Celery is one of those vegetables that people either love or hate because of its unique aroma. But did you know that it’s said to have negative calories? If that’s true, it’s a dream food. We looked into whether celery really has negative calories.
How many calories does celery actually have?
Celery is considered by some to be a negative-calorie food. However, like other vegetables, its main component is water, but it also contains various other components such as carbohydrates and proteins.
We investigated the truth behind the rumors: why is celery said to have negative calories? Is celery really a negative-calorie food?
Calories in Celery
Celery is nearly 95% water, but its calories are low at 15 kcal per 100g, but still positive. It also contains 2.1g of carbohydrates per 100g when raw. So while it is true that celery is a fairly low-calorie food, it is certainly not a negative thing. If you eat celery, you will still get the calories you need, just not in large quantities.
Celery Nutrition
After looking at the calories in celery, let’s look at the nutrients it contains. Although celery is mostly water, it is very rich in nutrients. Here are some noteworthy nutrients in celery.
potassium
Potassium is a mineral that, together with sodium, helps to expel water, and is known to be effective in eliminating swelling and stabilizing blood pressure. It also regulates the osmotic pressure of water in cells, and is involved in nerve transmission and muscle contraction.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps stop bleeding when blood vessels are cut and bleeding occurs. It also helps with calcium absorption and activates the proteins that make up bones, which is expected to help strengthen bones. For this reason, it is an important vitamin that is also used as a treatment for osteoporosis.
Folic acid
It is a type of vitamin B complex that helps form red blood cells and synthesizes DNA necessary for cell production. It is therefore essential for the healthy growth of the fetus, and is therefore recommended to be consumed in large amounts during pregnancy.
It is a nutrient needed by people of all ages and genders, and research has shown that a deficiency can lead to pernicious anemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction.
Vitamin U
Vitamin U, also known as “cabbagein,” regulates the secretion of stomach acid and strengthens the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is also said to promote cell division and protein synthesis, activate the liver, and break down excess fat accumulated in the liver.
Apiin
Apiin is an aromatic component that is also found in large amounts in parsley, and it is also the compound that gives celery its aroma. Apiin has a calming effect on an excited mind, making it the perfect aromatic component when you want to calm down an irritated mood.
Is celery a negative calorie food?
We have already mentioned that celery does have calories. But why is it still called a negative calorie food? We have also summarized what negative calorie foods are.
What are negative calorie foods?
Foods that are said to make you lose weight the more you eat them are called “negative calorie foods,” and have sometimes become the subject of controversy overseas, even involving the media.
The reason why it has negative calories rather than no calories is because the calories consumed when digesting the food are greater than the calories ingested from that food.
So, when it comes to the question of “Is this really possible?”, experts seem to be divided in their opinions. Some scholars are of the opinion that “it is theoretically possible, but not possible in reality.”
On the other hand, some people believe that this is possible by eating chilled low-calorie foods, as humans generate heat in an attempt to maintain body temperature. However, the reality is that there is still no scientific evidence to support negative-calorie foods.
What is the basis for celery being a negative calorie food?
The reason why celery is called a negative calorie food is because it takes 50 kcal to digest 5 kcal of celery. In other words, it is a magical food that burns calories every time you eat more celery.
While this would be great if it were true, the truth is that there are no rigorous measurements of how many calories it actually takes to digest celery, other than that it often takes more calories to digest fiber than it does other things.
In other words, celery is considered a negative-calorie food because it is low in calories and high in dietary fiber, but the reality is that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
How to eat celery deliciously?
Eating celery won’t definitely make you lose weight, but it’s definitely a good vegetable for dieting. If you’re going to eat celery, you want to eat it deliciously. Here are some tips on how to eat celery deliciously.
What if I don’t like the flavor?
Many people don’t like the flavor of celery. If you’re one of those people, try frying it. Even if you’re on a diet, you can eat it without worry as long as you use a high-quality, healthy oil like olive oil and don’t overdo it on the amount.
When you want to add richness to your cooking
Celery is used as a flavoring vegetable in a variety of dishes, such as soups and stews, and can add richness to them simply by adding it. If you feel like something is lacking, such as a sauce, we recommend adding celery.
How to use the leaves?
Celery leaves contain more nutrients than the stalk, so it would be a shame to throw them away. You can chop them up and sprinkle them in soups or add them to smoothies, or use them in other ways.
You can also make a simple rice accompaniment by frying celery leaves and mixing them with dried anchovies. The celery flavor is subdued and it’s recommended as a staple dish to have in stock.
Conclusion
Celery is a low-calorie food that is good for dieting, so much so that it is said to be negative calorie. There is no scientific evidence to support whether it is actually negative, but it is still a low-calorie healthy vegetable. Enjoy celery and stay beautiful and healthy!