Celery (Apium graveolens) is a marshland plant in the family Apiaceae that has been cultivated as a vegetable since antiquity. Celery has a long fibrous stalk tapering into leaves. Depending on location and cultivar, either its stalks, leaves or hypocotyl are eaten and used in cooking. Celery seed is also used as a spice and its extracts have been used in herbal medicine.
Health benefits of celery are as follows:
1-Boost immune system. Rich in vitamin A and C as well as antioxidants, celery boosts the immune system and makes it more active and efficient.
2-Reduce asthma symptoms. Vitamin C in celery prevents free radical damage and also has anti-inflammatory properties that decrease the severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma.
3-Prevent oxidative damage. Eating it raw regularly protects organs from oxidative damage and helps to avoid diseases of the liver, pancreas, kidney, and gallbladder.
4-Manage diabetes. The active ingredients in celery have shown anti diabetic, hypolipidemic, and hypotensive properties which means it can help manage diabetes.
5-Anticancer properties. Celery contains phthalides, flavonoids like luteolin, and polyacetylenes. Luteolin has cancer-fighting properties. The green stalks also contain coumarins that improve the activity of certain white blood cells, which can productively stave off cancer. The extract exerts anti-proliferation and effect against gastric cancer and its use may cause apoptosis or programmed cell death.
6-Lowers arthritis pain. Celery may help people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, and gout. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain around the joints. Celery acts as a diuretic, as it helps remove uric acid crystals that build up around the body’s joints that can add to pain and discomfort.
7-Prevents urinary tract infections. Its extract has antibacterial effects as well which has further potential to prevent UTIs.
8-Reduces blood pressure. Celery contains organic chemical compounds called phthalides which can lower the level of stress hormones in the blood. It also contains potassium, which is a vasodilator and helps in reducing blood pressure.
9-Lowers cholesterol. The fiber found in celery may help reduce artery-clogging cholesterol (called LDL or bad cholesterol) and it also works to scrape the cholesterol out of the blood stream and remove it from the body. The phthalides stimulate the secretion of bile juices, which work to lower cholesterol levels.
10-Anti-inflammatory properties. Celery leaves affect cytokines, which are immune system messenger molecules responsible for anti-inflammatory effects in the body and this is because the leaves have high levels of bioactive compounds like luteolin, apigenin, and kaempferol.
11-Nerve tonic. Celery contains high levels of magnesium and calcium; two minerals that have been shown to remarkably reduce anxiety and perceived stress. Also it contains coumarins, which have shown promise in treating several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and more.
Side effects.
1-Allergy. Reactions can range from oral contact urticaria to anaphylactic shock. The allergy may occur when it is eaten raw or cooked or as a form of a spice.
2-Skin irritations. May cause allergic contact dermatitis (eczema), acute urticaria (hives), and angioedema (skin swelling).
3-Gastrointestinal problem. Over eating for weight-loss reasons can cause bloating or diarrhea due to its high fiber content.