What Are the Health Benefits of Celery?

The health benefits of celery

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Celery is not just a common vegetable but a powerhouse of health benefits. From combating obesity and cardiovascular diseases to managing metabolic syndrome and providing essential nutrients, celery offers a wide range of medicinal properties. Incorporating celery into your diet can lead to significant health improvements, supported by extensive scientific research.

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a versatile vegetable known for its numerous health benefits. This article explores the various ways in which celery can contribute to better health, supported by scientific research.

Anti-Obesity Properties

Celery has shown promising results in combating obesity. Studies have demonstrated that fermented celery juice (FCJ) can significantly inhibit body weight gain, prevent dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, and suppress visceral fat accumulation in high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice. FCJ also modulates gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing harmful ones, which helps prevent obesity-related metabolic disorders1. Additionally, enzyme-treated celery extract (ECE) has been found to prevent HFD-induced body weight gain and improve lipid parameters, suggesting its potential as a functional food for obesity prevention5.

Cardiovascular Health

Celery is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in cardiovascular diseases. The phthalides in celery can relax smooth muscles in blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. This hypotensive effect has been confirmed in various studies, making celery a valuable non-pharmacological treatment for hypertension2 4.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Celery contains numerous phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, flavones, and flavonols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can decrease the activity of proinflammatory cytokines, thereby preventing inflammation. The antioxidant properties of celery, attributed to compounds like caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid, help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative damage and promoting overall health2 9 10.

Metabolic Syndrome Management

Celery has been found to be effective in managing metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of conditions including hypertension, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, and hyperglycemia. The active ingredients in celery, such as phenolic compounds and antioxidants, help improve insulin action, glucose, and lipid metabolism, making it a beneficial dietary addition for those at risk of MetS2.

Nutritional Benefits

Celery is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K, and P, as well as iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients contribute to strengthening the immune system, improving bone health, and alleviating conditions like anemia. The diuretic properties of celery, mainly due to the volatile oil apiol, make it useful for treating edema and urinary tract infections6 7.

Gastroprotective and Neuroprotective Effects

Celery has also been shown to have gastroprotective and neuroprotective properties. Its bioactive compounds can protect the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system from various ailments. These properties further enhance the medicinal value of celery, making it a versatile herb for overall health improvement8.