Celery is a thick, light-green stalked vegetable of the parsley family.

Celery contains phytochemical compounds called 3-n-Butyl (3nB) phthalides, which not only give it its flavour but have also been shown to lower blood pressure.

 

Studies with animals have also shown that 3nB can lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the formation of the arterial plaques which can result in cardiovascular disease. In animal studies, 3nB has also been found to help prevent strokes and to enhance energy production in the brain, as well as to improve neurological function after simulation of a stroke.

 

Antioxidant celery compounds called coumarins are also the focus of much current scientific research due to their potential as anti-cancer therapies. The celery seed oil extract sedanolide has, along with 3nB, been found to inhibit tumours in lab tests. Celery is an excellent source of vitamin C, which has anti-carcinogenic properties through its role as an antioxidant and is rich in folate a vitamin required to make DNA and to prevent pre-cancerous changes to it.

 

In addition, celery is a good source of manganese, which is important for normal central nervous system and reproduction functions; fibre, which keeps your colon healthy, preventing constipation, diverticulitis and cancer, and potassium which can also help to keep blood pressure low.

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 1st, 2008 at 1:10 am and is filed under Cancer, Heart Disease, Ingredient Spotlights. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.