Celery is a vegetable that can be added to salads, recipes or eaten by itself as a low-calorie snack. Cooked or served fresh, the veggie contains many health benefits.
Calories, Fat and Cholesterol
One cup of chopped celery contains 20 calories and no fat. The vegetable contains no cholesterol and, therefore, is a heart-friendly snack.
Vitamins and Minerals
A cup of celery contains 4 percent of the daily recommendation for sodium and is very low in sugar. Celery contains vitamin C, which helps the immune system fight and prevent illness. As a source of potassium and magnesium, celery may also help lower blood pressure.
Fiber
Celery can boost your fiber intake; one cup provides about 2 grams (g) of fiber, which helps regularity and helps prevent diabetes and other chronic conditions.
Compounds
Celery contains coumarin and phthalides. Coumarin helps prevent cancer and phthalides relax muscles around the arteries and help lower blood pressure.
Alernative Medicine
While there is no scientific research to back the claims that celery has medicinal purposes, its seeds are sometimes used in alternative medicine. Celery seeds are used to treat water retention, arthritis, flu and colds.
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