(NaturalHealth365)  Managing, overcoming, and preventing many health issues is an ongoing struggle for many people.  As we all know, medications can have unwanted side effects.  Taking a natural approach by optimizing diet and making lifestyle changes is a much better (and usually safer) way to approach high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and to prevent cancer.

In fact, certain nutrients found in various foods directly address the issues without unwanted side effects.  One such food that is packed full of health-boosting nutrients is celery.

If you need to lower your blood pressure or want to prevent cancer, studies advise adding this organic green vegetable to your diet.

Celery contains potent plant compounds with MULTIPLE benefits

Celery has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is known for its potential health benefits.

In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, celery seed has been used to treat various conditions, including colds and flu, arthritis, and urinary tract infections.  Celery seed is believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which may explain its traditional use in treating these conditions.

In traditional Chinese medicine, celery is used for its high content of apigenin, a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.  Apigenin is known to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, making it a valuable treatment for a range of conditions.

Unique flavonoid in celery helps prevent cancer

Apigenin is a flavonoid that is present in celery and other plants, such as parsley, chamomile, and thyme.  It has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.

Studies have shown that apigenin has growth-inhibitory effects on prostate cancer cells, which means it can slow down or stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.  Apigenin also has anti-carcinogenic properties that help to regulate cell responses to DNA damage and oxidative stress.

Apigenin’s anti-carcinogenic properties prevent the formation of new blood vessels in cancer cells, a process known as angiogenesis.  Without a blood supply, cancer cells cannot grow and spread.  Additionally, apigenin has been found to delay cell proliferation or the process by which cancer cells multiply and form tumors.

Here is how celery may help lower blood pressure

Celery is a vegetable that is rich in nutrients, particularly sodium, and potassium, which have been found to play a significant role in reducing blood pressure.  These minerals help to regulate the body’s electrolyte balance and lower blood pressure.  Additionally, studies have found that celery leaf extract can reduce triglycerides, cholesterol, and systolic pressure.

In fact, an experiment published in Phytotherapy Research found that Apium graveolens, a compound found in celery, has anti-hypertensive properties, which can help to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients.  The experiment involved 52 individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure, and they were divided into two groups – a placebo group and a celery group (celery seed extract).

The participants underwent continual blood pressure monitoring throughout the experiment, and the results showed that the celery group experienced a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and average arterial pressure.  In contrast, the placebo group showed no changes.  This suggests that celery seed extract can be an effective natural remedy for reducing blood pressure.

Enjoy the many health benefits of celery

It is surprisingly easy to reap the benefits of celery at home.  You can add it to soups and stews, chop it up and toss in a salad, or eat it with some organic almond butter or a healthy dip.  It is also an excellent addition to juices due to its high water content and mild flavor.  The seeds can be added to many different foods as well.

However, if the thought of eating that much celery doesn’t appeal to you, supplements are available so you can still get the benefit without the crunch.

Sources for this article include:

MedicalNewsToday.com
Health.ClevelandClinic.org
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
LifeExtension.com
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov