The force of blood against the walls of your arteries is known as blood pressure. Systolic pressure, your pressure as your heart pumps, should be around 120 mm of mercury, or mmHg, or lower. Diastolic pressure, or pressure when your heart rests, should be 80 mmHg or lower. If your blood pressure is consistently 140 mmHg over 90 mmHg, or 140/90, you have high blood pressure. Celery extract may help lower it. However, consult your doctor before taking this or any supplement, especially if you have health problems or are taking other medicines.
Celery's Anti-Hypertensive Nutrients
Among nutrients in celery that make it effective for lowering blood pressure is potassium. One cup of chopped celery stalk contains 263 mg of potassium, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. That's more than 10 percent of an adult's daily need, which is 2,000 mg, based on recommendations from the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other nutrients in celery that help fight hypertension are vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants that protect blood vessels from damage. Fiber, magnesium and calcium in celery also protect against high blood pressure.
Celery's Diuretic Abilities
In some cases, if you are taking medications for hypertension, your doctor may also recommend a diuretic. Also known as water pills, diuretics help to flush excess water out of your body. Too much fluid can increase blood pressure. Celery has natural diuretic properties, enabling it to have the same effect on your fluid balance and blood pressure. If you are already taking a diuretic, speak to your doctor before also taking celery extract.
Research
In a study involving 37 patients with hypertension that was published in the "Tehran University Medical Journal" in 2000, treatment with celery seed powder significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Before taking the celery seed supplement, mean systolic pressure was 171.35, but fell to 154.3, while diastolic pressure fell from 94 to 89.6. The researchers concluded that celery seed was a safe and effective treatment for blood pressure.
Dosage
Celery extract typically comes from the seeds in the flowers of the celery plant. In general, adults can take ¼ tsp. to ½ tsp. of celery seed extract three times daily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Take the extract with lots of water. Consult your doctor about a specific amount of celery extract to take for treating hypertension.
Considerations
Do not take celery extract if you are pregnant, have a kidney disorder or you're allergic to birch pollen. Allergic reactions to celery extract can include itching, hives and difficulty breathing. You can get the same hypertension-fighting benefits of celery extract from eating celery daily. Remember that high blood pressure should be treated under the guidance of your doctor; do not attempt to self-treat.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Is High Blood Pressure?
- USDA: National Nutrient Database
- "The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods"; James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Celery Seed
- "Tehran University Medical Journal"; Application of Apium Graveolens in Treatment of Hypertension; M. Gharooni; 2000
