Celery is a vegetable that is often consumed for its health benefits. Some people believe that celery has an acidic effect on the body, while others believe it has an alkaline effect.
So, which is it? The answer may surprise you.
Celery has Both Acidic and Alkaline Properties
Celery actually has both an acidic and alkaline effect on the body. This is because celery contains both acid and alkaline compounds. This means that the overall effect of celery on the body is neutralizing.
What is the pH of Celery?
The pH of celery ranges from 5.70 to 6.00. This means that celery is seemingly acidic. However, the acidity of celery is not enough to have a significant effect on the body.
In fact, consuming celery can actually help to alkalize the body and reduce inflammation. Therefore, despite its seemingly acidic nature, celery is actually a healthy vegetable that offers numerous benefits.
Celery is a well-known alkaline-forming food, which means that it can help to neutralize acids in the body. This is important because too much acid in the body can lead to a variety of health problems, including indigestion, joint pain, and fatigue.
While there are many ways to reduce acidity in the body, eating celery is an easy and delicious way to get started. In addition to its alkalizing effects, celery is also a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients that can support overall health.
How Does Consuming Celery Affect the Body?
Celery is often consumed for its health benefits. Some of these benefits include:
Celery Is Low in Calories and Nutrients
Celery is very low in calories, with just six calories per cup (100 grams). It’s also low in carbs and protein, and it doesn’t contain any fat.
However, this doesn’t mean that celery is devoid of nutrients.
In fact, it’s a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and folate. This means it is a great, healthy food for people looking to lose weight!
Celery Is a Wonderful Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Celery is a crunchy, refreshing vegetable that is often used as a low-calorie snack or as a versatile ingredient in cooking. But celery is more than just a healthy food choice; it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Celery is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium. Vitamin A in celery helps to keep eyes and skin healthy, while vitamin C boosts immunity, and vitamin K helps with blood clotting. The folate in celery is important for pregnant women as it helps to prevent birth defects. And the potassium in celery can help to regulate blood pressure.
Celery Contains Antioxidants
In addition to being a tasty addition to any meal, celery also contains antioxidants that can help protect the body from damage. These antioxidants work by scavenging harmful molecules known as free radicals.
Free radicals are naturally produced in the body, but they can also be generated by exposure to environmental toxins like cigarette smoke and UV radiation. Over time, free radical damage can lead to serious health problems like cancer and heart disease.
Fortunately, the antioxidants in celery can help to offset this damage and promote overall health.
Celery Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Celery has long been valued for its nutritional properties, and recent research has shown that it also has the potential to fight inflammation. Inflammation is an important part of the body’s immune response, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to numerous serious health problems.
Several studies have shown that celery extract can help to reduce inflammation in a variety of cell types. In one study, celery extract was found to be particularly effective at reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human immune cells. Additionally, animal studies have shown that celery extract can help to reduce inflammation in the gut, joints, and skin.
These findings suggest that celery may be a valuable natural remedy for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, dermatitis, and Crohn’s disease.
Celery Can Help Improve Digestion
Celery has a number of properties that help improve digestion:
- Celery contains high levels of fiber and water, both of which are essential for keeping the digestive tract moving.
- In addition, celery is a good source of prebiotics, which help to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
- And finally, the dietary nitrates in celery have been shown to relax the muscles lining the gut, helping to relieve cramps and bloating.
These properties make celery a great food to eat if you’re suffering from constipation, diarrhea, or other digestive issues.
Celery Has a Low Glycemic Index
The glycemic index is the measure of how quickly blood sugar levels rise after eating a particular food. Foods with a high glycemic index, such as candy or white bread, cause a dramatic spike in blood sugar levels. As opposed to foods with a low glycemic index, such as celery, which are slowly absorbed by the body and cause only a small increase in blood sugar.
The glycemic index is important for people with diabetes, who must carefully regulate their blood sugar levels. However, it is also relevant for everyone else, as high blood sugar levels can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
For this reason, incorporating low-glycemic foods like celery into your diet is a good way to maintain your energy levels during the day.
For more information check out: Propieties and benefits of Celery.
The Bottom Line
Celery is a healthy, low-calorie food that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It has a number of benefits for digestion, weight loss, and heart health. Celery can also be used to regulate blood sugar levels. Celery is also relatively alkaline, which may help to balance the body’s pH levels. However, more research is needed to verify this effect.
If you’re looking to add more vegetables to your diet, celery is a great option. It’s easy to add to salads, soups, and stir-fries, or you can eat it on its own as a healthy snack.