There is a common habit that many people practice, which is to remove the leaves of celery when preparing it. This is not only due to personal habits or preferences, but also has reasons related to the health and properties of celery - a vegetable that many people use in their meals to help reduce uric acid and support weight loss.
According to some studies from world health organizations, celery leaves can contain a large amount of oxalate. This is a natural compound found in many foods. When accumulated in the body, oxalate can cause kidney problems. A study from the National Kidney Foundation shows that oxalate when combined with calcium in the body can form kidney stones. Therefore, for people at risk of kidney stones or having kidney problems, limiting the consumption of foods containing oxalate, including celery, is very necessary.
Studies have also shown that celery leaves may contain more fiber but less nutrients than the stems and stalks. Celery stems contain more vitamins A, C and minerals such as potassium and magnesium, but the leaves may have less nutrients and may increase the amount of gas in the digestive tract if eaten in excess. Therefore, to make it easier to digest and protect the health of the digestive system, people often remove the leaves when preparing.
Health organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have also indicated that consuming celery with the stems and leaves removed can help reduce the risk of kidney stones and optimize the nutritional value of celery.
In addition to health factors, the habit of discarding celery leaves may also be related to sensory factors. Many people think that the celery leaves are bitter, difficult to eat, and not to their taste. This may explain why in dishes, people often choose celery stems to prepare instead of the leaves.
