Benefits of Celery

Celery (Apium graveolens) is an edible plant that is used primarily as a vegetable. The stalk is the most commonly eaten portion of the plant. The root and seeds are also eaten. The benefits of celery are many.

When added to the diet, celery is a source of fiber and vitamin C. Celery is also a source of vitamins B1, B2 and B6. Celery provides potassium, calcium and folic acid.

Celery is often used as a garnish for dishes. It is also used in cooking to flavor soups and stews. Celery plays a big role in traditional French and Cajun cooking. All of the celery plant is edible. The seeds are used by themselves as seasoning or ground and mixed with salt to make celery salt. Celery salt is a key ingredient for Chicago-style hot dogs.

Celery is extremely low in calories. In fact, the number of calories necessary to digest celery is thought to outweigh the number of calories consumed. Celery is an excellent source of high bulk fiber. High bulk fiber is a component of many weight-loss diet plans. Snacking on celery stalks is said to curb the appetite. Celery juice is also said to be an appetite suppressant. Celery juice is often used as an after-workout electrolyte replacement drink, because of its naturally occurring high levels of sodium and potassium.

Celery is used in homeopathic medicine. It is thought to aid in lowering blood pressure and to aid in promoting vascular health. Some suffers of migraine headaches find relief in consuming celery or its juice.

Celery seeds are pressed, and its oil is used as an ingredient for perfume.