Can You Eat Celery Raw?

Apium graveolens var. dulce, commonly known as celery, belongs to the parsley or Apiaceae family.
Vegetables, including carrots, parsley, and parsnips, also belong to this group.
The common name for celery is derived from the French and Italian words celeri and seleri, respectively.
Both terms originate from the Greek word selinon, which translates to parsley. There is, in fact, a mention of Selinon in The Odyssey by Homer.
This indicates that celery has been a part of Greek cuisine for centuries and has continued to play an essential role in the Mediterranean diet.
The modern form of celery evolved from a wild ancestor, Apium graveolens.
Celery’s parent plant, which is supposed to have originated in the Mediterranean area of Europe, was utilized by early civilizations for its medicinal characteristics.
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used celery for its medicinal benefits.
The Greek philosopher Hesiod wrote about the healing properties of celery as early as 700 BC.
Today, celery is used as an ingredient in different dishes and salads worldwide for its flavor.
It has a somewhat bitter flavor and a fibrous texture that is both crisp and juicy. It may be eaten raw or cooked.
Can You Eat Celery Leaves Raw?
There are two layers of leaves on a celery stalk; either one can be eaten raw or cooked.
You may add them whole to your dish or cut them into small pieces like other leafy herbs.
More flavorful than the stalk itself, the outer, dark green leaves are sometimes stiff and fibrous due to their thickness.
To soften celery leaves and make them more pleasant to eat, they should be blanched or sauteed.
The inner leaves, which are light green to yellow-green, are much more delicate and tender.
Though more soft than the stalks, these celery leaves have a robust flavor.
You can use them as a garnish or add them to salads.
You may chop them up with the stalks and use them in any meal, but remember that their rich flavor may overpower the dish.
So, when using the inner leaves of celery for garnishing, it is best to use them sparingly.
Benefits of Eating Celery Raw
Eating celery raw is a great way to incorporate its health benefits into your diet.
Raw celery is low in calories but contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, and potassium.
It is also a good source of dietary fiber, essential for digestion, and can help promote weight loss.
Additionally, celery contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Overall, eating raw celery is a great way to get all its health benefits.
The health benefits of eating raw celery are given below:
Anticancer Activity
Some research suggests that the phthalides found in celery may help prevent cancer, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Sedanolide, the most active phthalide molecule, can be used to treat cancer by inhibiting the growth of tumors.
The two primary active chemicals in celery are sedanolide and 3-n-butylphthalide, which can increase levels of the detoxifying enzyme glutathione S-transferase in the targeted tumor tissue.
This enzyme helps break down carcinogenic compounds and prevent their proliferation in the body.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Sedanolide and 3-n-butylphthalide have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, making them helpful in treating a wide range of conditions associated with inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds can help reduce swelling, pain, and tenderness in the affected area, making celery a valuable resource in the fight against inflammation.
Antidiabetic Properties
The compounds found in celery have also been found to possess antidiabetic properties, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Studies have suggested that regular consumption of celery can reduce fasting blood sugar levels and postprandial glucose levels after eating a meal.
In addition, celery may also reduce insulin resistance and help protect against the development of type 2 diabetes.
Hepatoprotective Properties
Celery has also been found to possess hepatoprotective properties, which can help protect the liver from damage.
Research indicates that celery can help reduce inflammation in the liver, which is often the root cause of liver disease and other liver-related issues.
Additionally, celery can help protect the liver against oxidative damage caused by environmental toxins, a poor diet, and alcohol.
Antioxidant Properties
Celery also contains powerful antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress in the body, which can further protect the liver from damage.
Antioxidants like luteolin and apigenin reduce inflammation in liver cells by fighting off the free radicals.
These antioxidants help protect the liver from damage caused by inflammation.
Researchers have also found that celery may lower the risk of liver disease by stopping fat from building up in the liver.
Side Effects of Eating Celery Raw
Eating celery raw can have some side effects, including gastrointestinal distress and an increased risk of choking.
Celery contains a compound called psoralen, which can cause increased sensitivity to the sun.
Furthermore, celery contains a compound called coumarin, which may act as a blood thinner and cause an increased risk of bleeding.
Individuals with medical conditions or on medications that act as blood thinners should be careful when consuming raw celery.
Therefore, although eating celery raw can be a nutritious snack, it is important to be mindful of the possible side effects and exercise caution.
Conclusion
Celery is a member of the Apiaceae family, originating in the Mediterranean region of Europe.
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and other civilizations used celery as medicine.
Celery is high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories.
Antioxidants found in celery can help reduce inflammation and defend against chronic illnesses.
Celery has been found to contain compounds with antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and hepatoprotective properties.
Antioxidants found in it also aid in lowering oxidative stress in the body.
Celery can cause gastrointestinal distress, increase sensitivity to the sun, and increase the risk of choking when consumed raw.
Despite these risks, celery is a beneficial food with numerous health benefits.
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