Benefits of Celery (Ajmod) And Its Side Effects

A special constituent of celery called 3-n-butlyphthalide can lower the levels of lipids in the body. It effectively reduces the Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low- density lipoprotein levels in the body. A study conducted at the prestigious University of Singapore indicates that when rats were put on a fat-diet for eight weeks and when some rats were given celery extract, they displayed signs of lower levels of lipids in their blood. Celery is thus valuable in maintaining and improving the heart’s health.

Being a rich source of anti-oxidants and polysaccharides, celery helps to reduce inflammation that often contributes ato heart diseases, arthritis, and cancer. The action of antioxidants, such as, flavonoids and polyphenol against free-radical damage or oxidative stress helps to reduce inflammation that often tends to worsen illnesses like urinary tract infection, skin disorders, hepatitis, nephritis, gout, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Various research papers indicate that over a dozen anti-oxidants present in celery relieves joint pains and liver infection.

Celery seeds regulates blood pressure. It controls hypertension or high blood pressure, responsible for several coronary diseases. Its chemical constituents like hexanic, ethanolic, methanolic acids not only lower blood pressure but also improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. It aids normal expansion and contraction of the blood vessels to improve the complete health of heart. This anti-hypertensive activity can also be accounted for diuretic action shown by its constituent NBP or 3-n-butylphthalide. It was tested on rats by putting them on celery extract diet for a few weeks and a notable improvement in the blood pressure was seen when compared to their previous diet.

Ethanol derivative present in celery helps to reduce the formation of ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. It protects the surface of digestive tract and actively helps in replenishing the gastric mucus lining in the stomach to prevent tiny holes or ulcers from occurring. Also, tannins, volatile oils, flavonoids, and alkaloids present in this powerful vegetable helps to control the excess levels of acids that cause gastric ulcers while enhancing the level of mucus.

The odorless, oily constituent 3-n-butylphthalide in celery has shown to possess diuretic effect and aids in the process of detoxification. The diuretic action helps to lower the blood pressure that further improves intestinal circulation to aid digestion. Celery has also shown to have a great impact in reducing bloating and puffiness due to edema.

Containing fewer amounts of calories and almost negligible levels of fats, celery is a full of vital nutrients. This nutrient-dense food helps in regulating lipid metabolism. It provides high levels of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, and electrolytes with almost negligible amounts of calories. Although it is not a no-calorie food, it is a great option to include in your diet.

Celery being a rich source of anti-oxidants that suppress inflammation, its prime constituent called luteolin indicates strong anti-cancer ability. Luteolin decreases the ability of the cancer cells to reproduce and weakens the defense mechanism, thus making the cancer cells to respond to medication and radiation. therapy. Celery thus is effective in reducing the risk of breast and pancreatic cancers. Along with detoxification of carcinogens, celery enhances the activity of white blood cells (WBC) that effectively combats the cancer cells. The special anti-microbial property of celery is used in manufacturing herbal medicines to fight cancer and other illnesses that arise from bacterial attack.

Celery is a rich source of magnesium, calcium and other essential oils that helps to reduce stress and sooth the nervous system. It also helps to reduce age-related degeneration of nervous function. The coumarin compounds present in celery helps to regulate the vascular system, enhances neurogenesis, and relieves migraines.

Along with its diuretic property, celery is also used for its anti-microbial activity. It has shown a great effect on people suffering from kidney and bladder disorders, cystitis, and urinary tract infections. It improves urine filtration and enhances the urine output, which is helpful in case of edema.

Due to its high concentration of sodium and potassium ions, celery helps in maintaining a proper electrolyte balance in the body. It also regulates alkalinity and acidity levels in the blood, and its high levels of water prevents dehydration.

Celery contains two male pheromones- androsterone and androstanol that boosts libido in men. Especially, androsterone produces sweat that attracts women for mating.

Being a rich source of Vitamin C and anti-oxidants, celery helps in boosting the immune system. Its constituents like zeaxanthin, lutein, lunularin, quercetin, kaempferol, and betacarotene improves the symptoms related to chronic inflammation in the body.