Finding a vegetable that are low carb can be tough especially on a keto diet. When determining our weekly meals for this diet, we often search google for “is this keto?” This article was written for you, because I’ve been there, googling the same thing.
So, is celery keto-friendly? Yes, celery is keto. It contains a net carb of 0.6g per 1 medium stalk, making it the perfect low calorie, low carb addition to your array of keto-friendly foods.
The keto diet can be overwhelming. It isn’t like those diets that were popular in the early 2000s, where you got pretty packaged food delivered right to your door. The amount of Nutrisystem and Weight Watchers packaging that went through my house was intense, to say the least. This diet is made up of real, natural foods and recipes that you can make yourself or even order at a restaurant. So, where does celery fit in?
What is Celery?
Celery is a bright green, long, crunchy vegetable that looks like you cut a cylinder in half. It grows in wet, cool climates and takes about 140 days to grow. People across the world have cultivated celery for thousands of years and it shows up across cultures in different foods and herbal medicines.
Celery shows up recipes around the world in dishes of all different flavors and feels, especially in the Mediterranean and East Asia. Odds are, celery has probably spent some time on your grocery list, and those of people time zones away since long before we made grocery lists.
We see mentions of celery in ancient greek literature, with classics making reference to the plant. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey call out the plant in Troy and Calypso, showing the relevance of the plant beginning in ancient times.
The plant has traveled through time, adding to our cultures through meals and spreading to far corners of the globe. In today’s culture, it’s known for its lack of fat and ability to serve as a healthy substitute.
Celery is known by some as the “zero-calorie” food and while that’s not exactly true, it does contain very few. It’s rich in vitamins, phytonutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a light and healthy snack or addition to meals.
Nutrition Information
One medium stalk of celery contains:
6 calories
1.2g of carbs
0.3g of protein
0.6g of fiber
0.1g of fat
It is also:
Low in sodium
Gluten-free
Fat-free
Cholesterol-free
Top 7 Health Benefits of Celery
Celery is not just keto-friendly, it’s really, really good for you.
I grew up thinking celery was healthy because it was low-calorie. It wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I realized those two things were not necessarily the same thing. Celery is so much more than just low-calorie, it is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that allow it to aid the natural processes of our bodies.
Here are seven ways that celery can improve your health.
1. High in Antioxidants
First, celery is high in antioxidants which can reduce inflammation in your body, reducing your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Celery contains at least twelve different antioxidants including vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids.
2. Reduces Inflammation
Celery has over 20 anti-inflammatory compounds. Regular consumption can help prevent diseases such as arthritis, and support overall immune system health.
3. Supports Digestion
One cup of celery contains five grams of fiber, supporting digestion. Not to mention, the anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants allow the digestive tract to thrive.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
Celery is rich in phthalides, phytochemical that encourages increased blood flow by reducing inflammation and relaxing the body’s artery walls, decreasing blood pressure.
5. Supports Eye Health
We’ve all heard that eating carrots is good for your eyes. Well, eating celery is good for your eyes, too, as both veggies are a part of the Apiaceae family, both being rich in vitamin A. This vitamin encourages healthy eye tissue and helps them heal from daily strain faster, allowing less damage to occur.
6. Improves Learning and Memory
Celery contains a compound called luteolin which helps reduce inflammation in the brain, which can lead to improved learning and memory.
7. Supports Heart Health
Celery helps your heart by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, making it easier for blood to flow through your arteries and keep your heart healthy.
6 Healthy Keto Celery Recipes
Here are some of our favorite keto recipes that uses celery:
1. Baked Stuffed Celery Recipe with Goat Cheese & Basil
A super savory option for only 1 net carb per serving are these Baked Stuffed Celery Recipe with Goat Cheese & Basil will make you the life of the tailgate, or the dinner party, whichever suits your fancy.
2. Keto Stuffed Celery
Keto Stuffed Celery is another tasty option. It’s super easy to make with only celery, cream cheese, green olives, and cayenne pepper.
3. Low Carb Fennel and Cream of Celery Soup With Rotisserie Chicken
For a great keto soup option, consider this low-carb fennel and cream of celery soup with rotisserie chicken.
4. Celery Crunch Salad
This celery crunch salad makes for a super easy and delicious lunch option.
5. Low Carb Keto Ants on a Snow Covered Log
This is an adorable rendition of our childhood favorite Low Carb Keto Ants on a Snow-Covered Log.
6. Tropical Celery Smoothie
Last but not the least, this tropical smoothie lets you sneak in all of those good health benefits of celery into a delicious summer drink.
Celery FAQs
One medium-sized stalk of celery has 1.2 grams of carbs, and half of those carbs come from fiber.
There are 18 calories in one cup of celery, there is no such thing as food without calories.
Celery has many health benefits, including containing vitamin K, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and many other vitamins and minerals. It’s also a good source of fiber.
Firm green celery stalks are the best, as it goes bad, it becomes more white and soft. Fresh celery usually lasts 3-4 weeks past the printed purchase by date.
Celery juice can be bitter from the leaves. Even experts can’t describe the taste of celery, some say it takes like nothing, some say it tastes like water, and some just enjoy the crunch.
Celery helps aid weight loss because it can boost lipid metabolism, contains mainly water, is low in calories and high in the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function well.
Celery seeds have both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which can help aid in the healing of infections.
Yes, you can have celery on a keto diet. It contains a net carb of 0.6g per 1 medium stalk, making it the perfect low calorie, low carb addition to your array of keto-friendly foods.
Additional Facts About Celery
- When buying celery at your local grocery store, make sure the stalks are firm and the color is green.
- Chop celery just before you use it, if you chop it and then store it, it could lose some of the rich properties that make it so good for you.
- While celery may stay “okay to eat” for a while in the fridge, it’s most nutritious within 5-7 days.
- We’re used to just eating the stalks of celery, but if you can find a way to sneak the leaves into a smoothie or any other recipe, you’ll get even more of the benefits from the vitamins it contains.
Conclusion
To wrap up, celery is keto, celery is good for you, and there are delicious keto recipes that you can make using it. Celery has made its way into our diets as humans for thousands of years. It can offer a yummy, healthy, and keto alternative to crunchy options like chips or french fries, add vitamins to your morning smoothie, or just be a great addition to salads.
Pinnable
If you find this article helpful, then please share it by pinning the pinnable below under your Keto Diet board!
