Celery Calms Blood Pressure

Celery produces a tranquil effect on the body’s nervous system by hushing stress hormones.  Within the blood vessels this calming effect helps relax blood pressure. The natural vasorelaxant effect of celery is attributed to compounds named phthalides: more specifically 3-n-butylphthalide.

3-n-butylphthalide, is thought to reduce systolic blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscle cells within the middle layer of the artery. Studies indicate 3-n-butylphthalide inhibits extracellular calcium influx into the smooth muscles, possibly by modulation of calcium channels, thereby causing a vasorelaxant effect. Arteries that are relaxed and dilated provides more space for blood to flow; which allows blood to flow at a lower pressure.

Flavanoids are compounds with antioxidant properties that protect cells against damage by oxygen molecules. Celery provides a very, very potent source of the flavonoid apigenin. Studies indicate apigenin counteracts cellular oxidative stress and prevents the expression of several inflammatory factors.  Oxidative stress produces a state of cellular imbalance that leads to cell disfunction and disease. Within arteries oxidative stress renders the vessel less pliable and decreases responsiveness to vasorelaxants. Celery also helps prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels because it provides a natural, subtle source of coumarin.

Celery is  naturally alkalizing; it balances the body's PH, which is essential for good health. The salt provided in celery is soluble and organic (a bit different than white table salt). Organic salt allows the body to use other nutrients. The vibrant green celery leaves are nutritionally dense with vitamin C, calcium and potassium. One cup of raw celery provides 344.40 mg of cell balancing potassium. The natural organic salt in celery enables the body absorb these nutrients.

The information and research findings I have provided are specific to celery (stalks & leaves) not celery seed or celery seed dietary supplements. This is because pure foods are bio-active and work in synergy. Serving an equal portion of finely sliced celery with albacore tuna (omega 3) is intensely cardioprotective. The natural DHA/EPA provided in oily fish helps inhibit arterial inflammation and reduces the incidence of cardiac arrhythmia.

Sources:
Cardiovascular Pharmacology of 3-n-butylphthalide in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
D. Tsi and B. K. H. Tan
Phytotherapy Research. 1997; Vol. 11, 576—582

Apigenin: Is It a Pro- or Anti-Inflammatory Agent?
Raquel Soares and Isabel Azevedo
American Journal of Pathology. 2006;168:1762-1763