4 Hidden health benefits of celery seeds: uses, side effects, interactions

Celery is usually only used for the leaves and stems for cooking or juicing. However, the seeds can also be consumed to get their benefits. Here are some of the benefits of celery seeds that may benefit you.

Benefits of celery seeds for health

1. Potential to reduce high blood pressure

Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2013 found the benefits of celery seeds for blood pressure stability.

Celery seeds are reported to have the potential to help the effectiveness of hypertension treatment in mice with high blood pressure.

The blood pressure of the mice given celery seed extract appeared to decrease to a healthier number. However, celery seed extract did not have any effect on mice whose blood pressure was normal.

These results suggest that celery seeds may have a similar effect in humans. However, further research is still needed specifically looking at the benefits of celery seeds in humans.

2. Helps prevent cancer

There have been quite a number of studies that have reported celery seed extracts to have anticancer properties due to their antioxidant content.

Research published in Cancer Letters in 2005 once explained that celery seed extract helps thwart the development of liver cancer.

A more recent study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention in 2011 also stated the same thing. The study tested human cell samples and found celery seed extract could help fight stomach cancer.

The results showed that celery seed extract worked to inhibit the spread of some gastric cancer cells by stimulating apoptosis (a type of good cell that is important to stop the spread of cancer cells).

3. Helps improve bone health

Another benefit of celery seeds is that they help improve bone health.

Per one tablespoon of celery seeds (equivalent to 6.5 grams) can meet 12 percent of your daily calcium needs. The body needs calcium to maintain and maintain bone density. If you are deficient in calcium, you are prone to bone problems such as fractures or osteoporosis.

Apart from calcium, there are also benefits of the mineral manganese in celery seeds. In one tablespoon of celery seeds contain 27 percent manganese which can meet your nutritional needs.

Manganese is needed by the body to activate protein-producing enzymes that make up bone and cartilage tissue.

Celery seeds also contain magnesium and phosphorus. These two minerals help support bone-building cells called osteoblasts. Lack of any of these nutrients can lead to chronic bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

4. Helps fight bacterial infections

According to a 2009 study from the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, celery seed extract has the potential to fight H. pylori bacterial infection. This bacteria is commonly found in people who have digestive problems such as stomach ulcers (ulcers).

However, the potential benefits of celery seeds still need further research because they have never been tested directly on humans.

Be careful before consuming celery seeds

Even though it is believed to be potentially good for health, do not carelessly consume celery seeds before consulting a doctor. Especially if it's in supplement form.

The reason is, there are several risks of side effects that may arise from celery seed extract supplements. For people who have kidney disease, celery seed supplements may make the condition worse.

Additionally, celery seeds can interact with a number of medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, lithium, and thyroid medications.

If you are currently using any of these medications, be sure to consult with your doctor before taking celery seed supplements.

Remember, not all herbal medicines are safe for everyone to consume. Consultation before using it is the best anticipatory step.