Celery has a rich history both as food and as medicine. Evidence of the existence of celery dates back to ancient Greece, where it was considered a holy plant. While in modern society celery is generally a food source and not a medicine, the active compounds in this vegetable suggest it can help support healthy bodily functions and potentially treat certain ailments.
Nutritional Profile
A cup of celery juice contains a total of 42.48 calories, 9.46 g of carbohydrates and 1.96 g of protein. Celery also supplies a total of 12 vitamins and 12 minerals. Vitamins found in 100 g, or 3.5 oz., of celery include 449 IU of vitamin A, 3.1 mg of vitamin C, 29.3 mcg of vitamin K, 36 mcg of folate and 6.1 mg of choline. Minerals include 40 mg of calcium, 11 mg of magnesium, 260 mg of potassium and 0.2 mg of iron. Mayo Clinic dietitian Jennifer K. Nelson says that when vegetables are juiced, their nutritional profile remains the same; however, fiber from the vegetable is lost during the juicing process.
Cholesterol Reduction
Preliminary studies suggest the consumption of celery and celery juice may help lower total cholesterol levels. A study published in the March 1996 issue of “Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology” found hypercholesterolaemic rats experienced a significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels when treated with celery extract. While this research study was unable to isolate the exact compound responsible for this action, initial evidence is promising regarding celery extract's ability to lower cholesterol levels.
High Blood Pressure
In a “New York Times” article, Jane E. Brody outlines a study in which researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found the consumption of 3-N-butylphthalide lowered blood pressure in hypertensive rats up to 14 percent. Evidence suggests this compound affects blood pressure by reducing tension along smooth muscles in blood vessels. Brody further states that consuming four stalks of celery introduces ample amounts of 3-N-butylphthalide to provide blood pressure reduction benefits. Juicing celery extracts the medicinal compounds of this vegetable, so juice four stalks to consume the suggested amount of 3-N-butylphthalide.
Antioxidant Benefits
Celery juice contains a high concentration of antioxidant compounds known as flavonoids. While all forms of celery contain flavonoids, the concentration of these antioxidant compounds varies according to celery type. A study published in the January-February 2010 issue of the “Journal of Food Science” found the antioxidant activity was highest among Shengjie White Stalk celery. Researchers at the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, found 2.2 lbs. of Shengjie White Stalk had 732.21 mg of flavonoids, with the bulk of flavonoids found in celery leaves. Antioxidants benefit your body by fighting off free radicals, which are uneven atoms capable of damaging DNA and causing health ailments such as certain forms of cancer.
References
- InDepthInfo: Celery - A Long and Useful History
- FitDay: Nutrition Information for: Celery Juice
- HealthAliciousNess.com: Nutrition Facts Comparison Tool - Celery, Raw
- “Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology” Journal; Effects of Celery Extract and 3-N-Butylphthalide on Lipid Levels in Genetically Hypercholesterolaemic (RICO) Rats; D. Tsi and B.K. Tan; March 1996
- “The New York Times”; A New Look at an Ancient Remedy: Celery; Jane E. Brody; June 1992
- “Journal of Food Science”; Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activities of 11 Celery Cultivars; Y. Yao, et al.; January-February 2010
- "Acta Horticulturae Sinica"; The Quantitation of Flavonoids in Leaf and Stalk of Different Celery Cultivars and the Correlation with Antioxidant Activity; L.I. Kun, et al.; November 2010
- Rice University: Antioxidants and Free Radicals
- MayoClinic.com; Is Juicing Healthier Than Eating Whole Fruits or Vegetables?; Jennifer K. Nelson, R.D., L.D.; October 2010
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