Celery

Celery

Celery (Apium graveolens)is a vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae family. This vegetable is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, potassium, folate, and beneficial enzymes, making it a nutrient powerhouse and a potent natural remedy for a wide array of medical maladies. Aside from being loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, celery is low in calories. For culinary use, celery is a nutritious and delicious ingredient added in soups and salads, or as a garnish to various international dishes.

Benefits of Celery

Celery has plenty of health benefits that are attributed to its fantastic nutritional value. Here are some of its amazing health benefits:

Lowers Blood Pressure

According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, drinking 8 ounces of celery juice mixed with equal amount of honey three times a day for up to one week can help reduce blood pressure levels.[1] Other studies have also shown that fresh celery juice can be mixed with vinegar to alleviate dizziness, headache and shoulder pain associated with high blood pressure, as well as in treating hypertension associated with pregnancy.[2-3]

Prevents Cancer

Strong scientific studies support the anti-cancer properties of celery. For instance, one study found that women with higher dietary carotenoid intake from celery had a lower risk of colon cancer compared to those with lower intake.[4] In a meta-analysis of several clinical trials assessing the effects of celery intake on cancer risk, researchers found that participants with higher dietary celery intake were at lower risk for kidney cancer compared to those with lower celery intake.[5] Researchers believe that the anti-cancer properties of celery is attributed to its high apigenin content.[6] Apigenin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance that helps inhibit the growth and reproduction of malignant cells.[7]

Prevents Ulcer

Including celery in your diet can help prevent the formation of painful ulcers. According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, celery contains a special type of ethanol extract that protects the lining of the digestive tract from ulcers by replenishing depleted levels of gastric mucus.[8]

Combats Infection

Celery seeds have actually been used for centuries in the treatment of various infections. A 2009 report published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology has shown that celery contains special anti-microbial components that can naturally fight bacterial infections.[9] According to the study, celery extract was able to kill H. pylori, a type of bacteria responsible for various intestinal infections.

Improves Cognitive Function

A 2008 study found that flavonoids form celery have a number of beneficial effects within the brain, including a potential to protect nerve cells against injury induced by neurotoxins and free radicals, an ability to suppress nerve inflammation, and the potential to improve cognitive function.[10] Researchers found that the specific mechanism by which flavonoids exert these beneficial effects is by increasing blood flow to the brain.

Aids in Proper Digestion

Celery is highly rich in water and fiber – both of which are crucial for proper digestion and absorption of foods.[11] In addition, the fiber in celery helps prevent constipation by allowing more water to remain in your stool, making waste softer and easier to pass.

Improves Cholesterol Levels

According to a 2015 analysis of 2183 published scientific papers about herbal drugs interactions, celery intake can potentially reduce blood cholesterol levels without any adverse side effects, making it a natural remedy for abnormally elevated cholesterol.[12]

References:

1. Somanadhan B, Varughese G, Palpu P, Sreedharan R, Gudiksen L, Smitt UW, et al. An ethnopharmacological survey for potential angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors from Indian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999;65:103–12.
2. Gharooni M, Sarkarati AR. Application of Apium graveolens in treatment of hypertension. Tehran Univ Med J. 2000;58:67–9.
3. Simpson D. Buchu–South Africa’s amazing herbal remedy. Scott Med J. 1998;43:189–9.
4. Slattery ML, Benson J, Curtin K, Ma KN, Schaeffer D, Potter JD. Carotenoids and colon cancer. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2000; 71(2):575-82.
5. Lee JE, Männistö S, Spiegelman D, et al. Intakes of fruit, vegetables, and carotenoids and renal cell cancer risk: a pooled analysis of 13 prospective studies. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology. 2009;18(6):1730-1739. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-09-0045.
6. Nabavi SM, Habtemariam S, Daglia M, Nabavi SF. Apigenin and Breast Cancers: From Chemistry to Medicine. Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry. 2015; 15(6):728-35.
7. Shukla S, Gupta S. Apigenin: A Promising Molecule for Cancer Prevention. Pharmaceutical research. 2010;27(6):962-978. doi:10.1007/s11095-010-0089-7.
8. Al-Howiriny T, Alsheikh A, Alqasoumi S, Al-Yahya M, ElTahir K, Rafatullah S. Gastric antiulcer, antisecretory and cytoprotective properties of celery (Apium graveolens) in rats. Pharmaceutical biology. 2010; 48(7):786-93.
9. Zhou Y, Taylor B, Smith TJ. A novel compound from celery seed with a bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology. 2009; 61(8):1067-77.
10. Vauzour D, Vafeiadou K, Rodriguez-Mateos A, Rendeiro C, Spencer JPE. The neuroprotective potential of flavonoids: a multiplicity of effects. Genes & Nutrition. 2008;3(3-4):115-126. doi:10.1007/s12263-008-0091-4.
11. Slavin JL, Lloyd B. Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables. Advances in Nutrition. 2012;3(4):506-516. doi:10.3945/an.112.002154.Slavin JL, Lloyd B. Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables. Advances in Nutrition. 2012;3(4):506-516. doi:10.3945/an.112.002154.
12. Rouhi-Boroujeni H, Rouhi-Boroujeni H, Heidarian E, Mohammadizadeh F, Rafieian-Kopaei M. Herbs with anti-lipid effects and their interactions with statins as a chemical anti- hyperlipidemia group drugs: A systematic review. ARYA Atherosclerosis. 2015;11(4):244-251.