National Fresh Celery Month Encourages Consumption

By Brandi Swieter

April has been deemed National Fresh Celery Month. While not as many people eat celery regularly that health officials would like, the national month does encourage some additional consumption. Everyone should be sure to add more celery to their diet, as the vegetable offers many benefits.

A Low-Calorie Snack

When people want a snack, they tend to go for the sugary or salty foods. These contain far too many calories and have little to no health benefits. Celery is a great snack option because it’s very low in calories. A full cup of chopped up celery has only 16 calories, while a medium stalk has just six. Adding a little peanut butter or veggie dip won’t do much harm with an already nearly non-existent calorie count.

Reducing Inflammation

Those who experience inflammation and pain can use celery as a way to combat it. The apigenin found in celery has been found to reduce inflammation, improve immunity, and even fight cancer. It would take regular consumption of celery to get such important benefits.

Vitamin K Count

Carrots are well-liked for their Vitamin K, yet celery has an even higher amount. Just one serving of celery has more than 29 mcg of Vitamin K. This nutrient helps transport calcium through the body, allows the body to heal from injuries faster, and improves bone health. It’s a very vital part of the diet that people can gain from eating just a few stalks of celery each week.

Abundance of Antioxidants

Celery contains a number of antioxidants in each stalk, helping the body fight off cancer and other disease. With plenty of fighting power, people can use celery to improve their health overall. The bad cells in the body get killed off with the help of antioxidants, making them highly necessary to any diet.

Overflowing with Folate

Folate is often used to treat anemia, as it improves levels of iron in the body. Expectant mothers are among the largest group of people who need extra folate in their diets. Celery has plenty of the nutrient, with 36 mcg in just one serving. Pregnant women and anyone else with low iron levels should consume more celery to see improved levels.

Consuming more celery and other green veggies should be a goal for everyone. The vegetable has many health benefits that people can reap if only they add more to their diet. Spread on some peanut butter or use a veggie dip to enhance the flavor if that will make it easier to eat. And don't be afraid to eat celery every month of the year.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

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