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Celery has received a lot of attention as a ‘superfood,’ with supporters claiming that celery juice helps combat a range of ailments, including inflammation, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Celery is a member of the carrot family. The plant and its seeds provide an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But is celery juice a ‘superfood’ and what health benefits does it have?
In this article, we look at what the science says about celery juice, and what people need to know before they drink it.
This article outlines the evidence behind the superfood claims of celery juice and explores the benefits it may have for our health.
Nutritional value
Share on Pinterest Celery is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Celery contains high levels of vitamin K and good amounts of vitamin A, vitamins B-2 and B-6, and vitamin C. Celery is also a good source of the following nutrients:
- folate
- potassium
- manganese
- pantothenic acid
- dietary fiber
The celery plant and its seeds both contain chemicals that nutritionists call phytonutrients. These chemicals have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Celery is also low in calories and sugar, making it a popular choice for a quick and healthful snack.
Despite recent claims, few studies have investigated whether drinking celery juice improves people’s health. Instead, most research has examined the health benefits that experts associate with consuming specific nutrients that celery and its seeds contain.
Notably, celery contains two beneficial antioxidants. Scientists call these two compounds apigenin and luteolin.
Research shows that apigenin and luteolin reduce inflammation and may help treat a range of inflammatory diseases.
The apigenin and luteolin in celery may also ease the following conditions:
Inflammation and allergies
Allergic asthma and rhinitis are inflammatory diseases affecting the upper and lower airway.
A 2017 study investigated whether luteolin could reduce inflammation and lower allergic responses in mice with these conditions.
Results showed that giving the mice luteolin 30 minutes before exposing them to an allergen significantly reduced the levels of inflammation within their lungs and nasal passages.
However, scientists still need to do further studies to confirm whether luteolin has similar anti-allergy effects in humans.
Arthritis
A 2017 study investigated whether apigenin could suppress arthritis in mice. The investigators first treated the mice with apigenin. Afterward, the animals showed less tissue inflammation and delayed onset and severity of arthritis in comparison with mice that did not receive treatment.
The researchers concluded that apigenin works by suppressing the immune system. It does this by interrupting the transportation and signaling capabilities of cells that trigger inflammation.
Neurodegenerative diseases
Luteolin and apigenin may also offer protection against certain brain diseases.
A 2013 study investigated whether luteolin could reduce inflammation and protect against neurodegeneration in rodents with diabetic encephalopathy (DE). DE refers to brain abnormalities and impaired cognitive function that may affect people with type 2 diabetes.
In the study, rats that the investigators continuously treated with luteolin had reduced brain cell damage and improved learning and memory.
A separate 2015 review looked at the effect of different plant chemicals on rodents with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that apigenin limits damage to a variety of brain processes, thereby delaying and slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Cancer
According to a 2016 review, luteolin can halt the growth of some types of cancer cells in rodents.
Luteolin may also prevent cancer cells from invading other areas of the body, or ‘metastasizing.’ Scientists think that it may do this is by preventing new blood vessels from growing around existing tumors.
Furthermore, studies on animals suggest that luteolin could enhance the potency of chemotherapy drugs that act on cancer cells while reducing the toxic effects of these drugs on the body.
High cholesterol
A 2014 study investigated the effects of celery leaf extract on the cholesterol levels of rats fed a high-fat diet.
The researchers fed rats celery leaf extract for 30 days after which the animals showed a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or ‘bad’ cholesterol when the study compared them with rats that did not receive the extract.
A later study, again using animal models, suggested that the antioxidants in celery may be responsible for lowering cholesterol levels by preventing stores of cholesterol from breaking down and entering the blood.
High blood pressure
Some foods contain chemicals known as antihypertensives, which help to lower blood pressure.
A 2013 study investigated whether the chemical 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) in celery seed extract has antihypertensive properties.
Thirty participants with high blood pressure took part in the trial. Each consumed a capsule containing 75 milligrams (mg) of celery seed extract, twice a day for 6 weeks.
After this time, the participants showed a significant decrease in blood pressure.
According to the researchers, 3nB may lower blood pressure by reducing the buildup of fatty deposits within the arteries and increasing the elasticity of artery walls.
Cardiovascular health
The term cardiovascular remodeling (CR) refers to changes in the shape, size, structure, and function of the heart, usually as a result of chronic high blood pressure or heart disease.
CR is a compensatory mechanism that allows a strained or damaged heart to pump blood around the body.
Over time, however, CR reduces the efficiency of the heart muscle and increases the risk of heart failure. Chemicals called free radicals can contribute to this process.
A 2015 animal study that gave rats luteolin found that they showed less CR than those that did not receive the supplement. Scientists think this might be because luteolin’s antioxidant properties disable free radicals and limit heart damage.
Fertility
A 2016 review investigated the effects of celery on fertility in animals.
Of the 16 papers the study reviewed, 13 reported that celery has a protective effect on fertility, while the remaining three found that celery reduces fertility.
The review concluded that celery could have protective effects against substances that can damage sperm production in males.
However, celery contains chemicals, such as apigenin, which may lower fertility when people consume it in high doses.