Pregnancy is a time when women want to make sure that what they are eating is beneficial to their health and their babies’ health while expecting. While there will be times when pregnancy cravings are caved to and indulgences are enjoyed, the majority of the diet should be filled with nutrient-rich foods. And one of those foods that does not get nearly enough attention as a food worth enjoying during pregnancy is celery. But with the benefits of eating celery during pregnancy, the vegetable should get more praise.
According to MedicalNewsToday, celery is a vegetable that is part of the same family as carrots, parsnips, and the like. It has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and the extracts are used to treat any number of medical conditions from asthma, bronchitis, psoriasis, gout, and more, per publication. It truly is a vegetable that is far too often looked at as only a filler for a main course, when really, more people should be including celery in their daily diets.
Here are the benefits of eating celery during pregnancy.
Benefits Of Eating Celery During Pregnancy
Celery is a food that not only heals the body but can help to naturally cleanse it as well. As such, there are many ways that it can benefit women when they are expecting.
According to PregnantPlatesome benefits of eating celery during pregnancy include:
- Celery removed excess fluid and swelling from the body with its diuretic properties
- Blood pressure can be regulated by eating celery
- With its anti-inflammatory properties, eating celery can help reduce pregnancy joint pain
- Eating celery can help ward off colds and the flu
Celery also has properties that are known to help prevent and fight cancer, according to StylesAtLife.com. As such, there truly is not anything negative that comes with eating celery during pregnancy.
Parts Of The Celery Root That Can Be Eaten While Pregnant
Unlike some vegetables or edible flowers where only certain parts are safe to eat, all parts of the celery stalk are safe to eat during pregnancy.
According to the Gardening Channel, all parts of the celery are able to be eaten. All parts from the stalk to the leaves have nutritional value as well. This is why the entire celery plant is such a powerful food to eat while expecting.
There is one word of caution per publication, however.
The leaves of the celery plant, if eaten by the “multiple pounds” can prove to be toxic to those consuming it. But because people are not going to be eating this amount of celery leaves daily, the entirety of the vegetable root is considered safe to eat daily.
Possible Risks That Come With Eating Celery
Because celery is a vegetable root, it spends a lot of time in the ground. Because of this, there is a risk of being exposed to toxoplasma when eating this crunchy vegetable.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, to reduce the risk of coming into contact with toxoplasma, all fruits, and vegetables, including celery, should be washed thoroughly. The best ways to wash, per the publication, include:
- Rinse well under cold water
- Do not use soap to wash celery
- Do not use bleach to wash celery
- Use a small brush to remove all dirt and bacteria
- Cut off damaged areas to prevent coming into contact with bacteria
By following these recommendations, eating celery can be done safely and often during pregnancy.
Source: MedicalNewsToday, PregnantPlate, StylesAtLife.com, Food and Drug Administration, Gardening Channel