It’s highly likely that your mom has celery sitting in her fridge. Most people do, as celery is very versatile and full of more nutrients than you might realize. It’s also full of water, which helps with hydration. You can talk with your mom’s in-home care provider so you can both encourage her to eat it more often, so she can reap it’s benefits that help her stay healthy.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle function, digestion, and the creation of new blood cells. Celery contains 3% (40.4 mg) of your daily requirement in just one cup of chopped or diced celery.
Fiber
One cup of chopped celery contains 6% (1.6 grams) of your daily requirement of fiber. Few people think of celery when it comes to high-fiber foods, yet it is higher in fiber than you’d imagine. Add celery to chicken or tuna salad and pair it with whole-grain bread for a fiber-rich lunch.
Fiber helps you feel fuller for a longer amount of time. Plus, it helps retain water in the intestinal tract, which is beneficial for preventing constipation. Studies also find that fiber is beneficial in preventing certain types of cancer and lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Folate
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, helps the cells grow and function properly. It helps the bone marrow form red and white blood cells. One cup of celery contains 9% of your daily requirement of folate.
Manganese
One cup of celery contains 5% of your daily requirement of manganese. Manganese aids with the health of connective tissues and calcium absorption for the bones. It’s also a key component in regulating blood sugar levels.
Pantothenic Acid
How well your body processes omega-3 fatty acids depends on whether you get enough pantothenic acid in your diet. Also known as vitamin B5, a cup of celery contains 5% of your daily requirement.
Potassium
Potassium helps with your blood pressure, messages sent from one part of the body to the next, and a healthy balance of electrolytes. One cup of celery contains 262.6 mg or 6% of your daily requirement.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for the reduction of oxidative stress in the cells. It’s also important in maintaining energy. One cup of celery contains 4% of your daily requirement.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting. If your mom is on blood thinners, her doctor may recommend that she avoids vegetables that contain vitamin K. Otherwise, celery is a great source of vitamin K as one cup of celery contains 25% of your daily requirement.
Does your mom struggle with healthy eating because of joint pain or another health issue that makes it hard to stand in one place for more than a minute or two? If she’s having a hard time with meal preparation, it’s time to consider in-home care services. Talk to an in-home care advisor to learn more about meal preparation and planning services.
If you or someone you know needs In-Home Care in Buffalo, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 660-5772 for more information.