Celery is a popular mild-flavored vegetable that can be included in most diets. It belongs to the same family as carrots, parsley, anise, parsnips, and caraway. It has crunchy stalks and has long been eaten for its low calories. While this is a well-known fact, not many people are aware that celery has other nutrients and health benefits.
This vegetable and its extracts are used in traditional Chinese medicine. In this article, you will learn the possible health benefits of eating this vegetable.
It Has Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties
Apigenin, a compound found in celery, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and may help in fighting cancer.
The anti-inflammatory effects of this compound were shown in a 2015 study. [1] The researchers found that apigenin and diets rich in this substance helped inhibit the action of certain inflammatory proteins. Another study using celery leaves reached a similar conclusion because celery leaves contain high amounts of bioactive compounds like apigenin, kaempferol, and luteolin. [2]
A recent review has also shown that apigenin may be useful in cancer treatments. [3] The studies reviewed showed that apigenin played a role in apoptosis. Apoptosis is programmed cell death and it is a useful mechanism in destroying cancer cells.
One study also showed that luteolin, a flavonoid present in celery, may have anticancer properties. [4] According to the researchers, this compound helped inhibit cancer proliferation and induced cell death.
Further studies are required to determine the substance of these findings.