10 Unexpected Health Benefits of Celery Seeds
What are Celery Seeds?
Celery is much more than the simple salad or soup vegetable many labeled it. The plant is also widely used for its medicinal purposes. Using the whole plant from root to leaf to seed. Medicinal celery seeds dating back to 1323 BC were in the tomb of King Tut when discovered in 1922. Eastern medicine used these small seeds for centuries as a treatment for a range of illnesses and ailments such as bronchitis, skin disorders, and flu due to a useful oily compound called Apiol.
The scientific name for the celery plant is Apiumgraveolens and falls into the Apiaceae family. These root vegetables are known for their high water content and a wide range of health benefits from their various vitamins and minerals. Celery seeds, in particular, contain a wide range of antioxidants, beneficial enzymes, vitamins, minerals, anti-inflammatory properties, and cardiovascular benefits. The seeds also provide a source of dietary fiber, which reduces the chances of intestinal complications, while the water-rich flesh has electrolytes to reduce the risk of dehydration. The seeds also provide an abundant supply of antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenol phytonutrients. These micronutrients all show celery seeds to be remarkably beneficial for the body in a variety of ways, and in this article, we’ll discuss ten of them.
Top 10 Surprising Health Perks of Celery Seeds
1. Bone Growth, Healing, and Health
It is a well-known fact that calcium is a vitally important mineral in the creation and maintenance of strong and healthy bone and teeth. The side effects of not taking in enough calcium throughout one’s life can result in bone-related ailments. It can also increase a person’s risk of fractures. If calcium levels fall and not replenish, the body may begin to absorb calcium from existing bones. Leading to lowered bone density, meaning bones will be brittle, weak, and inclined more to splints, fractures, and breaks.
One tablespoon of celery seeds can offer up to 12% of the calcium RDI for an adult. Making the seeds a powerhouse natural supplement. Celery seeds also contain manganese, a bone mineral needed to activate protein-producing enzymes needed to build bone tissue and cartilage. Magnesium and phosphorous are also minerals that support the production of osteoblasts, which build and strengthen bones. Celery seed’s anti-inflammatory properties also assist in bone care as it protects joints from swelling. Reducing the risk of arthritis, rheumatism, and Gout. Another main compound of celery seeds is Sedanolide, known for its ability to relieve joint and muscle pain.
2. Increased Red Blood Cell Production
Celery seeds are high in dietary iron required for the transportation of richly oxygenated blood around the body. Men and women both need iron to remain healthy, but typically, men need less than women. A tablespoon of celery seeds can offer up to 17% of a woman’s RDI and up to 38% of a man’s RDI due to variations in absorption. However, low iron levels are dangerous for both males and females and are the leading cause of iron-deficient anemia (which is also the most common micronutrient deficiency). Celery seeds also contain a particular type of iron, known as non-heme iron. Meaning that the iron derived from these sources is all plant-based and thus more appropriate for those unable to consume animal-based products. On the other hand, heme iron is in animal products and animal-based supplements.
3. Helps Protect Against Cancer
Much like carrots, fennel, parsley, and parsnips, celery seeds contain a unique chemical compound called polyacetylene. This chemical includes chemo-protective properties as well as the ability to reduce toxicity and fight cancer formation. Celery seeds show to be most effective in targeting breast cancer, rectal cancer, and leukemia, while the polyacetylene’s specific to celery seeds stop tumors from growing. They work by targeting the already mutated cells and preventing them from spreading to mutate others further. Furthermore, celery seeds contain the apigenin flavonoid, which kills cancer cells.
4. Reduce Bloating
Celery seeds contain an oily, odorless compound called NBP that has a natural diuretic effect and aids in detoxing the body. These seeds also have anti-hypertension mechanisms that lower the body’s blood pressure. Improving the overall circulation of the digestive tract. When the intestines are receiving good blood circulation, the feelings of bloatation are relieved, and water retention reduces. Passing the fluid and uric acid that builds up in our body helps to avoid feelings of swollenness and puffiness.
5. Reduce and Rehabilitate Ulcers
In 2010 a study was conducted to show the celery plant’s unique strain of ethanol extract. Used to protect the intestinal and digestive tract lining from painful ulcers. The celery seed extract replenishes the gastric mucus that protects our digestive tract lining. Chemical compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils, and alkaloids nourish the stomach, colon and intestine lining and control the levels of gastric acid and protective mucus.
6. Promote Liver Health
A study done on rats at the Helwan University in Egypt showed a significant reduction in the lousy liver fat that builds up and is so problematic for those with liver disease. Supplementing high cholesterol diets with even the powder of celery seeds, chicory, and barley, rats showed an improvement of enzyme function and blood lipid levels in the liver. Suggesting that similar supplementation in humans may be beneficial to those suffering from liver disease. It is most useful as a tea. Using a tablespoon of celery seeds, crushing and brewing them make an earthy and aromatic tea that can literally break down fat cells in the liver itself and safely flush them from the body.
7. Lowers High Cholesterol
Among celery seed’s multitude of unique features, it contains a special compound called 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh). This compound is substantially lowering lipid values in the body. Rats exposed to this compound by celery supplemented diets showed a substantial reduction in a man of the lipid markers used to indicate high-cholesterol, namely:
- Serum total cholesterol (TC)
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
- Triglyceride (TG)
8. Effective Treatment Against Gout
High levels of uric acid in the body will often build up in crystal form around smaller joints like fingers and toes. This painful buildup is Gout and has characteristics of swelling, heat, pain, and redness in the affected area. Celery seeds decrease the overall production of uric acid in the body. Plus, it has a natural tendency of detoxing the body, meaning it can flush any excess from the body.
9. Help to Improve Sleep
Due to stress, current medical conditions, and anxiety, many people experience difficulty with sleep, and many have been prescribed magnesium supplements in some way. Magnesium is a mineral linked to the quality, quantity, and peacefulness of our sleep, so supplements of this type are simply a gentle remedy. Celery seeds are naturally high in magnesium and therefore make a more natural supplement than pill versions. The daily drinking of celery seed tea is an effective treatment for sleep deprivation. With continued use can be beneficial to those who have insomnia.
10. Improve and Protect Cognitive Functioning
Due to the heightened ironed levels in celery seeds, consuming them every day will result in an increased hemoglobin production as well as an increase in blood circulation. Maintaining healthy levels of oxygen and iron to the brain leads to increased cognitive performance as well as a reduced risk of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimers’ disease.
Safety Warning of Celery Seeds
Including celery seeds into one’s diet can be a useful addition, whether one is facing health issues or not. The small earthy seeds can be sprinkled over salads and vegetables as well as being crushed, brewed then drank as a tea. These seeds are suitable for all ages. However, if pregnant or breastfeeding, then you should avoid them. Those suffering from low blood sugar or severe kidney inflammation should also limit the use of more concentrated forms of celery seeds. Allergies to celery seeds are rare, but when present can be quite aggressive. Usually, when looking into pursuing any new medicinal treatments, one should first consult your medical doctor to ensure you are using it safely.