Celery is one of the most widely consumed foods in the world, and this fully edible plant offers a vast array of health benefits.
Celery seed extract is commonly found in meats because of its natural preservative qualities. But, this combination of extract and meat creates a buildup of nitrites that isn’t as healthy as manufacturers claim.
Luckily, there are many other uses for celery seeds that are more beneficial and don’t come at a hidden price.
But what are these alternative celery seed extract benefits? Read on to find out!
- It Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Celery seed extract can manage high cholesterol levels.
It contains a compound called 3-N-butylphthalide, which lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also may lower liver lipid count, which encourages heart health.
- It Protects Stomach Lining
The flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins in celery improve mucus production. They maintain a thick layer of gastric mucus and controls gastric acid.
This protects the lining of the digestive tract, which prevents the formation of gastric and peptic ulcers.
- It Reduces Inflammation
Celery extract has anti-inflammatory properties. It contains polysaccharides and antioxidants which combat free radical damage and oxidative stress.
These properties make celery seed extract helpful in treating joint pain, muscle spasms, and heart disease. It even treats arthritis, gout, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- It Stabilizes Blood Pressure
The methanolic and hexane extract found in celery seed work to control blood pressure and improve circulation.
For this reason, it is used to treat hypertension, which lowers the risk of coronary heart disease.
- It Reduces Bloating and Menstrual Cramps
Celery seed extract is often paired with saffron and anise to combat prostaglandins, which trigger uterine contractions. Prostaglandins inflame this muscle, which causes discomfort, pain, and bloating due to water retention.
Celery seed extract has been shown in studies to prevent the release of this hormone-like compound.
- It May Stimulate Neurogenesis
Celery seed contains apigenin, which is a plant compound found in traditional Chinese medicine.
This compound has shown the potential to stimulate neurogenesis, or the formation of nerve cells in the brain. A 2009 study found that apigenin encouraged the generation of nerve cells in rats, which increased their capacity to acquire and store information.
- It Is High in Nutrients and Minerals
Celery seed is rich in manganese, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also contains high levels of vitamins B and C.
It also has a high fiber content, which helps maintain regular bowel movement and reduces abdominal bloating.
Read more on celery extract here to discover how these nutrients make it a much better seasoning than preservative for all your favorite meals.
- It Fights Bacterial Infections
Celery seeds have high levels of antibacterial compounds. So, it is useful in preventing bacterial infections within the digestive and urinary tracts.
Celery seed extract cleanses these tracts. It prevents Urinary Tract Infections, cysts, and kidney problems.
- It Promotes Weight Loss
Because celery seed helps detoxify the liver and boost metabolism, it is also an effective way to promote weight loss.
Its electrolytes and B and C vitamins can fill the stomach with fewer calories, satisfying hunger sooner.
- It May Prevent Cancer
Celery seed extract contains polyacetylenes, or chemoprotective compounds that combat intestinal and breast cancer as well as leukemia. They do this by preventing mutated cancerous cells from multiplying.
They also facilitate a process called apoptosis, which causes the self-destruction of cancer cells.
Incorporate Celery Into Your Diet to Enjoy These Celery Seed Extract Benefits
There are many alternative uses and benefits of consuming celery seed extract. So much so, that these celery seed extract benefits have been recognized in cooking and medicine for thousands of years.
So, what are you waiting for? Implement celery seed into your diet to start enjoying these health benefits today!
Not sure where to start? Check out the recipes tab of our homepage for our favorite healthy meals that are delicious when topped with celery seed!
