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Celery has proven to aid in lowering blood pressure and the improvement of overall health

Celery’s potential for lowing high blood pressure has long been recognised by Chinese medicine practitioners, and recent research has identified why. Celery contains a high level of calcium, magnesium, potassium and active compounds called phthalides, which have been found to lower blood pressure and promote a healthy circulatory system. Celery is best eaten raw; however the juice is also especially useful for overall good health.

Other Health Benefits

According to a recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research, the compound called apigenin, found in celery, has the potential to reduce the risk of cancer as it has anti-tumour activity and can prevent certain breast cancer tumour cells from multiplying and growing.
Celery is an excellent source of vitamin C which helps support your immune system and may aid in reducing cold symptoms. Vitamin C also aids in the prevention of free radical damage that triggers the inflammatory cascade, which means celery is also associated with reducing the severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Vitamin C also promotes improved cardiovascular health.
Celery contains compounds called coumarins that help prevent free radicals from damaging cells, thus decreasing the mutations that increase the potential for cells to become cancerous. Coumarins also enhance the activity of certain white blood cells, immune defenders that target and eliminate potentially harmful cells, including cancer cells. In addition, compounds in celery called acetylenics have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells.

Preparing Celery

To aid in reducing high blood pressure, celery is best eaten raw and whole celery and also acts as a tonic for the liver.

Drinking a glass of celery juice before a meal is said to act as a natural appetite suppressant for those wanting to lose weight.

Although best eaten raw for optimum health benefits, celery is also useful and tasty when added to salads, soups, stews and a variety of other delicious dishes. Experiment with combinations of celery and/or onions, green peppers, garlic, chili powder, tomatoes, parsley, barley, carrots and coriander for a yummy hearty soup.

Celery is also great as a cooked, sautéed vegetable. Celery prepared in this way will retain most of the potassium, and stays crunchy. Since celery is high in sodium, it is unnecessary to add salt when this vegetable is part of a dish.