Published:
October 26, 2023
September 19, 2024
by
Author Name
— Signos
Author Title
Green checkmark surrounded by green circle.

Reviewed by

Text Link
Green checkmark surrounded by green circle.

Updated by

Text Link
Green checkmark surrounded by green circle.
Published:
September 19, 2024
— Updated:
This is some text inside of a div block.

Table of contents

Celery, a versatile and often underrated vegetable, boasts many health benefits beyond its popular use as a garnish or snack. Celery has gained attention for its low glycemic index, making it a favorable choice for individuals monitoring their blood sugar levels. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, celery offers a range of nutritional advantages, including its potential to aid in weight management and promote digestive health. Its high water content and fiber contribute to a feeling of fullness, making it valuable in a well-rounded, healthy diet. 

Celery's unique nutritional profile underscores its role as an essential addition to a balanced meal plan, with a 100-gram serving containing only 3 grams of carbohydrates and an impressively low glycemic index.¹

Get more information about weight loss, glucose monitors, and living a healthier life
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Glycemic Index Table

A 100-gram serving of celery contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates.¹ Considering the glycemic index (GI) of celery, it is important to note that this vegetable has a very low GI score, typically around 15.² The low glycemic index is attributed to the high water and fiber content in celery, which slows the absorption of glucose, thereby preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. 

This property makes celery an excellent choice for individuals concerned about managing their blood sugar. When consumed raw, celery retains its low glycemic index. However, cooking techniques that involve higher temperatures and longer durations may slightly elevate its glycemic index.

Calculations:

Glycemic Index (GI) = 15²

Carbohydrate per Serving = 3g¹

GL per Serving = (GI x Carbohydrate per Serving) / 100 = (15 x 3) / 100 = 0.45

Incorporating celery into a balanced diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote overall health. Its low glycemic index and minimal impact on blood glucose make it a suitable option for those managing diabetes and individuals aiming to maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. Furthermore, celery's high water and fiber content contribute to improved digestion and may aid in weight management, highlighting its multifaceted role in promoting overall wellness.

Glycemic Index

15

Serving Size

100g

Carbohydrate* per Serving (g)

3 g

GL per Serving

0.00

Nutritional Facts

Celery is a nutrient-dense vegetable renowned for its low-calorie content and high levels of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is particularly rich in vitamin K, providing approximately 29% of the recommended daily intake in a 100-gram serving, contributing to bone health and blood clotting regulation.¹ Additionally, it is a notable source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which may offer protective effects against various chronic diseases. 

The nutritional information below is for 100 g of celery.¹

Calories

14 kcal

Carbs

3 g

Protein

0.69 g

Fiber

1.6 g

Cholesterol

0 mg

Vitamins

A (22 µg), B6 (0.07 mg), C (3.1 mg).

Sodium

80 mg

Total Fat

0.17 g

Is Celery Good for Weight Loss?

Celery is a beneficial addition to weight loss regimens due to its low-calorie, high water, and significant fiber content. Its high water content promotes hydration and gives a feeling of fullness, which may help reduce overall calorie intake. The fiber in celery can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome, as emphasized by research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

Furthermore, the low energy density of celery, highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), means that it provides a satisfying volume of food without significantly contributing to overall calorie consumption, making it a valuable component of a balanced and calorie-conscious diet aimed at weight management.

Is Celery Safe for People Living with Diabetes?

Celery can be a safe and beneficial addition to the diet of individuals with diabetes due to its low glycemic index and minimal impact on blood glucose levels. Rich in fiber and water, celery can help regulate blood sugar and promote satiety, potentially aiding in weight management and improving insulin sensitivity. 

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), incorporating non-starchy vegetables like celery into meal plans is encouraged for individuals with diabetes as they provide essential nutrients without significantly affecting blood sugar levels. Additionally, celery's anti-inflammatory properties, as highlighted by research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), may offer additional benefits for individuals with diabetes, contributing to overall health and wellness management.

Get more information about weight loss, glucose monitors, and living a healthier life
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Allergies

Allergies to celery are increasingly recognized and can manifest as oral allergy syndrome, a condition where certain proteins in celery cross-react with those in pollen, leading to mild allergic reactions such as itching or swelling of the mouth and throat.³ In severe cases, celery allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

No items found.
No items found.

FAQs

What is Glycemic Index?

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels compared to a reference food, usually glucose. It ranks foods on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating a faster rise in blood sugar. The glycemic index (GI) scale is typically categorized as follows: Low GI [55 or less], Medium GI [56-69], High GI [70 or higher]. Foods with a high glycemic index digest rapidly and can cause dramatic fluctuations in blood glucose or glucose spikes.

What is Glycemic Load?

Glycemic load (GL) takes into account both the quality (glycemic index) and quantity (carbohydrate content) of carbohydrates in a specific serving of food. It is a measure of how much a particular food will raise blood sugar levels. GL is calculated by multiplying the glycemic index of a food by its carbohydrate content and dividing it by 100. It provides a more accurate representation of the overall impact of a food on blood sugar compared to the glycemic index alone.

Does Celery Spike Insulin?

There is some evidence to suggest that celery may have a beneficial effect on insulin levels. Celery contains compounds called phthalides, which have been shown to help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in animal studies. However, more research is needed to determine the extent of these effects in humans and whether consuming celery can actually spike insulin levels. It is important to note that celery should not be relied upon as a sole treatment for diabetes or other blood sugar disorders, and individuals with these conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes.

Is Celery Low Glycemic?

Yes, celery is considered a low glycemic food as it has a glycemic index of 15, which means it does not cause a significant increase in blood sugar levels.

Can People Living with Diabetes Eat Celery?

Yes, people living with diabetes can eat celery as it is a low-carbohydrate and low-calorie vegetable that can help regulate blood sugar levels. However, it is important to monitor portion sizes and consume celery as part of a balanced diet.

Topics discussed in this article:

References

  1. USDA FoodData Central. (2022, October 28). Food Details - Celery, raw. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2346405/nutrients 
  2. The University of Sydney. (2023, May 1). Glycemic Index – Glycemic Index Research and GI Newshttps://glycemicindex.com/
  3. American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. (2020, September 28). Oral allergy syndrome. https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/oral-allergy-syndrome-(oas) 

About the author

It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.

View Author Bio

About the author

Brittany Barry is a national board-certified health coach and NASM-certified personal trainer based in South Carolina.

View Author Bio

Please note: The Signos team is committed to sharing insightful and actionable health articles that are backed by scientific research, supported by expert reviews, and vetted by experienced health editors. The Signos blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Read more about our editorial process and content philosophy here.

Get started with Signos

View plans