High blood pressure and high cholesterol can hike the risk of cardiovascular disease. As the arteries become hardened and narrowed with cholesterol plaque and calcium, the heart has to strain much harder to pump blood. Celery juice is a good source of vitamins A, B, C and K and consists of a combination of phytochemical and antioxidants, that significantly help tame inflammation. Although research into the health benefits of celery remains limited, Liberty Mills, Nutritional Proof Expert, explained how the superfood can help us live longer.
Blood pressure
Celery contains high levels of coumarins, a compound which can help lower the number of stress hormones in the body, and reduce symptoms of high blood pressure.
Liberty explained: “The popular anti-inflammatory claims from juicing celery are perhaps because it contains an antioxidant called Coumarin, which enhances the activity of white blood cells that are crucial for maintaining and healthy immune system.
“Furthermore, a photochemical called phthalides, can relax the tissues of the artery walls and reduce blood pressure.
“When your blood pressure is high, you place a strain on all of your organs, and it can even lead to heart disease and heart attacks, so it is always good to maintain it in the healthy range.Several studies found that celery seed extract may lower blood pressure by reducing the arteries’ build up of fatty deposits,” Liberty added.
Cholesterol
The same compound responsible for lowering blood pressure can work to reduce cholesterol by amplifying steroid acids and secretion of bile.
Drinking celery has been known to reduce bad cholesterol by as many as seven points, thanks to the chemical 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB).
Liberty said: “Celery juice is an excellent addition to a diet than champions “good cholesterol” over “bad cholesterol”, to keep you living a healthy life.”
“A study on rats found that celery extract decreases the concentration of normal LDL cholesterol, thus helping to lower cholesterol levels.”
Anti-ageing properties
Drinking celery juice can improve the texture of the skin, by providing anti-ageing benefits through vitamin K and vitamin C.
Liberty noted: “As celery juice is 95 percent water and contains electrolytes, it is an excellent way to hydrate the body’s largest organ; the skin.
“Hydration is essential to not only the texture of the skin, but also gives you a glow.
“One cup of celery juice contains 16 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. Collagen is needed to give the skin a youthful look.”
Diabetes
Celery is a good source of dietary fibre, which may aid in diabetes prevention.
Furthermore, the juice has a remarkably low glycemic index, which can maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
The antioxidants and vitamins in celery can help regulate blood sugar spikes, consequently increasing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose metabolism.
Liberty noted: “Studies have found that celery seed extract given to diabetes rats improved their insulin and glucose levels, also lowering their weight and elevating antioxidant enzyme activity.”
Side Effects
Although celery has many health benefits for the health, Liberty warns that celery’s high salt and vitamin K content, could interact with other drugs.
She explained: “People on blood-thinning medication should be careful and drastically changing their levels of vitamin K, as it can interfere with drugs such a Warfarin. Always consult a medical professional before doing a juice cleanse.”
Liberty also suggests drinking the juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, to reap the vegetables’ benefits.
However, she added: “Many doctors say you still get all the benefits if you drink celery juice at any time of the day. The abundance of vitamins and minerals will not b wasted if you have the juice later on in the day.”
