This week it’s celeriac health benefits from Kat’s Kitchen as I continue to focus on autumn seasonal vegetables. Celeriac tends to be a relatively unknown vegetable although it is getting more popular! It’s loaded with important minerals and vitamins which support good health and is very versatile to use! One of my favourite ways to enjoy it is creamy and smooth in a delicious, warming soup. Yum!
Celeriac is a root vegetable closely related to celery, parsley and parsnips. It is also known as turnip-rooted celery, knob celery or celery root. Originally from the Mediterranean, it belongs to the same plant family as carrots.
With an off white and knobbly appearance, the leaves and stalk of the plant growing above the ground celeriac looks very similar to celery. It’s especially popular in Eastern and Northern Europe as a winter root vegetable and is often used in salads, soups, casseroles and stews. A type of coleslaw, a remoulade that uses celeriac is popular in France.
Here are some reasons to include celeriac in your diet:
Celeriac Health Benefits
- Reduces inflammation as celeriac is full of antioxidants that work against free radicals thus protecting healthy cells from damage. Protection is offered against heart disease, cancer and Alzheimers.
- Good source of vitamin C (especially when raw) which strengthens the immune system
- High in potassium and Vitamin K. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure levels, negating the impact of high salt in the diet. Vitamin K prevents the build-up of calcium in blood vessels which can cause blood vessels to become blocked and narrow.