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Leek vs. Celery — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Erna Harutyunyan by Erna Harutyunyan | Last updated on April 16, 2024
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian Article author photo Elen Khachatrian

Table of contents

  1. Introduction
    1. What's the Difference?
      1. Nutrition
        1. Macronutrients and Calories
          1. Calories
            1. Protein and Fats
              1. Carbohydrates
                1. Fiber
                  1. Vitamins
                    1. Minerals
                      1. Oxalates
                        1. Glycemic Index
                          1. Acidity
                          2. Weight Loss and Diets
                            1. Health Benefits
                              1. Cardiovascular Health
                                1. Diabetes
                                  1. Digestive Health
                                    1. Cancer
                                      1. Neurological Health 
                                      2. Classification and Appearance
                                        1. Taste and Use
                                          1. Sources
                                            Leek
                                            vs
                                            Celery

                                            Summary

                                            Leeks are notably richer in iron, manganese, vitamin K, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, folate, and vitamin A RAE than celery. The daily need for iron from leeks is 24% higher than that of celery. Meanwhile, celery is richer in potassium, sodium, and vitamins B2 and B5. Zinc levels are the same in both.

                                            Table of contents

                                            1. Introduction
                                              1. What's the Difference?
                                                1. Nutrition
                                                  1. Macronutrients and Calories
                                                    1. Calories
                                                      1. Protein and Fats
                                                        1. Carbohydrates
                                                          1. Fiber
                                                            1. Vitamins
                                                              1. Minerals
                                                                1. Oxalates
                                                                  1. Glycemic Index
                                                                    1. Acidity
                                                                    2. Weight Loss and Diets
                                                                      1. Health Benefits
                                                                        1. Cardiovascular Health
                                                                          1. Diabetes
                                                                            1. Digestive Health
                                                                              1. Cancer
                                                                                1. Neurological Health 
                                                                                2. Classification and Appearance
                                                                                  1. Taste and Use
                                                                                    1. Sources

                                                                                      Introduction

                                                                                      Herbs have delicate tastes that enhance the richness and fragrance of any meal they are added to. This article will compare two of these plants, celery and leek, to determine what nutrients they offer and how they impact human health. In this article, the focus is on raw celery and raw leeks, specifically the bulb and lower-leaf portion of the leek.

                                                                                      What's the Difference?

                                                                                      Leeks (Allium ampeloprasum) and celery (Apium graveolens) exhibit distinct differences in appearance, taste, and culinary use. Celery is characterized by its crisp, cylindrical stalks with a light green to pale white color, offering a mild and refreshing taste. Its everyday use includes raw snacks, salads, and as a base in soups. In contrast, leeks present an elongated structure with dark green leaves and an onion-like bulb, providing a sweet and mild onion flavor, mainly when cooked. Leeks are often utilized in soups, stews, and casseroles, contributing depth to various dishes.

                                                                                      Nutrition

                                                                                      The nutritional values below are presented for raw celery and raw leek. The nutrient contents of 100-gram servings of these foods will be compared.

                                                                                      Macronutrients and Calories

                                                                                      Like most herbs, celery and leeks are not very dense in nutrients. At the same time, leek is denser, containing 83% water, while celery consists of 95% water.

                                                                                      The recommended serving sizes of celery and leek equal one cup, corresponding to 101 and 89 grams of leek, respectively.

                                                                                      Macronutrient Comparison

                                                                                      Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
                                                                                      Leek
                                                                                      Leek
                                                                                      4
                                                                                      14% 83%
                                                                                      Protein: 1.5 g
                                                                                      Fats: 0.3 g
                                                                                      Carbs: 14.15 g
                                                                                      Water: 83 g
                                                                                      Other: 1.05 g
                                                                                      Celery
                                                                                      Celery
                                                                                      1
                                                                                      3% 95%
                                                                                      Protein: 0.69 g
                                                                                      Fats: 0.17 g
                                                                                      Carbs: 2.97 g
                                                                                      Water: 95.43 g
                                                                                      Other: 0.74 g
                                                                                      Contains more ProteinProtein +117.4%
                                                                                      Contains more FatsFats +76.5%
                                                                                      Contains more CarbsCarbs +376.4%
                                                                                      Contains more OtherOther +41.9%
                                                                                      Contains more WaterWater +15%

                                                                                      Calories

                                                                                      A 100-gram serving of leek provides 61 calories, whereas the same serving size of celery contains 16 calories.

                                                                                      Protein and Fats

                                                                                      Leek is more prosperous in protein and denser in nutrients. Both of these herbs contain low levels of all essential amino acids. While leeks and celery contain a low amount of fat, the predominant fat types found in both herbs are saturated fat and polyunsaturated fat.

                                                                                      Fat Type Comparison

                                                                                      Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
                                                                                      Leek
                                                                                      Leek
                                                                                      2
                                                                                      19% 2% 79%
                                                                                      Saturated fat: Sat. Fat 0.04 g
                                                                                      Monounsaturated fat: Mono. Fat 0.004 g
                                                                                      Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.166 g
                                                                                      Celery
                                                                                      Celery
                                                                                      1
                                                                                      27% 21% 52%
                                                                                      Saturated fat: Sat. Fat 0.042 g
                                                                                      Monounsaturated fat: Mono. Fat 0.032 g
                                                                                      Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.079 g
                                                                                      Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +110.1%
                                                                                      Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated fat +700%
                                                                                      ~equal in Saturated fat ~0.042g

                                                                                      Carbohydrates

                                                                                      Leek contains almost five times more carbohydrates compared to celery. The two herbs contain similar amounts of dietary fiber. However, leeks are three times more prosperous in sugar.

                                                                                      Carbohydrate type comparison

                                                                                      Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison
                                                                                      Leek
                                                                                      Leek
                                                                                      0
                                                                                      Celery
                                                                                      Celery
                                                                                      0
                                                                                      6% 30% 28% 36%
                                                                                      Starch: 0 g
                                                                                      Sucrose: 0.08 g
                                                                                      Glucose: 0.4 g
                                                                                      Fructose: 0.37 g
                                                                                      Lactose: 0 g
                                                                                      Maltose: 0 g
                                                                                      Galactose: 0.48 g

                                                                                      Fiber

                                                                                      Herbs such as leeks and celery are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Leek contains 1.6 grams per 100 grams, while celery has 1.8 grams per 100 grams.

                                                                                      Vitamins

                                                                                      Leek provides a higher level of a few more vitamins. Leek contains almost four times more vitamins A and C, three times more vitamin E, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B6, and 1.5 times more vitamin K and folate. 

                                                                                      On the other hand, celery is richer in vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin B5.

                                                                                      Vitamin Comparison

                                                                                      Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
                                                                                      Leek
                                                                                      Leek
                                                                                      9
                                                                                      Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 40% 28% 18% 0% 15% 6.9% 7.5% 8.4% 54% 0% 118% 48% 5.2%
                                                                                      Celery
                                                                                      Celery
                                                                                      2
                                                                                      Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 10% 7.3% 5.4% 0% 5.3% 13% 6% 15% 17% 0% 73% 27% 3.3%
                                                                                      Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C +287.1%
                                                                                      Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +277.3%
                                                                                      Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +240.7%
                                                                                      Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +185.7%
                                                                                      Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +25%
                                                                                      Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +214.9%
                                                                                      Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +60.4%
                                                                                      Contains more FolateFolate +77.8%
                                                                                      Contains more CholineCholine +55.7%
                                                                                      Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +90%
                                                                                      Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +75.7%
                                                                                      ~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg
                                                                                      ~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

                                                                                      Minerals

                                                                                      A 100-gram serving of leek provides 10.5 times more iron than celery. Leek contains higher levels of calcium and phosphorus (1,5 times more), magnesium (2.5 times more), copper, and manganese. 

                                                                                      At the same time, celery is richer in potassium (260mg) and sodium (80 mg). Both contain the same level of zinc.

                                                                                      Mineral Comparison

                                                                                      Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
                                                                                      Leek
                                                                                      Leek
                                                                                      8
                                                                                      Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 20% 18% 16% 79% 40% 3.3% 15% 2.6% 63% 5.5%
                                                                                      Celery
                                                                                      Celery
                                                                                      1
                                                                                      Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 7.9% 12% 23% 7.5% 12% 3.5% 10% 10% 13% 2.2%
                                                                                      Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +154.5%
                                                                                      Contains more CalciumCalcium +47.5%
                                                                                      Contains more IronIron +950%
                                                                                      Contains more CopperCopper +242.9%
                                                                                      Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +45.8%
                                                                                      Contains less SodiumSodium -75%
                                                                                      Contains more ManganeseManganese +367%
                                                                                      Contains more SeleniumSelenium +150%
                                                                                      Contains more PotassiumPotassium +44.4%
                                                                                      ~equal in Zinc ~0.13mg

                                                                                      Oxalates

                                                                                      The oxalate content of celery is 27mg per 100 grams, and the oxalate content of leeks is 33mg per 100 grams. Both are considered to be low in oxalates.

                                                                                      Glycemic Index

                                                                                      Foods are ranked from 0 to 100 according to their glycemic index based on low, medium, or high glycemic foods. The sugar content in leeks and celery is too low to measure an exact glycemic index value. However, the glycemic index values of both of these herbs are considered to be very low.

                                                                                      Acidity

                                                                                      The average pH value of leek falls in the range of 5.5–6.17, making this herb acidic. At the same time, celery has an acidic pH value of 5.7–6.0.

                                                                                      Another way of viewing the acidity of foods is the potential renal acid load. The PRAL value of the food demonstrates how much acid or base the given food produces when broken down inside the body.

                                                                                      The PRAL values of leek and celery are -3.2 (alkaline) and -5 (alkaline), respectively. These results indicate that leeks and celery help maintain a more alkaline environment in the body.

                                                                                      Weight Loss and Diets

                                                                                      Celery and leeks are both celebrated for their potential contributions to weight loss. With its low-calorie content of about 16 calories per 100 grams and high water and fiber content, celery allows for a satisfying consumption volume while keeping caloric intake minimal. Similarly, at 61 calories per 100 grams of cooked leeks, leeks are low in calories and rich in water and fiber. This combination can contribute to feelings of fullness and help naturally regulate appetite. Research consistently associates diets high in vegetables, like leeks and celery, with weight loss or reduced weight gain over time, emphasizing the necessity of combining these nutrient-dense foods into a balanced diet (1, 2).  

                                                                                      Health Benefits

                                                                                      Cardiovascular Health

                                                                                      Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan

                                                                                      It is an undisputed fact backed by numerous studies that celery and leek have antihypertensive effects. These vegetables have been proven to lower blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health (3,4). 

                                                                                      After consuming celery juice daily for six months, an elderly man experienced a decrease in arterial pressure, according to this study (5). 

                                                                                      Leeks are known to have a diuretic effect, which can reduce arterial blood pressure similarly to certain antihypertensive medications. Whether celery shares this effect is yet to be determined (4).

                                                                                      Introducing leek and celery into your diet is crucial to prevent atherosclerosis. Both these vegetables have hypolipidemic effects that can significantly reduce cholesterol levels. Therefore, it's time to take charge of your health and incorporate leek and celery into your meals (6,7,8).

                                                                                      Diabetes

                                                                                      Celery, as evidenced in studies on elderly pre-diabetic individuals, demonstrated effectiveness in reducing blood glucose levels. However, the association between this population's blood glucose and plasma insulin levels was not established (9, 10).  On the other hand, leeks, though not as extensively studied as onions and garlic, contain sulfur compounds, which have shown efficacy in effectively lowering blood sugar levels (11).  The emerging research on leeks suggests they offer additional benefits, contributing to the potential management of hyperglycemia.

                                                                                      Digestive Health

                                                                                      Celery's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect the entire digestive tract, with specific benefits for the stomach (12). In animal studies, compounds like pectin-based polysaccharides, including in humans, have decreased stomach ulcers and improved stomach lining and secretions (13).  Additionally, celery's high water content and fiber support a healthy digestive tract. On the other hand, leeks contribute to digestion by being a source of soluble fiber and prebiotics, fostering a healthy gut microbiome (14). Prebiotics in leeks promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, producing short-chain fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and strengthen gut health (15, 16).  

                                                                                      Cancer

                                                                                      Due to their significant antioxidant qualities, leeks and celery possess potential anticancer activities. Celery, rich in the flavone apigenin, has been explored for its potential as a reagent in cancer therapy (17). Meanwhile, leeks, which contain compounds like kaempferol and allicin, have been associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. In leeks, kaempferol reduces inflammation, inhibits cancer cell spread, and induces cell death (18, 19). Additionally, allicin, a sulfur compound in leeks, is thought to offer anticancer properties (20). Human studies indicate that regular consumption of alliums, including leeks, may lower the risk of gastric and colorectal cancer (21, 22). 

                                                                                      Neurological Health 

                                                                                      Leeks contain sulfur compounds that protect the brain from age-related mental decline and diseases (23). Similarly, celery contains apigenin, a compound that improves the functional differentiation of neurons and strengthens connections between brain cells (24).

                                                                                      Classification and Appearance

                                                                                      The difference in appearance between leeks and celery lies in their distinct structures. Celery (Apium graveolens) is a European herb with stalks commonly consumed as a vegetable. The celery stalks are long, slender, and crisp, with a light green to pale white color. On the other hand, leeks (Allium ampeloprasum), belonging to the lily family, have a unique appearance with edible leaves and an onion-like bulb. The leaves are long, flat, and often have a dark green hue, while the bulb is typically white or light green. The overall appearance of the leek is characterized by its elongated structure, consisting of leaves extending from a bulbous base. Comparing the two, celery is recognized for its crisp, cylindrical stalks, while leek has a more elongated form with distinctive leaves and a bulb at the base.

                                                                                      Taste and Use

                                                                                      Like giant chives or onions with long shoots, leeks taste like onions. They are leafy, growing from bulbs, and when cooked, leeks become sweet and mellow. On the other hand, celery has milder stalks and stronger-tasting leaves. Stalks are often used for their crisp texture, while the celery leaves have a more robust flavor. Chives can serve as a suitable replacement in recipes where leeks are not the primary ingredient, adding depth and another layer of flavor.

                                                                                      As for taste and use, leeks bring a subtle sweetness when cooked, while celery contributes a refreshing and mild flavor, particularly in its stalks. Both vegetables can enhance the depth of flavor in various dishes, depending on the culinary context.

                                                                                      Creating a delightful leek and celery soup is straightforward, each offering its own distinct charm. For leek and potato soup, saute sliced leeks until tender, add diced potatoes and vegetable broth, and season to create a mildly sweet and creamy blend. To achieve a smooth texture, use an immersion blender and optionally add heavy cream for richness. In contrast, creamy celery soup involves:

                                                                                      • Sauteing chopped celery and onions.
                                                                                      • Combining them with diced potatoes and vegetable broth.
                                                                                      • Seasoning to taste.

                                                                                      After simmering until the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender and incorporate milk or cream for creaminess.

                                                                                      Sources

                                                                                      1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23885994/
                                                                                      2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649719/
                                                                                      3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33174095/
                                                                                      4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348658625_A_Review_of_Leek_A_ampeloprasum_L_an_Important_Vegetable_and_Food_Ingredient_with_Remarkable_Pharmaceutical_Activities
                                                                                      5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34987326/
                                                                                      6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4967837/
                                                                                      7. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6492
                                                                                      8. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280255879
                                                                                      9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
                                                                                      10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26940333/
                                                                                      11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5316450/
                                                                                      12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871295/
                                                                                      13.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20645778/ 
                                                                                      14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6041804/
                                                                                      15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24388214/
                                                                                      16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17311984/
                                                                                      17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5207605/ 
                                                                                      18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3601579/
                                                                                      19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21868342/
                                                                                      20. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-93997-1_5
                                                                                      21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21473867/
                                                                                      22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24976533/
                                                                                      23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5316450/
                                                                                      24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21297270/
                                                                                      Article author photo Erna Harutyunyan
                                                                                      Education: General Medicine at YSMU
                                                                                      Last updated: April 16, 2024
                                                                                      Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian

                                                                                      Infographic

                                                                                      Leek vs Celery infographic
                                                                                      Infographic link

                                                                                      All nutrients comparison - raw data values

                                                                                      Nutrient Leek Celery DV% diff.
                                                                                      Iron 2.1mg 0.2mg 24%
                                                                                      Manganese 0.481mg 0.103mg 16%
                                                                                      Vitamin K 47µg 29.3µg 15%
                                                                                      Vitamin B6 0.233mg 0.074mg 12%
                                                                                      Vitamin C 12mg 3.1mg 10%
                                                                                      Copper 0.12mg 0.035mg 9%
                                                                                      Vitamin A 83µg 22µg 7%
                                                                                      Folate 64µg 36µg 7%
                                                                                      Carbs 14.15g 2.97g 4%
                                                                                      Magnesium 28mg 11mg 4%
                                                                                      Vitamin E 0.92mg 0.27mg 4%
                                                                                      Vitamin B1 0.06mg 0.021mg 3%
                                                                                      Sodium 20mg 80mg 3%
                                                                                      Vitamin B5 0.14mg 0.246mg 2%
                                                                                      Vitamin B2 0.03mg 0.057mg 2%
                                                                                      Protein 1.5g 0.69g 2%
                                                                                      Calories 61kcal 16kcal 2%
                                                                                      Potassium 180mg 260mg 2%
                                                                                      Phosphorus 35mg 24mg 2%
                                                                                      Calcium 59mg 40mg 2%
                                                                                      Polyunsaturated fat 0.166g 0.079g 1%
                                                                                      Selenium 1µg 0.4µg 1%
                                                                                      Fiber 1.8g 1.6g 1%
                                                                                      Vitamin B3 0.4mg 0.32mg 1%
                                                                                      Choline 9.5mg 6.1mg 1%
                                                                                      Fats 0.3g 0.17g 0%
                                                                                      Net carbs 12.35g 1.37g N/A
                                                                                      Sugar 3.9g 1.34g N/A
                                                                                      Zinc 0.12mg 0.13mg 0%
                                                                                      Saturated fat 0.04g 0.042g 0%
                                                                                      Monounsaturated fat 0.004g 0.032g 0%
                                                                                      Tryptophan 0.012mg 0.009mg 0%
                                                                                      Threonine 0.063mg 0.02mg 0%
                                                                                      Isoleucine 0.052mg 0.021mg 0%
                                                                                      Leucine 0.096mg 0.032mg 0%
                                                                                      Lysine 0.078mg 0.027mg 0%
                                                                                      Methionine 0.018mg 0.005mg 0%
                                                                                      Phenylalanine 0.055mg 0.02mg 0%
                                                                                      Valine 0.056mg 0.027mg 0%
                                                                                      Histidine 0.025mg 0.012mg 0%
                                                                                      Fructose 0.37g 0%

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                                                                                      References

                                                                                      All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

                                                                                      1. Leek - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169246/nutrients
                                                                                      2. Celery - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169988/nutrients

                                                                                      All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

                                                                                      Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.