Celery is a member of the Umbelliferous family. This plants family also includes carrots, parsley, and fennel. Celery originated from wild celery native to the Mediterranean, where its seeds were once highly valued as a medicine.
Celery contains a phytochemical called phthalides. As an extract, it’s called NBP. A study suggests that NBP might relax the artery walls tissues and as a result, increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
Eat celery for high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a problem for many people; in fact, in America, around 76.4 million adults suffer from high blood pressure, the American Heart Association notes.
High blood pressure can greatly increase your risk for a life-threatening stroke or heart attack. How about celery and blood pressure reduction? Can celery help lower BP?
Eating the whole plant is better. Celery stalk salt content is low, and you also get fiber, magnesium, and potassium to help regulate your blood pressure, as well.
According to Dr. Kenneth Shafer from the department of cardiovascular medicine at Cleveland Clinic – “To get the benefit, you should eat roughly four stalks – one cup, chopped – of celery daily.”
Here’s a recipe with Celery stalks
Celery seed extract for high blood pressure
Celery seed extract contains an important compound known as 3-n-butylphthalide, or 3nB for short, that is also responsible for the characteristic flavor and odor of celery.
3nB was discovered as the active component of celery in response to investigations by researchers seeking to explain some of the medicinal effects of celery, including the lowering of blood pressure and the relief of arthritis.
3nB first drew significant scientific attention when researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center identified it as the factor in celery responsible for the blood pressure lowering effect of celery.
The research was prompted by one of the researcher’s fathers, who after eating a quarter-pound of celery every day for one week observed his blood pressure dropped from 158 over 96 to a normal reading of 118 over 82.
Celery Juice and blood pressure
Celery juice contains the compound 3-n-butylphtalide, or phthalide, which contributes to the vegetable’s taste and aroma. As a chemical affecting the body, phthalide helps relax the smooth muscles in the walls of the blood vessels, according to High Blood Pressure Info. Blood pressure decreases as the blood vessels dilate and allow blood to flow easier and more freely.
Celery Juice Recommendations
Using the recommended Oriental dosages to lower mild cases of high blood pressure, one would eat about four ounces of celery (about a cup of chopped celery) daily. You should begin to see results after only a week or two. Juicing 2 stalks of celery per day would also achieve the same results.
Ingredients:
- 2 Stalks of Celery
- 1/2 beet
- 2 Carrots
- 1/2 green apple
- lemon
Here is another recipe for celery juice
Conclusion
So, no matter which part of the celery you eat, it has blood pressure benefits and many more for your health.
There are several more heart healthy foods that may help you to lower your blood pressure. Read about them in our article – Eight Foods Clinically Proven To Lower Blood Pressure.
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