What Are the Weight Loss Benefits of Eating Raw Celery?

If you're trying to lose weight and struggling with always feeling hungry and unsatisfied, try eating more celery. It can help you feel full while cutting back on calories. To lose weight, you have to eat fewer calories than your body uses in a day. Celery is very low in calories and is full of water and fiber to leave your stomach feeling full. It makes a great snack by itself or a crunchy topping for a salad.

Low in Calories

While attempting to lose weight, it's a good idea to include more high-volume, low-calorie foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in your diet. You can eat a larger portion of these foods without adding a lot of extra calories. For example, if you snack on 1 cup of raw celery sticks, you'll only get 16 calories, while snacking on 1 cup of pretzels will give you about 200 calories. Celery has a clear advantage over processed snack foods to keep your calorie intake low and keep your stomach satisfied.

High Water Content

Eating celery will help you meet your fluid needs because it is 95 percent water by weight. Water is an essential part of any healthy diet, and it's especially important when losing weight. According to MayoClinic.com, your body is made up of about 80 percent water and relies on the proper fluid balance for nutrients and wastes to move in and out of your cells. Even slight dehydration can leave you feeling fatigued, meaning you'll be less motivated to do the calorie-burning exercise you need to do to lose weight. Water also takes up space in your stomach, helping you to feel full faster when eating.

 

Fiber

Celery contains about 2 grams of fiber per cup. Fiber is a beneficial component of a weight-loss diet because it's indigestible and provides bulk in your digestive system. Your stomach may empty more slowly when fiber is present, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which means you'll feel full for longer after eating. Your cholesterol level, blood sugar control and overall digestive health may also improve by eating more fiber.

Vitamins and Minerals

Getting an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals will keep your body functioning well and your energy levels at their best during weight loss. Celery does not provide a large amount of vitamins and minerals, but 1 cup does contain 8 to 10 percent of your daily needs for vitamin A, folate and potassium. You'll also get 40 percent of the fat-soluble vitamin K needed daily to maintain proper blood clotting and improve bone density.

Source
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/weight-loss-benefits-eating-raw-celery-8691.html