Celery is a keto-friendly vegetable with a low carb count and a wealth of health benefits. It is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene and flavonoids, which protect the body from oxidative damage. With only 1.37g of net carbs per 100g, celery is an excellent choice for anyone following a ketogenic diet. It can be enjoyed raw, sautéed, stewed, or even dehydrated, and is a versatile addition to keto meals.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrates in 1 medium stalk of celery | 1.2g total carbs, 0.6g net carbs |
Carbohydrates in 1 cup of celery juice | 7.01g total carbs, 3.23g net carbs |
Carbohydrates in 1/2 cup of boiled celeriac | 4.6g total carbs, 3.7g net carbs |
Carbohydrates in 1 cup of raw celery | 3g total carbs, 2g net carbs |
What You'll Learn
Celery is keto-friendly
If you're on a keto diet, you'll be happy to know that celery is a keto-friendly food. With its low net carb content, high water percentage, and rich fiber profile, celery is a versatile and nutritious addition to keto meal plans.
Nutritional Information
According to the USDA, one medium-sized stalk of celery (about 7 1/2 to 8 inches or 40 grams) contains 0.55 grams of net carbs, or 0.6 grams if rounded up. This makes celery a good choice for a keto diet.
A one-cup serving of chopped celery (101 grams) contains 3 grams of total carbs, 2 grams of which are fiber, resulting in 0.9 to 1.4 grams of net carbs. This is well within the daily carb limits of 20 to 50 grams recommended for keto dieters.
Health Benefits
Celery is not just about being low in carbs; it's also packed with essential nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. Celery also contains a commendable amount of potassium, crucial for proper heart and muscle function. Additionally, celery is a natural source of important antioxidants like vitamin C and beta carotene, which protect the body from oxidative damage.
Incorporating Celery into Your Keto Diet
There are countless ways to incorporate celery into your keto meals. Its refreshing crunch makes it a great addition to salads and stir-fries. You can also use celery as a dipper for high-fat sauces or fill it with nut butter. Celery is also a perfect ingredient for soups and stews, and it pairs well with other low-carb vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
Keto-Compatible Alternatives
While celery is a fantastic low-carb option, you might want to add some variety to your meals. Cucumbers, zucchini, and bell peppers are excellent keto-compatible alternatives, offering similar nutritional profiles and versatility in recipes.
In conclusion, celery is a keto-friendly food that can be enjoyed in various forms as part of a ketogenic diet. Its low-carb profile, high water content, and fiber-rich structure make it a valuable addition to keto meal plans, helping with hydration, digestion, and satiety.
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Celery is low in digestible carbs
Celery is extremely low in digestible carbs. A one-cup (101-gram) serving of chopped celery contains only 3 grams of carbs, 2 grams of which are fibre. This makes it a good choice for a keto diet, as it fits within the daily carb limits of 20-50 grams.
In fact, celery is about 95-96% water, making it a particularly hydrating food. It's an excellent option if you're trying to increase your fluid intake throughout the day.
Not only is celery low in carbs, but it's also a good source of vitamin K, providing 25% of the daily value. It also contains luteolin, an antioxidant that may help prevent and treat cancer.
Additionally, celery is rich in dietary fibre, which is essential for gut health and regular bowel movements. It also contains a small amount of protein, at around 0.69 grams per 100-gram serving, which can contribute to daily protein requirements.
When it comes to micronutrients, celery is an abundant source of vitamin K1, with 29.3 micrograms per 100 grams. It also possesses a commendable amount of potassium, at 260 milligrams per 100 grams. These minerals are crucial for proper heart and muscle function. Furthermore, celery contains calcium and magnesium, which are vital for bone health and metabolic functions.
Celery is also rich in beta-carotene and lutein + zeaxanthin, important antioxidants that are essential for maintaining healthy eyesight and protecting the body from harmful free radicals.
In summary, celery is a keto-friendly vegetable with a low net carb count and a wealth of health benefits. Its high water content, fibre, and antioxidants make it a versatile and nutritious addition to any keto meal plan.
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Celery is high in water content
Celery is a great option for those on a keto diet, as it is extremely low in digestible carbs. It is also about 96% water, making it a particularly hydrating food. This means it's an excellent option if you're aiming to increase your fluid intake throughout the day.
A one-cup (101-g) serving of chopped celery contains 3g of carbs, 2g of which are fibre. This means that net carbs are only 1g per serving. It's a good source of vitamin K, providing 25% of the daily value.
The keto diet involves drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake to put you into a state of ketosis, where your body shifts from using carbs to using fat as a primary fuel source. This shift can happen after just a few days of eating a diet that’s very low in carbs.
Celery is not just about being low in carbs; it also offers dietary fibre, which is critical for promoting smooth digestion and a feeling of fullness. In essence, celery adds bulk to your diet without the burden of added carbs.
Celery is also a natural source of important antioxidants, which protect cells, blood vessels, and organs from oxidative damage. Some of the antioxidants present in celery include vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids.
Given celery's refreshing crunch, it's a fantastic add-on to salads and stir-fries without making a significant dent in your daily carb allotment. You can also use it as a dipper, or in soups and stews.
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Celery is a good source of vitamins and minerals
Additionally, celery contains a commendable amount of potassium (260mg per 100g), which is crucial for proper heart and muscle function. It also provides calcium and magnesium, both vital for bone health and metabolic functions, and is a source of beta-carotene and lutein + zeaxanthin, which are important for maintaining healthy eyesight and protecting the body from harmful free radicals.
Celery also contains a range of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B-6, C, and E, and minerals such as copper, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. These vitamins and minerals play unique and important roles in the body, from supporting the immune system to aiding in red blood cell formation and maintaining healthy skin and hair.
Furthermore, celery is a good source of dietary fibre, which is essential for gut health and regular bowel movements, and can aid in digestion and promote feelings of satiety.
Overall, celery is a nutritious vegetable that can provide a range of health benefits, making it a great choice for those following a keto diet or any healthy eating plan.
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Celery is a good source of antioxidants
Celery is a great source of antioxidants, which help to fight cellular damage and protect cells, blood vessels, and organs from oxidative damage. It contains well-known antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C, as well as lunularin and bergapten. These antioxidants help to cancel out natural chemicals in the body called free radicals, which can harm cells and lead to cancer and other diseases.
Vitamin C, one of the antioxidants found in celery, also has an alkalizing effect on the body. This means that it can help to neutralize acidic foods and keep essential bodily functions running smoothly.
In addition to vitamin C, celery contains at least 12 other kinds of antioxidant nutrients in a single stalk. It is also a wonderful source of phytonutrients, which have been shown to reduce instances of inflammation in the digestive tract, cells, blood vessels, and organs.
The leaves of the celery plant are where most of the calcium, potassium, and vitamin C are found. It is recommended that these leaves are consumed within a day or two of purchasing, as they do not store well.
Celery is also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium, and folate.
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Frequently asked questions
One medium-sized stalk of celery (7 1/2 to 8-inches or 40 grams) contains 0.55g net carbs, or 0.6g if you round up.
Yes, celery is keto-friendly.
Celery is packed with fiber, is high in water content, and boasts an array of antioxidants, contributing to overall wellness.
Yes, raw, sautéed, stewed, or even dehydrated celery can be part of your keto diet.
Celery is comparable to other low-carb vegetables like cucumbers and zucchini. Its low net carb content and high water percentage make it a favourable choice for those on a keto diet.