Sarah EatonCelery has been used as an anti-hypertensive medication in folk medicine for centuries. And celery health benefits continue to include the ability to treat several cardiovascular-related issues. For example, its anti-inflammatory properties can lower blood pressure as well as cholesterol. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory agents in celery can help prevent heart disease.
But celery benefits more than heart health. For one, celery has antioxidants that help fight infection, among other things. This is beneficial in many ways.
Celery Health Benefits – 10 Reasons to Eat Some Today!
1. Helps Lower High Cholesterol
Celery health benefits include the ability to lower high cholesterol. One study fed rats celery extract for eight weeks. At the end of the study, researchers saw a significant lowering of lipid levels in the rats’ blood. This was in comparison to the control group, which did not receive the extract. (1) From this evidence, it seems that celery might be a good dietary choice when it comes to controlling high blood pressure.
2. Lowers Inflammation
Celery also fights inflammation, which can contribute to numerous diseases. For example, inflammation can lead to cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and other diseases and conditions. Furthermore, researchers have studied celery health benefits regarding antioxidants. They found over a dozen types that can treat a variety of other ailments associated with inflammation. These ailments include, for example, arthritis, gout, kidney and liver infections, skin disorders, IBS, and UTIs, to name a few.
3. Helps Prevent or Treat High Blood Pressure
Celery health benefits continue with the ability to treat and prevent high blood pressure. (2) This power comes from celery seeds, which contain several helpful extracts. For example, these extracts can improve circulation, lower inflammation, and help control blood pressure.
4. Helps Prevent Ulcers
This is one of the celery health benefits not many know. A study from 2010 found that the ethanol extract from celery helps protect the lining of the digestive tract from ulcers. Furthermore, this extract helps control the level of gastric acid released while also improving the level of protective mucus. (3)
5. Protects Liver Health
Celery health benefits extend to the liver, as well. In one study, when researchers fed rats celery (along with chicory and barley), the rats experienced a reduction in the amount of dangerous fat buildup from the liver. In fact, the more celery, chicory and barley the rats were given, the more their liver health improved. (4)
6. Beneficial for Weight Loss
As celery is low in calories and can help regulate fat metabolism, it’s a great weight loss food. Furthermore, it provides antioxidants and electrolytes to keep you healthy. Additionally, it contains vitamins and minerals like vitamins C, B, as well as potassium. Often, it’s easy to not consume enough nutrients while cutting calories. However, eating foods like celery can ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. To help your weight loss journey, try snacking on celery sticks throughout the day. Alternatively, juice it with other produce, such as apples and carrots.
7. Boosts Digestion and Reduces Bloating
Celery health benefits continue with the abilities to improve digestion and reduce bloating. Celery seeds contain an odorless and oily compound that has a diuretic effect. In studies with rats, urine volume was found to be great when the rats were given celery extract. This was in comparison to the control group. (5)
As it’s a diuretic, celery can improve circulation in the intestines, which can help relieve bloating.
8. Contains Anti-Microbial Properties That Fight Infections
The ability to fight infections is also on the list of celery health benefits. In fact, celery seeds have been used for centuries as an herbal medicine with antibacterial effects. Moreover, a 2009 report found that celery contains special anti-microbial agents found in the seeds. (6) The extract from the seeds was effective in purifying and reducing bacteria growth. This suggests that perhaps celery can be used to fight bacterial infections.
9. Helps Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Celery health benefits continue with the ability to prevent urinary tract infections. The uric acid present in celery stimulates urine production, which helps fight infections in the digestive and reproductive organs. Additionally, celery can prevent bladder disorders and kidney issues. Furthermore, celery can help prevent the formation of cysts on reproductive organs.
10. May Help Protect from Cancer
Celery is part of a group of vegetables that are anti-cancer. It contains a compound called polyacetylenes. Specifically, this compound is useful in treating breast cancer, intestinal cancer and leukemia. Polyacetylenes have the ability to boost the immune system, including stopping mutated cells from spreading. (7)