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Celery

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    Kidney Support Complex · 180 capsules

    GN Laboratories

    The comprehensive support complex for your kidney and urinary tract health that not only protects, but can also help with existing kidney and urina...

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    Original price €39,90
    Original price €39,90 - Original price €39,90
    Original price €39,90
    Current price €35,51
    €35,51 - €35,51
    Current price €35,51
    Save 11% Save %

Celery is a plant whose fruits and seeds are used as medicine when dried or processed into oil. Celery oil is sometimes sold in capsule form. Some people also use celery juice as a medicine. The ancient Greeks made a wine from celery that was served as a prize at the Olympic Games. Celery is used to treat rheumatic joint pain, gout, hysteria, nervousness, headaches, weight loss due to malnutrition, loss of appetite and exhaustion. Celery is also used to promote relaxation and sleep, kill bacteria in the urinary tract, induce menstruation, control flatulence, increase sexual desire, reduce milk flow in lactating women, stimulate the glands and relieve menstrual cramps. Other uses include use as a digestive aid, regulating bowel movements and a use to aid blood purification.

The nutritional profile of celery

Celery is a rich source of antioxidants that help maintain good health.

100 grams of raw celery provides:

  • Water: 95.43 g
  • Calories: 14 kcal
  • Protein: 0.69 g
  • Dietary fiber: 1.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.97 g
  • Of which sugar: 1.34 g
  • Calcium: 40 mg
  • Potassium: 260 mg

Celery also contains vitamins A, C and K, folate, essential minerals and about a dozen other antioxidants.

How does celery work?

The chemicals in celery are believed to induce drowsiness, stimulate urine flow, reduce arthritis symptoms, lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, inhibit blood clotting and relax muscles.

Potential health benefits

Celery could reduce the risk of cancer

Celery is rich in antioxidants that can help neutralize cancer-promoting free radicals. Celery contains two bioactive flavonoids - apigenin and luteolin - which can kill cancer cells in the body (1). Apigenin is a chemopreventive agent and its anti-carcinogenic properties destroy free radicals in the body to promote the death of cancer cells. Apigenin also promotes the process of apoptosis, which the body uses to remove dysfunctional cells, helping to prevent disease (2). The anti-cancer properties of luteolin inhibit the proliferation process of cancer cells (3). The flavonoids contained in celery have been shown to have the potential to treat breast cancer and pancreatic cancer (4, 5). In addition, celery contains bioactive polyacetylenes. These chemoprotective compounds have the potential to prevent numerous forms of cancer (6).

Celery has anti-inflammatory properties

Celery is packed with antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. A study conducted at Harbin Medical University in China found that celery is a good source of flavonols (7). Another study conducted at Ohio State University found that celery juice or celery extracts were able to reduce the activity of certain proteins associated with inflammation (8). Celery seeds also appear to have anti-inflammatory properties (9). Celery also contains a compound called luteolin, which can prevent inflammation in brain cells (10). A study carried out at King Saud University (Riyadh) with rats also showed that celery can inhibit the growth of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, which can cause gastritis - an inflammation of the stomach lining (11).

Celery can lower blood pressure

Celery contains phytochemicals called phythalides, which are known to relax the walls of blood vessels and increase blood flow. They also dilate the smooth muscles in the walls of the arteries, helping to lower blood pressure (12). A study carried out in Iran with rats showed that the phythalides contained in celery do indeed have blood pressure-lowering properties (13). Celery is also rich in nitrates, which can help dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production (14). A further review of the phytochemical profile of celery seed extracts also suggests that they may lower blood pressure (15). In the field of Chinese medicine, celery is often referred to as a "cold" food that can lower blood pressure (16). A human study from South Africa, in which celery juice mixed with vinegar was administered to pregnant women, confirmed this effect (17).

Celery can promote the health of the cardiovascular system

In traditional medicine, celery is usually used as an antihypertensive agent. One study also showed that a celery leaf extract improved numerous cardiovascular health parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol. Celery is also rich in healthy polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits and may help reduce chronic inflammation, which is one of the primary risk factors for heart disease (19).

Celery may promote neurogenesis and prevent memory deterioration

A study conducted at JiNan University in China found that there is a link between the flavonoid luteolin contained in celery and a lower rate of age-related memory decline. Luteolin relieves inflammation around brain cells and may be helpful in treating inflammatory diseases of the nervous system (20). Apigenin, a bioactive flavonoid found in celery, could support neurogenesis - the growth and development of nerve cells - although this effect has not yet been demonstrated in humans. It could also contribute to neuronal health, although the scientific evidence in this regard is still unclear (21).

Celery could aid digestion

Although studies on this topic are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that celery may aid digestion. The fiber it contains makes celery an important food for the digestive tract. The soluble fiber contained in celery is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, one of which - butyrate - promotes the health of the digestive tract. In addition, celery also contains insoluble fiber, which can promote bowel movements.

Celery could improve your sex life

Celery contains androstenone and androstenol - male hormones that can promote sexual arousal in women. They have the potential to increase arousal by releasing odors that make the person emitting these odors appear more attractive (22). A study conducted with male rats found that celery extracts enhanced sexual performance (23) and increased sperm count. An increase in testosterone production was even observed (24).

Celery could support weight loss

Celery is low in calories and contains fiber, which makes you feel full for longer. The insoluble fiber contained in celery can promote satiety and weight loss. The high water content of celery could also support weight loss and celery can also regulate fat metabolism (25). Celery can be consumed with other vegetables that have a higher calorie density. Anecdotal evidence suggests that celery may reduce the energy density of other foods with which it is combined, which could promote weight loss.

Celery could help in the treatment of asthma

Again, there is limited data. Celery is said to have antifungal and antibacterial properties that could be helpful in the treatment of asthma (26). However, further research is needed to better understand this mechanism of action of celery.

Celery could support the treatment of diabetes

Celery contains antioxidants known as flavones, which have been studied for their role in lowering blood sugar levels (27). Some experts also believe that the vitamin K contained in celery may have anti-diabetic properties. It may reduce inflammation and related insulin resistance, which could lead to better glucose metabolism. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that celery may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can be exacerbated by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, which can also cause stomach problems. Since celery is able to fight this bacterium, it could also help in this regard. A study conducted in Iran concluded that celery seed extract can control diabetes in rats (28). However, further human studies are needed to confirm this.

Celery could boost immune function

Celery contains vitamin C, which can improve immune function. The other antioxidants contained in celery may also play a role in improving immune function. It has been found that many cells of the immune system rely on vitamin C for optimal function (29). Vitamin C supplementation has also been shown to increase the concentration of immunoglobulins in the blood, which play a key role in immune system function (30).

Celery could help in the treatment of kidney stones

The essential oil of celery contains luteolin and other essential compounds that could be used in the treatment of kidney stones (31).

In addition, the flavonoid apigenin contained in celery can break up calcium crystals found in kidney stones (32).

Celery could help prevent urinary tract infections

There is evidence that celery has antibacterial properties that have the potential to prevent urinary tract infections (33). A study conducted with older men also showed that celery can help reduce symptoms of urinary tract infections (34).

Celery may promote joint health and relieve arthritis pain

Celery seeds and extracts have anti-arthritis properties that could be helpful in the treatment of joint pain and gout (35). Joint pain is usually caused by an accumulation of uric acid. One theory is that the diuretic properties of celery may help with the excretion of uric acid to potentially relieve joint pain. An Irish study also concluded that celery seed oil is a good source of sedanolide - a compound that could be used to treat inflammatory problems such as gout and rheumatism (36). The anti-inflammatory properties of celery may also help to reduce swelling and pain around the joints. An extract containing 85% 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) has been shown to be effective in relieving arthritis and muscle pain (37, 38).

Celery could alleviate symptoms of menopause

Certain plant compounds called phytoestrogens can help balance hormone levels. Foods rich in phytoestrogens have the potential to alleviate symptoms of menopause in women (39). Since celery contains phytoestrogens, it could be helpful in this regard (40).

Celery could be helpful in the treatment of white spot disease

White spot disease is a skin disorder in which the skin loses its pigmentation in certain areas, resulting in white patches of skin. A study conducted in Poland found that the furanocoumarins contained in celery could help treat this condition (41). Similar effects are already mentioned in the Atharva Veda, the sacred Indian book of Ayurvedic medicine.

Safety and side effects

Celery is safe and harmless in food quantities and appears to be safe and harmless in medicinal quantities for most people. Celery can cause skin inflammation and increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Celery oil and celery seed are probably not safe for use during pregnancy. Large amounts of celery could cause uterine contractions, resulting in miscarriage. The safety of celery in medicinal quantities during breastfeeding is not known, so breastfeeding women should avoid such quantities.

Allergies: Celery can cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to certain other plants and spices including wild carrots, mugwort, birch and dandelion. This is also known as celery-carrot-mugwort-spice syndrome. Kidney problems: You should not use celery in medicinal quantities if you suffer from kidney problems. Celery could cause inflammation.

Surgeries: Celery can affect the central nervous system. There are concerns that celery in combination with anesthetics and other medications used during and after surgery could slow down the function of the central nervous system too much. For this reason, the use of celery should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before planned operations.

Interactions

Care should be taken when using celery in combination with the following medications:

Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. Taking celery seed in combination with levothyroxine could reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine. It is not known why this interaction occurs and whether it is a cause for concern

Lithium

Celery appears to have a dehydrating effect. Ingestion of celery could interfere with the body's excretion of lithium, which could result in increased lithium levels and serious side effects. For this reason, it is important to consult your doctor before using celery if you are taking lithium. The lithium dosage may need to be adjusted

Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight

Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Celery may also increase sensitivity to sunlight. Using celery in combination with medications that may increase sensitivity to sunlight could increase the risk of sunburn, blistering or rashes on skin areas exposed to the sun. For this reason, sunscreen and protective clothing should be used when spending time in the sun when using such a combination.

Sedatives (agents that suppress the CNS)

Celery may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Drugs that cause drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking celery in combination with sedatives could cause excessive drowsiness.

Dosage

The following dosages have been investigated in scientific studies:

Oral:

- For menstrual cramps: 500 mg of a specific combination product containing saffron, celery seed and anise extract, three times daily during the first three days of menstruation.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871295/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5207605/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2615542/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5791748/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5362541/
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16520011/
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21058200/
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22351119/
  9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26462366/
  10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26361743/
  11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20645778/
  12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31464016/
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684138/
  14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4729801/
  15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5414449/
  16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5859653/
  17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210006/
  18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4469955/
  19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3513903/
  20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21631167/
  21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3395274/
  22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755165/
  23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4418060/
  24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4302398/
  25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3113355/
  26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871295/
  27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4849025/
  28. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26940333/
  29. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19263912/
  30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/
  31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5039998/
  32. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32148363/
  33. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281278291
  34. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5291566/
  35. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26462366/
  36. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11846995
  37. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/13880208509070685
  38. http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:144180
  39. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4389700/
  40. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6390141/
  41. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4783894/

Further sources

  1. Bauer L, Ebner C, Hirschwehr R, et al. IgE cross-reactivity between birch pollen, mugwort pollen, and celery is due to three distinct cross-reacting allergens: immunoblot investigation of the birch-mugwort-celery syndrome. Clin Exp Allergy 1996;26:1161-70.
  2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid= 786bafc6f6343634fbf79fcdca7061e1&rgn=div5&view= text&node=21:3.0.1.1.13&idno=21
  3. Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp, 1999.
  4. Gral N, Beani JC, Bonnot D, et al [Plasma levels of psoralens after celery ingestion]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 1993;120:599-603.
  5. Moses, G. Thyroxine interacts with celery seed tablets? Australian Prescriber 2001;24:6-7. Nahid K, Fariborz M, Ataolah G, Solokian S. The effect of an Iranian herbal drug on primary dysmenorrhea: a clinical controlled trial. J Midwifery Womens Health 2009;54:401-4.