If you're looking for a low-calorie snack or ingredient for your dish, 1 oz of celery with salt, drained, cooked, and boiled has only 5 calories. But the benefits of celery go way beyond its calorie count.

Celery is a good source of fiber, vitamin K, and potassium. It also contains small amounts of folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Studies suggest that celery may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may help with digestion and reducing blood pressure.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional profile of celery, how to cook and store celery, and some delicious and healthy celery recipes to try.

Calories in 1 oz celery

As mentioned earlier, 1 oz of celery with salt, drained, cooked, and boiled has only 5 calories. This makes it a great low-calorie snack or addition to your meals. Raw celery has slightly fewer calories (about 3 calories per 1 oz), but cooked celery can be easier to digest and may have a softer texture, depending on how it's cooked.

Benefits of eating celery

Celery is loaded with nutrients and has been linked to various health benefits. Some potential benefits of consuming celery include reducing inflammation, supporting digestion, improving heart health, and promoting skin health. Celery is also a great source of antioxidants, which may help protect your cells from damage.

What are the nutrients in celery?

Celery is a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and support healthy digestion. It also contains vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health, as well as potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure. Other nutrients in celery include folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C, although in smaller amounts.

How to cook celery?

Celery can be cooked in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and the dish you're making. Some options include boiling, steaming, roasting, and stir-frying. To boil celery, simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and cook in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until it's tender. If you're roasting celery, toss it in olive oil and your seasoning of choice, and roast at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's lightly browned and crispy.

How to store celery?

To keep celery fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to 2 weeks. To keep celery from getting wilted or soggy, you can try placing it in a container filled with water (like a vase) and covering it with a plastic bag or lid. This will help keep the celery crisp and hydrated.

Difference between raw and cooked celery

Raw and cooked celery have slightly different textures and nutritional profiles. Raw celery is crunchy and has a slightly peppery flavor, while cooked celery is softer and may have a milder taste. However, cooking celery can make some of its nutrients more available and easier to digest. Ultimately, whether you choose to eat raw or cooked celery depends on your personal preferences and the dish you're making.

Can celery help with weight loss?

Celery is a low-calorie and high-fiber food, which can make it a good choice for weight loss. Eating foods that are high in fiber and low in calories can help you feel full and satisfied without consuming excessive amounts of calories. However, it's important to remember that weight loss is ultimately about creating a calorie deficit, which means burning more calories than you consume. While celery can be a helpful addition to a weight loss plan, it's not a magic solution on its own.

Celery juice health benefits

Celery juice has become a trendy health drink in recent years, with some people claiming it has a wide range of health benefits. Some potential health benefits of celery juice include reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and supporting detoxification. However, the scientific evidence for these claims is limited, and more research is needed to determine the true health effects of drinking celery juice.

Celery and hypertension

Some studies suggest that celery may have a blood pressure-lowering effect and may be beneficial for people with hypertension (high blood pressure). However, more research is needed to determine the true extent of celery's effects on blood pressure, and whether it's a reliable treatment for hypertension. If you're concerned about your blood pressure or have been diagnosed with hypertension, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive management plan.

Low-calorie celery snacks

Celery is a versatile ingredient in recipes and also makes a great low-calorie snack on its own. Some healthy and delicious celery snack ideas include filling celery sticks with nut butter, cream cheese, or hummus, or chopping up celery and adding it to a salad or stir-fry. You can also make a tasty and refreshing celery and apple slaw with thinly sliced celery, apples, and a simple dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and honey.