Celery is highly a nutritious vegetables that comes with an equal number of health benefits as well, yet has virtually no calories. Eat it a crunchy snack on its own, add to salads and dips or use in stir fries and soups, rice, etc. Here is a look at some of its most well-known health benefits.

1. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Celery is known for its antioxidants such as vitamin C, manganese and beta carotene but it also possesses a number of other anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. These have been studied to lower the risk of oxidative damage to body fats.
Celery extracts have also been known to prevent inflammatory reactions not only in the digestive tract but also in blood vessels. Flavonoids like luteolin and organic compounds like coumarin double up to offer protection by blocking inflammatory signals to the brain.

2. Regulates cholesterol levels
A well-known health benefits of celery is its cholesterol lowering potential. This is due to the fiber content in celery which helps pick up excess cholesterol compounds from the digestive tract and removes them from the body.
The pthalides found in celery can stimulate the release of bile juices that work to lower cholesterol levels. and reduce arterial plaque.

3. Prevents high blood pressure
Celery seed extracts contain nutrients that can help boost circulation, reduce inflammation and assist in regulating blood pressure. It is known that celery can help do this by working as a muscle relaxant while facilitating the flow of calcium and potassium in and out of cells. The extract helps dilate and contract blood vessels, improving the flow of blood and aiding in overall better heart health. Pthalides in celery are instrumental in lowering the levels of stress hormones (cortisol) present in the blood which allows the blood vessels to dilate more easily giving circulation greater allowance to flow and reduce blood pressure.

4. Prevents ulcers
Celery shields the digestive tract lining from ulcers. It restores depleted amounts of gastric mucus which is required to protect the lining of the stomach from forming any holes or small openings in the lining.
Celery nurtures the stomach, intestines and colon because of its flavonoids. Other chemical constituents in celery such as tannins, alkaloids and volatile oils collectively regulate the amount of gastric juices released and improve the amount of protective mucus produced.

5. Prevents UTIs/Good for bladder and kidneys
The natural sodium content in celery balanced by its potassium content works effectively to regulate and flush excess fluids from the system. At the same time its alkaline nature helps prevent excess acidity in the system.
Celery reduces uric acid while promoting urine production, so is helpful for warding off bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract. Eating more celery can help avert bladder related problems, kidney issues, urinary tract infections as well as cyst formation in the urinary tract.

6. Possible cancer prevention
Celery also contains a number of cancer fighters like flavonoids, phthalides and polyacetylenes that detoxify carcinogens. Celery also has coumarins which enhance the performance of white blood cells and fend off cancer growth.
To be effective, the antioxidant compounds target free radicals in the body and nullify their effect before they manage to cause damage in the body. Together these nutrients inhibit growth in tumor cells which may prevent the spread of cancer. Finally, celery is highly alkaline which helps raise your pH. Cancerous cells do not thrive in an alkaline system!

7. Reduces Stress
Celery contains tryptophan, an amino acid which helps the body create serotonin, the hormone essential to sustaining a positive mood along with better sleep. Individuals who suffer from stress also face sleep problems should try eating more celery for it’s nerve calming properties. Phthalides in celery also help reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, while the magnesium content of celery is calming.