Is Celery Bad For You?
Also Known As: Apium graveolens
Short answer
Celery is only bad for you if you have a celery allergy, in which case it should be avoided. However, celery contains a variety of nutrients that are very beneficial to your health, and should be included in your diet.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
It is often overlooked in the produce aisle of the grocery store, but celery packs a healthy punch that should no longer be ignored. Being as versatile as it is (you can eat it in soups, salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and in cocktails!)-- and so long as you do not have a celery allergy, there is no excuse not to include it in your diet!
Celery is loaded with antioxidants including vitamin C, flavonoids, and phenolic nutrients. These help protect your cells, tissues, and organs from oxidative damage-- an overabundance of free radicals in the body that can lead to the development of illnesses such as cancer. The antioxidant content in celery also helps combat inflammation all throughout your body, thereby preventing inflammatory issues in the digestive tract, joint pain, and even acne. Due to the reduced inflammation and antioxidant support, celery also acts against the development of cardiovascular disease.
Perhaps the most well-known fact about celery is that it has a high water content. This means it is great for relieving constipation and for keeping you hydrated. Celery also contains about a third of your daily recommended intake of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in both bone health and blood clotting, as well as small amounts of many other nutrients that allow celery to lower your blood pressure, act as a diuretic, and reduce "bad" cholesterol. Finally, at only 16 calories per cup, it is a very low-calorie snack option for those looking to lose or manage their weight. One concern about celery is that it can cause itching and swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips and throat in individuals with a celery allergy, which is often associated with pollen allergy. In extreme cases, there have been reports of anaphylactic shock after its consumption. However, this is rare and so long as no symptoms have been noticed then celery is perfectly safe to eat, and should be eaten to gain all of its wonderful benefits.
Possible short-term side effects
- itching and swelling of oral cavity
- anaphylactic shock
- worsening of diarrhea
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- keeps you hydrated
- promotes regularity
- prevents inflammation
- may help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer
- lowers blood pressure
- reduces bad cholesterol
- acts as a diuretic
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Simple Mills Crackers
- Almond flour based
- Gluten-free
- Vegan snack
- Contains rosemary
- Sea salt seasoned
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Written by Lindsay
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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