Celery

This versatile vegetable deserves to be in your arsenal when cooking. Choosing and storing it properly can significantly impact its freshness and longevity. So, here are some useful tips how to do it:

Look for Firm Stalks: Choose celery with crisp, firm stalks. They should snap easily when pulled apart.

Check the Leaves: The leaves should be fresh and green, not yellow or brown. Livelier leaves often indicate fresher celery.

Refrigerate Immediately: This vegetable should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its crispness.

Use a Produce Bag: Wrap it in a plastic bag or a damp paper towel, then place it in a plastic bag. This helps maintain moisture without making the plant too wet.

Do Not Chop Prematurely: Chop celery only when you're ready to cook or eat it to preserve its nutritional content. Nutrients in it diminish a few hours after chopping and storing.

Try the Leaves: These are rich in calcium, potassium and vitamin C. It's best to eat them within one or two days after buying.

Although they may sound similar, these two forms are quite different! Celery seed refers to the tiny seeds harvested from wild celery plants, valued for their bold, concentrated flavor and traditional use in herbal remedies, especially for supporting digestion and reducing inflammation. Celery salt, by contrast, is a seasoning blend — typically a mixture of ground celery seeds and salt — used to add a savory, slightly peppery flavor to dishes like salads, soups and cocktails. While the seeds deliver pure herbal strength and wellness benefits, the salt blend offers a convenient way to enjoy the distinct taste of celery in everyday cooking. Both have their unique place: one shines in herbal and supplement use, while the other is a flavorful staple in the kitchen.

This plant is excellent for supporting hydration due to its exceptionally high water content. Consisting of about 95% water, it is one of the most hydrating vegetables you can consume. This high water content plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid balance, which is essential for various physiological functions, including temperature regulation, joint lubrication and nutrient transportation. Celery benefits for skin also stand out, as its hydrating properties help promote a healthy, supple and radiant complexion. In addition to its water content, this plant provides a balance of minerals and electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, which are important for hydration. These electrolytes help regulate fluid balance in the body and ensure proper functioning of the muscles and nerves.

Celery contains a variety of antioxidants that collectively contribute to its health benefits [9]. These antioxidants include:

Flavonoids:

• Apigenin: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Luteolin: Offers neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Quercetin: Helps in reducing inflammation and has been studied for its potential in combating certain diseases.

Phenolic Acids:

• Caffeic Acid: Known for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects.
• Ferulic Acid: Exhibits antioxidant properties and is also known for its ability to fight free radicals.
• p-Coumaric Acid: Has potent antioxidant properties.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): A well-known antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.

Beta-Carotene: A type of carotenoid that the body converts into vitamin A, essential for vision, immunity, and overall health.

Vitamin E: Another powerful antioxidant that plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative stress.

Manganese: A trace mineral that acts as a cofactor in various enzymatic antioxidant systems in the body.</p

Selenium: A mineral that contributes to antioxidant defense systems and overall health.

These antioxidants work together to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and protect against various chronic diseases. Their combined presence in celery makes it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Unlike raw or cooked celery, celery juice offers a more concentrated and easily absorbable form of the plant’s nutrients [10], [11]. When juiced, it delivers a quick boost of hydration, minerals, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream without the fiber slowing absorption. This makes it ideal for supporting digestion, calming inflammation, and promoting skin health more quickly. While eating whole celery is excellent for fiber intake and digestive support, juicing allows the body to access a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals, and active compounds like apigenin and luteolin. Other forms of celery supplements, such as powders and extracts, are also highly beneficial, offering a convenient, shelf-stable way to enjoy the plant’s wellness properties.

1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-celery
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/celery-juice-for-weight-loss 
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5871295/ 
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/health-benefits-of-celery
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8929158/ 
6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270678 
7. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-celery
8. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/celery-juice-cleanse 
9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11012540/ 
10. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/celery-juice-is-a-trendy-detox-drink-but-does-it-actually-have-benefits 
11. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324932