Celery and Peanut Butter: Nutrition, Benefits, Downsides (2024)

Celery with peanut butter is a simple and quick-to-make snack that can help fight hunger between meals.

Its low carb content makes it a popular option for people who wish to lose weight, follow a ketogenic diet, or want to limit the number of carbs they eat each day.

Interestingly, this snack also seems to top people’s list of the best snacks to have right before bedtime.

In this article, we review whether celery with peanut butter is a healthy snack, whether it’s suitable for specialty diets like the keto diet, whether it can help you lose weight, and how it may help you get a better night’s sleep.

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Celery and peanut butter are two minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods. As a result, combining the two results in a snack that’s rich in fiber and protein. It’s also a good source of niacin, manganese, copper, magnesium, and heart-healthy fats (1, 2).

You can expect a small, 5-inch (13-cm) long celery stalk topped with a tablespoon (16 grams) of 100% natural peanut butter to provide you with the following (1, 2):

  • Calories: 96
  • Carbs: 4 grams
  • Fiber: 1.6 grams
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Protein: 4 grams
  • Niacin: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Manganese: 13% of the DV
  • Copper: 11% of the DV
  • Magnesium: 7% of the DV
  • Vitamin B6: 6% of the DV
  • Phosphorus: 5% of the DV
  • Zinc: 5% of the DV
  • Vitamin E: 5% of the DV
  • Folate: 5% of the DV
  • Vitamin K: 4% of the DV

Its low carb content makes this snack appropriate for low carb diets, and its moderate protein content and high fat content make it particularly suitable for a ketogenic diet (3, 4).

A keto diet is a low carb, high fat diet often used to treat epilepsy. It also appears effective for weight loss for some people and may help prevent or improve diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and possibly even some types of cancer (4, 5, 6, 7, 8).

It’s worth mentioning that a keto diet isn’t suitable for everyone. The diet may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, constipation, and fatigue. It may also result in nutrient deficiencies or issues with the liver or kidneys in the longer term (4).

Finally, both peanut butter and celery are rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that help protect you from disease-causing cell damage (9, 10).

SUMMARY

Celery with peanut butter is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Its low carb content and high fat content makes it an appropriate snack for people following a keto diet.

Celery with peanut butter is rich in fiber, protein, and fat — three nutrients that help fight hunger and increase feelings of fullness. As a result, having this snack as part of a balanced diet may help you lose weight (11, 12).

Despite peanut butter being rich in calories and fat, research suggests that including peanuts in your diet doesn’t appear to cause weight gain (9).

Furthermore, peanut butter appears more likely to help you feel full than a carb-heavy snack containing the same number of calories. So in certain cases, it may even help with weight loss (9).

On the other hand, celery is low in calories, yet rich in water. Therefore, its low energy density may also help with weight loss and prevent weight regain (13, 14, 15, 16).

That said, it’s important to remember that weight loss typically results from burning more calories than you are taking in (17).

So if your calorie intake exceeds your calorie output, you are unlikely to lose weight, no matter the quantity of celery with peanut butter you’re eating.

SUMMARY

Celery with peanut butter may help fight hunger and promote fulllness. This may make weight loss more achievable, but only if the rest of your diet and lifestyle choices also allow for it.

Peanut butter contains a good amount of tryptophan, an amino acid shown to enhance the quality of your sleep (1, 18, 19).

Although studies haven’t specifically examined peanut butter’s effects on sleep, they have linked tryptophan-rich foods, like peanut butter, to improved sleep (20, 21).

Your body requires tryptophan to make melatonin and serotonin, two hormones that are crucial for high quality sleep (19, 22).

In addition, peanut butter’s fat and protein content, coupled with the fiber found in celery, make it a particularly satiating snack (9).

This can be particularly helpful if hunger pangs cause you to wake up in the middle of the night, or if your level of hunger at bedtime is keeping you from easily falling asleep.

Just keep in mind that celery is also quite rich in water. As a result, eating too much of it before bedtime may increase your need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, potentially disrupting your sleep.

SUMMARY

Celery and peanut butter can be a good bedtime snack. It’s particularly satiating and offers a good source of tryptophan, which may help increase the quality of your sleep.

Celery with peanut butter is a nutrient-rich, minimally processed snack that can find its place within a healthy, balanced diet.

Its low carb, high fat nature makes it a particularly suitable snack for those following a keto diet. Plus, it helps you feel full and satisfied, which can naturally help you limit the number of calories you eat if you’re trying to lose weight.

Due to its tryptophan content, this snack may also help improve the quality of your sleep. However, its water content may cause some people to wake up and use the bathroom during the night. If this happens to you, try eating it during the day rather than before bedtime.

Just one thing

Try this today: Celery with peanut butter is a versatile snack that can be sweet or savory, depending on the toppings you choose to add to it. Try a sprinkle of grated coconut, a dash of ground flaxseeds, or, for a slightly sweeter option, some dried cranberries.

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Celery and Peanut Butter: Nutrition, Benefits, Downsides (2024)

FAQs

Celery and Peanut Butter: Nutrition, Benefits, Downsides? ›

Celery with peanut butter is a nutrient-rich snack. Celery and peanut butter are two minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods. As a result, combining the two results in a snack that's rich in fiber and protein. It's also a good source of niacin, manganese, copper, magnesium, and heart-healthy fats ( 1 , 2 ).

What does celery and peanut butter do for your body? ›

Because there aren't many calories in celery, it's often a dietary staple on calorie-restricted plans. On the other hand, peanut butter, which is high in fat and calories, is shunned. But if you take a look at the research, it's possible that eating celery with peanut butter may help you lose weight.

Is there a downside to eating peanut butter? ›

Peanut butter does not contain any trans fat, per the USDA, but it does contain some saturated fat. Saturated fats are considered "bad" fats because they may raise LDL cholesterol and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, TODAY.com previously reported.

What happens to your body when you eat celery everyday for a week? ›

Celery is a vegetable that provides many health benefits. It is rich in fiber and nutrients and helps lower cholesterol, treats constipation, reduces stress hormone levels, fights inflammation and provides many other benefits.

Is celery with peanut butter and raisins healthy? ›

Celery is a vegetable that is high in vitamins, minerals and fiber and pairs well with protein rich peanut butter for a healthy snack. Decorate with raisins or craisins for a more fun kid friendly snack. This combination makes an easy keto or low carb snack to help you feel more full and reduce hunger cravings.

What happens to your body when you eat peanut butter everyday? ›

Improved heart health

One of the main fats in peanut butter is oleic acid. When substituted for other fats in your diet, oleic acid helps maintain good cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Managing these levels in your body can lower the risk of heart disease. Peanut butter also contains omega-6 fatty acid.

What are the pros and cons of eating celery? ›

You can make it part of a healthy diet. It's also easy to find in the grocery store, inexpensive, and contains several vital nutrients. Cons. Celery root is high in fiber, which can sometimes be tough on your stomach and cause gas.

Is it bad to eat a spoonful of peanut butter everyday? ›

Frequently Asked Questions. What happens if you eat peanut butter every day? Peanut butter is a delicious, nutrient-dense spread, and there is nothing wrong with eating peanut butter every day.

Is 2 tablespoons of peanut butter a day too much? ›

It is OK to eat peanut butter every day, but in moderation. Do not eat more than 2 tablespoons, approximately 32 grams, a day. This protein-packed spread is made by blending roasted peanuts into a thick paste and contains various nutrients that promote good health.

Why eat peanut butter before bed? ›

Promotes Quality Sleep

When paired with the protein and fibre in peanut butter, these fats can help people feel satiated for longer periods of time, keep their blood sugar steady, and sleep better. It also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which the body uses to produce the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin.

How many stalks of celery should I eat a day? ›

Eating the whole food, though, is better. Celery stalk salt content is low, and you also get fiber, magnesium and potassium to help regulate your blood pressure, as well. “To get the benefit, you should eat roughly four stalks – one cup, chopped – of celery daily,” Dr. Laffin says.

When should you not eat celery? ›

According to Eat By Date, celery has gone bad when its stalks become soft and bendable, the color becomes pale and faded, and the center of the stalk hollows out. Does It Go Bad says to toss your celery if it shows signs of mold, is mushy, or slimy. These are all signs that celery has gone bad.

Why should you eat celery at night? ›

But you might have overlooked a simple remedy sitting in your refrigerator—celery! This cooling vegetable can promote a good night's sleep by bringing the body's energy and internal temperature back into balance. Celery is full of anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting compounds.

What brand of peanut butter is the healthiest? ›

Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter came up the most when we asked dietitians for the best peanut butter, particularly because it's economical and meets the dietitians' requirements of being made of just two ingredients: peanuts and salt. This is one of the best mainstream peanut butter brands on the market.

Does celery and peanut butter raise blood sugar? ›

Furthermore, celery contains antioxidants called flavones, which have been studied for their role in lowering blood sugar levels. Adding a tablespoon or two (about 16–32 grams) of peanut butter to celery sticks adds some extra protein and fiber to the snack, which will benefit your blood sugar control even more.

Can I eat celery and peanut butter before bed? ›

"Peanut butter contains healthy fats that raise serotonin levels," says Young. "Serotonin is a feel-good mood hormone that may help you relax." You can also spread peanut butter on apple slices to satisfy your sweet tooth or fill celery sticks with the creamy goodness if you need a crunchy snack.

Does celery burn belly fat? ›

Celery is a popular vegetable that has few calories and is rich in nutrients like fiber. A lot of people drink celery juice to reduce belly fat, but there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this application.

Are celery and peanut butter good before bed? ›

"Peanut butter contains healthy fats that raise serotonin levels," says Young. "Serotonin is a feel-good mood hormone that may help you relax." You can also spread peanut butter on apple slices to satisfy your sweet tooth or fill celery sticks with the creamy goodness if you need a crunchy snack.

Does celery detox your body? ›

Celery juice is low in sugar and contains potassium and vitamins A, C, and K. This popular drink may reduce inflammation and boost hydration, among other benefits. However, you shouldn't use celery juice to detox your body, as cleanses put you at risk of dangerous calorie restriction and nutrient deficiencies.

Why do I feel good after eating celery? ›

Celery is renowned for its health benefits, which include promoting hydration, aiding digestion, and providing essential vitamins and minerals. Its high fiber content and low-calorie nature make it a great addition to a balanced diet.

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