Celery is a mild marshland plant from the same family as parsley and carrots. It grows in clusters of about eight to 10 and has long, green fibrous stalks that taper into leaves. The leaves are also edible, though most people throw them. Celery has an earthy, peppery taste and has several nutritional contents that aid sound health.
Here are the significant health benefits of celery.
It May Help Fight Cancer
Celery contains antioxidants that eliminate cancer-promoting radicals from the cells. It also promotes autophagy, a removal process of dysfunctional components and cells, preventing diseases. Studies also reveal that luteolin, a celery plant flavonoid, may be responsible for the anticancer effects. Researchers discovered that luteolin supplementation minimized mice tumor rates by about 50% and slowed down the progression of leftover tumors. Studies from China suggest that consuming two stalks every week can reduce lung cancer risks by up to 50%. Other studies suggest that celery consumption may effectively defeat cancers of the liver, ovary, prostate, pancreas, and breast.
It May Minimize Inflammation
Due to their anti-inflammatory features on the body, celery seed extracts are used for treating inflammation. Some studies compare the seed extract’s effectiveness to drugs like naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin in siting arthritis symptoms. These seed extracts may also reduce pains and protect against stomach damage resulting from using NSAIDs. A 2008 research discovered that the luteolin present in celery could greatly minimize brain inflammation. It may also have the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.
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It May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
Consuming this crunchy vegetable may protect your heart as it improves the general heart disease biomarkers. In 2009, researchers performed a study by giving celery extracts to rats for 60 days and discovered that the rats experienced a significant decrease in blood lipids, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Although it has high sodium content, celery can reduce your blood pressure. A mixture of honey and celery has been successfully used for this purpose in China for a long time. In South Africa, pregnant women take a mixture of vinegar and pure celery juice to reduce high blood pressure.
It May Aid Male Fertility
In 2017, studies revealed that celery could help protect against substances that damage sperm count. A similar study in 2015 on celery effects on fertility in rats discovered that using celery leaf extract for 30 days could potentially boost sperm count. This result may be due to its inhibitive effects on free radicals that adversely affect fertility. However, the quantity of celery you’d need to drink or eat to get these benefits hasn’t been determined.
It May Aid Digestive Health and Gut
Celery contains insoluble fiber, which increases satiety, helps promote regularity, and aids weight loss. This implies that it can help clean the intestines and treat and prevent constipation. In 2010, a study looked at the effect of celery extract in treating stomach ulcers using rats. Researchers analyzed its overall protective benefits on the rats’ gastrointestinal system. Rats who received celery extract treatments before developing stomach ulcers experienced less gastric damage than the others. The researchers suggest it’s probably a result of the antioxidant features of celery.
Conclusion
Whether you drink or eat them, including veggies like celery in your diet is a great thing. It’s very nutritious, with minimal downsides and several health benefits.
