11 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating More Celery and Celery Seeds

Celery is probably one of the most overlooked superfoods. While some people add chopped celery to their soup or chili or eat them as raw snacks, their healing powers are tremendously overlooked. I want to change that by showcasing celery’s true healing powers. Here are some of the best health and healing benefits of eating celery and celery seeds on a regular basis

BRAIN AND MEMORY SUPERFOOD

Celery might just be the most overlooked brain health superfood. Perhaps it is because affordable, readily-available celery is just too commonplace to be a considered a superfood, but when it comes to your brain you’ll want to give celery a second thought. Over 900 years ago, Hildegard von Bingen, a writer, scientist, musician and nun wrote about celery’s anti-inflammatory properties.

But it was only much more recently that scientists have proven what she knew almost a millennia ago. James Duke, PhD, author of The Green Pharmacy and world-renowned botanist, discovered that both celery and celery seeds contain over twenty natural anti-inflammatory compounds including an extremely potent one known as apigenin. These anti-inflammatories help reduce brain inflammation that can occur as we age and make us more vulnerable to memory lapses and brain decline.

PAIN AND INFLAMMATION

Celery and celery seeds are a great addition to your diet, particularly if you suffer from any inflammation or pain. In addition to Dr. Duke’s research citing these foods as among the best for brain inflammation, they can also quell inflammation elsewhere in the body. In a study published in Progress in Drug Research scientists found that an extract of celery seeds was at least as effective as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen in the treatment of arthritis.

ARTHRITIS AND GOUT REMEDIES

Celery and celery seeds are proven arthritis remedies. They are particularly great against the arthritic condition gout, which is primarily felt through pain in the big toe. 

DIABETES PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Celery contains compounds known as flavonols which research in the Journal of Nutritionshows can decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26 percent. Additionally, these nutrients can help those already suffering from the disease. Celery is low in sugar and an excellent choice for anyone, especially diabetics.

GUT PROTECTOR

Due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, including its unique apiuman content, celery and celery seeds offer protection against inflammation of the digestive tract.

ANTI-AGING ANTIOXIDANTS

A growing body of research shows that celery and celery seeds can help prevent the effects of aging thanks to its many free-radical-fighting compounds. Some of the unique antioxidants found in celery include compounds known as lunularin, bergapten and psoralen. But, you don’t need to remember their complex names to benefit from their antioxidant protection for your cells, blood vessels and organs.

HEALTHY BLOOD CLOTTING

Due to its high vitamin K content, celery can help ensure healthy blood flow and blood clotting. Just one cup of diced celery contains one-third of your body’s daily vitamin K requirements. Of course, if you take warfarin or another blood thinner, or have a blood clotting disorder, it is wise to keep your vitamin K intake consistent on a daily basis to avoid any issues with your medication or condition.

HEART AND BLOOD VESSEL HEALTH

Due to celery’s many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, it has been found to protect the blood vessels and heart from damage, making it an excellent food to ensure your cardiovascular health.

MAY HELP REDUCE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Thanks to celery’s compounds known as phthalides which act as natural diuretics and thereby help to lower pressure inside blood vessels, eating celery on a daily basis may help to normalize high blood pressure.

BONE HEALTH

Due to its high vitamin K content which helps build strong and healthy bones, eating celery on a regular basis may help strengthen your bones.

ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES

While the research on celery’s potential anti-cancer properties is still in its infancy, there are animal studies showcasing celery’s anti-cancer effects. Other research in the Journal of Cancer Prevention found that apigenin, which is found in celery and celery seeds, demonstrates anti-cancer activity by preventing free radical damage to cells and DNA, suppressing inflammation, slowing cancer cell growth and causing cancer cells to commit suicide through a process known as apoptosis.

HOW TO BENEFIT FROM CELERY 

Celery is one of the most versatile foods, making it simple to add to your daily diet. You can juice celery in a juicer or blender. If using a blender you’ll want to add a bit of water and drink immediately as the fiber causes the drink to quickly thicken. Add chopped celery or celery seeds to soups or stews. My sister blends pieces of celery into her excellent Caesar salad dressing to thicken it and give it a hint of celery taste and all of the health benefits celery offers.

Enjoy raw celery crudités with almond butter, hummus or your favorite dip or spread. Add chopped, raw celery to salads.

Use celery seeds or as a salt substitute in many recipes. One of my favorite foods as an appetizer instead of garlic bread is celery bread. It’s made the same as garlic bread but uses celery seeds in place of the garlic. Better yet, use the garlic along with the celery seed for a delicious appetizer or snack. Simply brush olive oil on whole grain gluten-free bread and sprinkle with celery seeds, bake in a 325 degree Fahrenheit oven until golden-brown and serve immediately.