benefits of celery

Benefits of Celery

21. Celery reduces bad cholesterol
There is a component in celery calledbutylphthalide. It gives the vegetable its flavor and scent. Guess what: this component also reduces bad cholesterol!A Chicago University research shows that just two stalks of celery a day can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 7 points!
22. It lowers blood pressure
An active compound calledphthalides in celery has been proven to boost circulatory health. Raw, whole celery reduces high blood pressure. Celery is one of the very low calorie herbal plants. Its leaves carry only 16 calories per 100 g weight and contain lots of nonsoluble fiber (roughage) which when combined with other weight loss regimens may help reduce body weight, and blood cholesterol levels.
23. It can amp up your sex life
Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, Director of the Smeel and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, says two pheromones in celery
24. Celery can combat cancer
Two studies at the University of Illinois show that a powerful flavonoid in celery, called luteolin, inhibits the growth of cancer cells, especially in the pancreas. Another study suggests that the regular intake of celery could significantly delay the formation of breast cancer cells.
25. Antioxidants
Celery is a very rich source of antioxidants. The vegetable contains the following phytonutrients: phenolic acids, flavonols, dihydrostilbenoids, flavones, furanocoumarins, and phytosterols. Its leaves are rich source of flavonoid antioxidants such as zeaxanthin, lutein, and betacarotene, which have been antioxidant, cancer protective and immuneboosting functions. For the same reason, celery has been acknowledged as a functional food.
26. Vitamins and minerals
Celery is very rich in vitamin K and also contains folate, vitamin A, potassium, and vitamin C. Its leaves are a good source of vitaminA. 100 g fresh celery comprises of 449 IU or 15% of dailyrequired levels of this vitamin. VitaminA and betacarotene are natural flavonoid antioxidants. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin, and for night vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in flavonoids helps the body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
27. Dietary fiber
Despite being mainly water, celery also provides a fair amount of dietary fiber. The vegetable contains 1.6 grams of fiber per 100 grams. The herb is also rich in many vital vitamins, including folic acid (provides 9% of RDA), riboflavin, niacin and vitaminC, which are essential for optimum metabolism.
28. Potential health benefits of celery
The potential health benefits of celery (and its seeds) include: lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of cancer, and preventing agerelated degeneration of vision. Fresh celery is an excellent source of vitaminK, provides about 25% of DRI. VitaminK helps increase bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has established role in Alzheimers disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
29. Lowering blood pressure
There is no strong evidence to suggest that celery seeds may help lower blood pressure among humans. However, a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food assessed the effect that celery (Apium graveolens) seed extracts have on blood pressure (BP) in normotensive and deoxycorticosterone acetateinduced hypertensive rats. The authors of the study concluded that celery seed extracts have antihypertensive properties, which appears to be attributable to the actions of its active hydrophobic constitutes such as NBP and can be considered as an antihypertensive agent in chronic treatment of elevated BP.
30. Preventing cancer
Celery contains a flavanoid called luteolin. Researchers believe that this particular flavonoid may posses anticancer properties. The herb is a very good source of minerals like potassium, sodium, calcium, manganese, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.