The health benefits of celery for babies include is a good supply of vitamins and minerals, supply of antioxidants, strengthens the immune system, remedy for digestive problems, offers nervous protection and provides remedy for respiratory conditions.

Celery is a popular salad dressing plant. The leaves and the stem are consumed not only in salads, but also in various other varieties. Celery tree can grow up to 1 meter in length and its leaves grow directly from the roots. Celery has very small fruits with a distinct flavor and smell. The seeds of celery also give out a distinct and strong flavor.

In the western world, particularly in Europe and the Americas, celery leaves are added to salads and various other dishes. Even the rib of celery is consumed. The seeds of celery are believed to possess medicinal properties by ancient cultures.

According to botanical evidence, celery is thought have originated in parts of Asia and Europe. It was grown in China for a about 2000 years ago. In India, the seeds of celery are grown for medicinal purposes.

Nutrition in Celery

The National Nutrient Database from the United States Department of Agriculture lists the nutrition in celery as follows

Is celery safe for my baby?

Celery can be introduced to babies, but as a parent you must be on the lookout for any allergic reactions that might occur. There is a risk of celery causing allergic reactions when introduced before 6 months of age. But, when introduced between the age of 10 -12 months the risk of allergic reactions are reduced drastically.

Health benefits of celery for babies

Here are some of the health benefits of introducing celery into your baby’s diet.

Good source of vitamins and minerals: One of the reasons why celery is added to salads is because it is high in vitamins and minerals. And when taken raw, these vitamins and minerals enter into our body without any change attributed through cooking. But, because celery poses a risk of choking in infants, it is recommended to cook it and turn into a paste. And yes, celery is a very good source of vitamins and minerals that are highly essential for your child’s development in all fronts.

Supply of antioxidants: Apart from vitamins and minerals, antioxidants are also found in celery. Serving your child celery on a regular basis will ensure the supply of essential antioxidants that protect against various diseases and cell and DNA damage caused by free radicals.

Remedy for indigestion: Seeds of celery act as a very good remedy against indigestion. Indigestion can often be seen in infants and kids. Celery seeds along with sugar can be boiled in water, strained and given to your baby, of course in small quantities. As the seeds have a strong flavor, it is advised to add half a teaspoon of sugar to it.

Strengthening the immune system: Celery is a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C has an important role in strengthening the immune system. A strong immune system will result in better protection against invading germs.

Nerve protection: Juice of celery leaves is very effective in providing nerve protection. This nerve protection property of celery is effective against degeneration and damage to nerve cells. And it is also beneficial in restoring nerves to normal condition. (Bakhru, Herbs That Heal).

Remedy for respiratory conditions: Juice of celery leaves acts as a remedy for respiratory conditions such as common cold, flu, cough, chest congestion, sinuses, asthma, bronchitis and even in tuberculosis. (Bakhru, Herbs That Heal).

Measures to be taken while giving celery to babies

Here are some of the measures that can be taken while giving celery to your baby.

Always buy fresh celery: Fresh celery is very much recommended for consumption. Celery is one of those herbs, that spoils rapidly. If you want to use celery, use it in the last moment, because if you cut celery and wait for about an hour, it changes color.

Cook it thoroughly: Cook celery thoroughly before giving it to your baby. After cooking, mash it into a paste so that it would be easy to feed it to your baby. Do not give raw celery to your baby. The stem of celery can be hard to chew and it also poses high risk of choking. If you’re serving raw celery to your teething baby, make sure that you cut celery into very small (finger feed sized) pieces for your baby.

Look out for allergies:  Celery can also pose risks in terms of allergic reactions. It’s not that it surely produces allergies. But, there is a risk factor. So, if your family has a history of food allergies, check with your doctor, whether or not celery can be given to your baby. If you have fed celery and if your baby shows signs of allergic reactions, please take him or her to the doctor and do not waste any time, trying to find a remedy on your own.

The average and safer age to introduce celery to your baby is between 10-12 months of age.