which prevents Alzheimer's disease.
What Are the Side Effects of Celery?
There have been incidents of allergic reactions in people after using celery. It triggers the allergic reaction known as an anaphylactic reaction. It results in difficulty in breathing and swelling. Emergency medical care is required if there is serious trouble breathing in case the person is known to be allergic to celery content. Avoid celery and check the ingredient on food items for traces of celery to avoid allergic reactions. The risk of pesticides is also associated with celery. According to the Environment Working Group 2019 list, more than fifteen pesticides were found in the cultivation of celery. Therefore it should be washed well before use. Celery should also be avoided in pregnancy as it can result in uterine stimulation.
Conclusion
Celery is crunchy and a delicious vegetable. It brings great flavor to the diet and provides excellent health benefits. It is available in leaves and seeds extract form. And also can be consumed as a vegetable for diet or as a low-calorie snack. It is dense in its nutrient content and antioxidant properties. Therefore, it should be incorporated into the daily diet for a healthy lifestyle; however, it can trigger an allergy in certain individuals, causing an anaphylaxis reaction in certain people, resulting in swelling hives and difficulty breathing. Therefore, it is advised to consume this in moderation; this healthy vegetable should be part of the diet.
