It is a common belief that celery is difficult for humans to digest. It apparently has 'negative calories', because human digestion burns more calories than can be extracted. However, at only 6 kcal per rib, the effect is negligible. Celery is still valuable in diets, where it provides low-calorie fiber bulk. Here are some interesting facts about celery that I dug up:

1. Dr. Brown's makes a celery-flavored soft drink called Cel-Ray, which is sold mostly in the New York City region. (Not exactly our ideal drink.)

2. Rabbits eat a lot of celery. One may wonder if this means rabbits lose a lot of weight. However, a rabbit's natural flora of bacteria in their appendix includes micro-organisms which break down the cellulose in the celery into a form which the rabbit can absorb.

3. Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (severe, systemic allergy reactions) can be exacerbated by eating celery.

4. The edible celery stalk is not a plant stem as often claimed. It is a petiole, which is part of a leaf.

5. Foley artists break stalks of celery into microphones to simulate the sound of breaking bones.

6. Celery was banned from the Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium in 1996 after the goalkeeper complained of being struck by celery thrown by spectators. (All we need is a way to ban broccoli.)

7. Celery contains androsterone, a hormone released through sweat glands said to attract women. (Big tip for guys.)

8. Some people report that eating raw celery makes the tongue and mouth numb.

Bet you didn’t expect all of this from a vegetable like celery! If you feel like being healthy, though, it’s time to stock up on celery. Enriched with vitamin C, it is the best choice for an afternoon snack. Definitely better than a packet of Lays, at least.