Lower Blood Pressure – How Celery Can Be Used to Lower Blood Pressure
Posted by Lisa Nelson, RD, LN on August 10, 2009
When you think of celery, you probably immediately think “diet” and snacking on carrots and celery instead of the food you really crave!
Well, celery does much more for your heart than simply trimming your waistline. A Chinese study found blood pressure to fall significantly in 14 out of 16 individuals with high blood pressure when they were given celery. Exactly how celery works to lower blood pressure is not completely understood. Scientists have found celery to contain apigenin. Apigenin is a substance known to help lower high blood pressure. Celery also exhibits properties similar to diuretics and ACE inhibitors, both effective medications to lower blood pressure. Celery has been used to treat a variety of conditions – congestive heart failure, fluid retention, anxiety, insomnia, gout, and diabetes. Mark Houston, a well-known cardiac physician, recommends eating either 4 celery stalks daily, 8 teaspoons of celery juice 3 times a day, 1000 mg celery seed extract twice a day, or ½ to 1 teaspoon of celery oil 3 times a day in tincture form. I say go with the celery stalks. The cost is low, calories minimal, taste good, and potential benefit great. The risk of excess celery is almost non-existent, so this is a safe treatment option if you are struggling to lower high blood pressure. However, don’t counteract the benefits by slathering your celery in a high fat dip or dressing. If you need added flavor, opt for a low fat dressing or possibly peanut butter. Peanut butter provides a good source of heart healthy unsaturated fats and protein. FYI – Non-animal sources of protein, such as beans and soy, promote lower blood pressure levels. Studies have found that individuals who consume 30% higher than average protein intake (such as 1.0 – 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight) have reduced blood pressures. The average reduction was 3.0 mm Hg reduced systolic blood pressure and 2.5 mm Hg diastolic. So, added bonus to combine peanut butter with your daily celery intake! Subscribe to The Heart of Health ezine to receive regular heart health and weight loss tips from dietitian Lisa Nelson. You’ll also receive the subscriber exclusive report: “Stop Wasting Money – Take Control of Your Health!” All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Eat Smart Age Smart said
For many centuries now people have not only being eating sticks of celery itself but also taking the oil made from it to reduce high blood pressure levels. Eating celery for high blood pressure is not a definitively proven solution to hypertension, but as part of a sensible, healthy diet and lifestyle it makes sense to further explore how it can help you – But only after consulting your treating physician first.
Jack said
Let me get this straight, ESAS. You’re saying that we should eat some celery, and read up on what celery can do for us, but not until after we consult our treating physician?!
This is why people are obese. They listen to one doctor – a human being with faults (e.g. a limited understanding of nutrition) and who has 50 other patients to attend to – instead of doing research and making educated decisions.