What Does Celery Do In The Body?
Celery is unbelievably low in calories. So much so that it is even called a negative-calorie food. It contains major vitamins and minerals, and even certain flavonoids that reduce inflammation and prevent heart disease.Numerous studies have been conducted on celery, and the results are astounding. Addition of celery to a regular diet was found to decrease the risk of memory loss, breast cancer, and tumor, and even pancreatic cancer (1). Celery has also been found to promote digestive health.
That’s a brief about what celery can do for you. And now we get into the details.
Health Benefits Of Celery
1. Lowers Blood Pressure
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Celery has been to found to contain a phytochemical called phthalides, which relaxes artery walls and increases blood flow – thereby reducing blood pressure (2). One Iranian study had also attributed the antihypertensive properties of celery to the same phytochemical (3). The phytochemical also relaxes the smooth muscles around blood vessels (4).
2. Lowers Cholesterol
One major reason celery can be a part of your low-cholesterol diet is its abundance of fiber and the less number of calories it contains (8). And the phtyochemical phthalide comes into the picture again – in one Chicago study, phthalides were found to reduce cholesterol levels by 7%. Similar findings were established in a Singapore study (9).Celery has been found to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and at the same time increase the levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) – thereby treating hyperlipidemia as well.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Celery is replete with phytonutrient antioxidants that possess anti-inflammatory properties. The vegetable is also an important source of flavonols in Chinese adults (10). Celery juice or celery extracts also reduce the activity of certain proteins that are linked to inflammation (11).Celery also contains a compound called luteolin that can prevent inflammation in the cells of lungs, prostate, gums, and the brain (12). Celery is also found to inhibit the growth of H. pylori, a bacteria that causes gastritis (or the inflammation of stomach lining) (13).
4. Aids Weight Loss
Celery is one of the few ideal foods you can consume for healthy weight loss. One, because it is low in calories. And two, it is high on fiber. Fiber also makes you feel full for longer after eating, which prevents you from binging – ultimately facilitating weight loss. Celery’s high water content could be another boon for people looking to lose weight – inadequate water intake causes dehydration, leaving you fatigued and demotivated to hit the gym and workout.Celery also regulates lipid metabolism, and hence is a valuable option in weight loss diets (14). It can also be consumed with other vegetables that have a higher energy density – celery, being water-rich, lowers the energy density of the other ingredients and promotes weight loss (15).
5. Helps Prevent Cancer
Cancer has always been a deadly disease. But, its prevention lies in its nature itself, with celery possessing some of the best chemopreventive properties.Celery contains polyacetylenes, compounds that prevent numerous cancer formations. The bioactive flavonoids celery contains (apigenin and luteolin) fight free radicals and kill any cancer cells in the body (16). The flavonoids in celery were also found to kill pancreatic cancer cells (17). Luteolin has also been found to prevent breast cancer (18).
Flavonoids in celery harbor chemopreventive properties, and therefore act as antioxidants. In one study, pre-treating cancer cells with apigenin and luteolin followed by the application of a chemotherapy drug proved to be the most effective in treating cancer (19). Numerous other studies have also attributed the ability to prevent cancer to luteolin (20).
6. Aids Digestion
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Celery also contains insoluble fiber, which makes it easy for stool to pass.
7. Improves Sex Life
This vegetable, which tastes like crunchy water, can stir up your sex life. Each celery stalk contains androstenone and androstenol, which are basically odour molecules. These molecules travel through the back of your throat and to your nose, thereby boosting your arousal and emitting scents that can make you more desirable (21).Celery extracts were also found to enhance sexual performance in men (22). The dosage was found to increase sperm count (23). It had even increased the secretion of testosterone.
8. Might Help Treat Asthma
One of the more common conditions, asthma, can make one’s life hard and uncomfortable. But an asthma sufferer can find relief with celery. As per a report published by Purdue University, celery can effectively be used for treating asthma (24).9. Can Help Treat Diabetes
By 2030, it is estimated that a whopping 439 million adults will suffer from diabetes. Yes, that number does put one at unease. But, you don’t have to be one among them, do you?The antidiabetic properties of celery can be attributed to its vitamin K content. This vitamin reduces inflammation, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose metabolism. In one study, participants with the highest vitamin K intake had the lowest risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, diabetes can also be caused by H. pylori, the very same bacteria that can cause stomach issues. And, as already discussed, celery has the unique ability to hinder the growth of H. pylori.
In one Iranian study, celery seed extract was found to control diabetes in rats (25), indicating the possibility of a similar effect in humans.
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