Celery seed has demonstrated the ability to lower blood pressure in animal studies, but further research is needed before the same can be said of humans. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, celery seed is a relative newcomer to Western medicine, although it has been used since ancient times in other parts of the world. Just 1 tablespoon of celery seed has 115 mg of calcium, 2.92 mg of iron, 29 mg of magnesium and 91 mg of potassium. Snacking on celery is healthy, but speak with your physician before taking supplements.
Diuretic Effect
Celery is a natural diuretic. Diuretics help lower your blood pressure by removing excess water from your blood, reducing stress on your arteries. Your kidneys flush the excess water from your body through your urine. In his book "Leung's Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients: Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics," Ikhlas A. Khan, a professor at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, writes that celery seed exhibits only mild diuretic effects.
Fiber
Celery is a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps keep your heart healthy while insoluble fiber helps you feel full more quickly and keeps your bowels healthy. Eating a high-fiber diet helps your body maintain healthy blood pressure levels. A tablespoon of celery seed has 0.8 g of fiber. A cup of chopped celery has 1.7 g of fiber. Snacking on celery instead of cookies is a method to gradually add fiber into your diet.
Flavonoids
Celery seeds contain flavonoids, plant-based compounds that provide you with many healthy benefits. On the Linus Pauling Institute website, Donald R. Buhler writes that flavonoids may provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Researchers have long questioned if hypertension is an inflammatory disease. In the May 2006 issue of "Current Pharmaceutical Design," Dr. Christopher J. Boos writes that inflammation may relate to the development of hypertension. Antioxidants are chemicals that may play a role in helping your body defend against damage caused by age, heart disease and the environment.
Research
In the May/June 2005 issue of "Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases," Dr. Mark C. Houston writes that in an animal study, celery oil successfully reduced systolic blood pressure by 24 mm Hg. Systolic pressure is the top number in your blood pressure reading and measures the pressure when your heart contracts. According to Dr. Houston, celery, celery extract and celery oil contain apigenin, a substance that can relax your blood vessels. If you have concerns about your blood pressure, Dr. Houston advises eating up to four celery stalks per day or taking 1,000 mg of celery seed twice daily. Again, do not take any supplements without first discussing them with your doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Celery Seed; November 11, 2008
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Nutrient Database
- "Leung's Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients: Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics"; Ikhlas A. Khan, Ph.D.; 2010
- The Mayo Clinic; Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet; Noember 19, 2009
- "The Linus Pauling Institute"; Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoids; Donald R. Buhler, Ph.D., et al.; November 2000
- "Current Pharmaceutical Design"; Is Hypertension an Inflammatory Process: Christopher J. Boos, M.D., M.R.C.P., et al.; May 2006
