What is Celery Seed Extract?
Celery seed (Apium graveolens) is a time-honored remedy in traditional Indian and alternative medicine. Celery originated in the Mediterranean and now grows throughout Europe, Asia Minor and the Himalayas (x). In fact, celery seeds and celery seed extract been used to treat a variety of health conditions for thousands of years.
As a member of the parsley family, it is prominent in American cooking. Equally important, celery seeds offer high nutritional value. In fact, they contain a variety of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and serve as a common treatment for gout, arthritis, menstrual cramps, inflammation and high blood pressure (x).
Consumption of Celery Seed Extract
From raw seeds to natural extract supplements, celery and its seeds are available in many forms. However, the entire plant is edible, including the stalks and leaves. In many countries, celery is harvested primarily for its seeds due to the medicinal properties they contain. Celery seeds are full of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin K (x).
Benefits of Celery Seed Extract
Fights Inflammation
Polysaccharides and antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavanols found in celery seeds fight oxidative stress and free radical damage. Celery acts as a natural inflammatory. In fact, it is effective at treating joint pain, muscle spasms and soothing the nervous system. The seeds guard against inflammation, which causes health issues like arthritis, cancer and heart disease. Celery seeds can also protect against Irritable Bowel Syndrome, urinary tract infection and gout (x).
Lowers Cholesterol
BuPh, or 3-n-butylphthalide, is a compound present in celery that improves heart health due to its lipid-lowering capabilities. The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Singapore put mice on a high-fat diet for eight weeks. Mice that were given celery seed extract showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipo-protein cholesterol (x). Furthermore, consuming celery seed extract with a balanced diet plan could help to manage overall cholesterol levels.
Prevents Ulcers
Celery contains a unique type of ethanol extract that prevents the formation of painful gastric ulcers. A study by the Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology in 2010 showed how the alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids in celery improve mucus production, which in turn controls gastric acid. Celery extract replenishes lost levels of gastric mucus, keeping small holes and openings from damaging the lining of the digestive tract (x). To illustrate, celery extract protects the lining of the stomach, esophagus and duodenum and can prevent peptic ulcers.
Controls Blood Pressure
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in many countries. High blood pressure is the largest contributor for this disease. Celery seeds contain methanolic and hexane extracts, which help with circulation. Furthermore, these compounds work together to help manage blood pressure. Findings from a study performed at Iran’s Mashhad University of Medical Sciences showed a decrease in high blood pressure in laboratory mice that were fed celery seed extract. More importantly, celery seeds may be useful in the treatment of hypertension help normalize blood pressure.(x).
Preserves Food
Celery seed has been used as a food preservation in India for thousands of years. India’s University College of Science’s Department of Biochemistry studied 35 commonly used Indian spices, including celery, cumin, tamarind and garlic (x). In short, celery is a plant based alternative to preserving and curing organic meat and other products.
Fights Infection
Studies by the Sheffield Hallam University’s Biomedical Research Centre in the United Kingdom show that celery seeds have powerful antibacterial components and are effective against H. pylori and other types of bacteria (x).
Celery Seed Extract for Gout
Gout is triggered when uric acid builds up within the joints. It can lead to severe pain, redness and swelling. Numerous studies show that celery seed extract is an effective treatment of gout and other inflammatory-related diseases. A study published in Progress in Drug Research, concluded that celery seed extract could be just as effective at reducing inflammation as aspirin and ibuprofen (x).
In an Australian study, mice suffering from arthritis and gout took a combination of Indian celery seed extract and New Zealand green-lipped mussels. The study showed reduced inflammation in the mice (x).
Eases Menstrual Cramps
Combined with anise and saffron, celery seed extract is used to treat menstrual discomfort and reduce fluid retention(x). Laboratory studies have shown celery seed extract contains organic compounds capable preventing the release of pain chemicals.
Celery Seed Extract for Weight Loss
Celery promotes weight loss, helps to detoxify the liver and boosts lipid metabolism since it is rich in electrolytes, antioxidants, and vitamins B and C (x). In fact, celery can satisfy hunger since it fills the stomach and is not as calorically dense as other foods.
Reduces Bloating and Boosts Digestion
Celery seeds contain NBP, an oily compound with a diuretic effect that helps with the detoxification process. Furthermore, celery actively boosts digestion, relieves bloating and treats water retention. A study on laboratory mice by the Journal of Medicinal Foods showed that rats who consumed celery seed extract had a higher urine output. Combined with the high fiber content, celery seed extract can help maintain regularity and reduce bloating (x).
Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
Celery seeds trigger the natural production of urine and are beneficial at combating bacterial infections within the digestive tract. In fact, they serve the same purpose as cranberries in treating bladder disorders, cysts and kidney problems (x). A handful of celery seeds will help cleanse your urinary tract and keep it void of any unwanted bacteria.
May Prevent Cancer
Celery contains chemo-protective compounds known as polyacetylenes, which have immune-boosting benefits. Moreover, these compounds fight against certain cancers including intestinal cancer, breast cancer and leukemia by preventing mutated malignant cells from multiplying (x). But more importantly, they contain components that induce apoptosis, which causes cancer cells to self-destruct (x). Needless to say, regular consumption of foods high in polyphenols has been documented to combat radical damage during oxidative stress and help promote cellular longevity.
Mosquito Repellent
A few drops of celery seed oil combined with body lotion creates a natural repellent that keeps mosquitoes at bay (x). Conventional mosquito repellents contain higher concentrations of DEET or picardin. Indeed, celery seed is a natural alternative to synthetic repellents for protection against mosquitoes.
Celery Seed Extract Dosage
It is best to take celery seed extract in 1,000 mg increments once to three times daily, or as recommended by a doctor. Be that as it may, you should consult a physician before adding celery seed extract to your daily routine.
Sides Effects of Celery Seed Extract
Celery seeds extract is generally safe to consume and may promote overall health. However, a celery allergy is relatively common and may trigger an anaphylactic shock. Avoid celery seed extract if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction after consuming celery (x).
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid eating celery seeds as they may cause uterine bleeding and premature contractions (x).
Celery seed oil contains bergapten, which plays a part in the plant’s natural defense system. However, bergapten may decrease potassium levels in the body and lead to muscle cramps and muscle twitching
In light of the fact that celery seeds may interact with some medications, including lithium, thyroid medications and blood-thinning drugs, you should consult your doctor before taking celery seed supplements (x).
The Bottom Line
From lowering blood pressure to fighting inflammation and treating infections, celery seeds offer a multitude of health benefits. Celery seeds contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They have been used as a common treatment for arthritis, gout, menstrual cramps, inflammation and high blood pressure. Celery seeds are generally safe to eat but may cause an allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock. For this reason, you should consult your doctor before introducing celery seeds into your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any prescription medications.
