Snacking on celery may not be appealing to many people, but when you know the health and weight loss benefits that can be produced by eating this fibrous plant, that way of thinking could change.

One of the reasons celery is a recommended snack is because it’s very low in calories, and according to LiveStrong, a cup of chopped celery is just 16 calories (boiled celery has slightly more calories at 27 calories per cup), this in itself makes it appealing to people who are trying to lose weight because it helps to lower the calorie intake.

Celery contains dietary fiber (which aids digestion), and because the stalk is so rich in fiber it requires you to eat slower, therefore savoring your meal and not overeating. And although it may be a crunchy stalk, it actually consists of 95 percent water, which can help meet your fluid needs, SFGate reports. In addition to the low calories, fiber, and water, celery also contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, folate, and potassium, as well as 40 percent of your daily intake of vitamin K, which is needed for healthy bones and maintaining blood clotting.

Celery can also help with inflammation, and Care2 notes that it could provide relief for a number of ailments including joint pain and acne. Another super benefit is its stress relieving properties and the publication claims that this is because of the “magnesium, and the essential oil in it” which soothes the nervous system. And that’s not all, celery could also reduce high blood pressure thanks to the active compound called phthalides which can be found in the stalk.

These reasons make celery a great snack, and one that is easy to transport, and while it can be eaten on its own, you can also get creative and mix it up with other things — this will also ensure that you don’t get bored of eating it. Try eating it with dips like hummus or almond butter, or cut it into tiny pieces and add it into soups and salads.

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