Celery has gained popularity as a health food, with many social media posts claiming it can “cleanse the blood, skin, kidneys, liver, and pancreas in one shot.” While celery is certainly a nutritious vegetable, these claims are exaggerated. Your liver and kidneys naturally detoxify your body, and no single food or drink can replace those functions.
However, adding celery to a balanced diet can contribute to overall health thanks to its vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and high water content.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Celery?
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a low-calorie vegetable rich in water, fiber, vitamins, and beneficial plant compounds. Every part of the plant—including the stalks and leaves—is edible.
Celery contains:
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A (from beta-carotene)
- Folate
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Natural antioxidants