About The Buzz: Celery May Help Prevent Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease?

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Scientists are now discovering that flavonoids, a group of phytochemicals found in celery, may also actually prevent or stop the growth of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive loss.

WHAT WE KNOW

We often think about celery when it’s time to make soup or our favorite turkey stuffing. But, the many health benefits of celery suggest it has a much larger role to play in supporting good health. Celery is not only low in calories and high in fiber and water content, it contains important nutrients such as vitamin A (good for immunity and eye health), vitamin K (good for blood and bones), vitamin C (an antioxidant and immune booster), and potassium and calcium which help to reduce blood pressure.

Scientists are now discovering that flavonoids, a group of phytochemicals found in celery, may also actually prevent or stop the growth of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive loss.

HOW DO WE KNOW THIS?

In the past several years, researchers have found that several naturally occurring plant compounds in celery and many other fruit and vegetables have significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties.¹

Some key findings from these studies:

1. Dietary flavonoids in many fruits and vegetables like celery, combined with naturally occurring vitamins, help prevent cells from becoming carcinogenic.²
2. Apigenin, found in many fruits and vegetables but particularly abundant in celery, Chinese cabbage, garlic, bell peppers and guava, can stop breast cancer cells from inhibiting their own death by turning them into normal cells that die as scheduled.³ This flavonoid is also thought to stop malignant cancer cells from growing and multiplying in cases of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and
   leukemia. ⁴, ⁵
3. Luteolin, a flavonoid found in celery, bell peppers, rosemary, and thyme, protects against age-related inflammation in the brain, helping to prevent memory loss and general cognitive decline, as well as heart disease and insulin resistance. ⁶,⁷
4. Phthalides are compounds found in celery that may also contribute to blood vessel health and cancer prevention.⁸

Scientists are just beginning to understand how phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables ward off cancer and inflammation in the body. It is thought that these beneficial plant compounds prevent disease by working together synergistically at the cellular and molecular levels.⁹ More study is needed to better understand how the actual molecules in these healthy foods work in the body and to determine how much of these naturally occurring plant chemicals are needed for good health. For now, researchers recommend eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, including those that contain disease-preventive properties like flavonoids in celery. These foods help protect against cancer and heart disease, while also promoting a healthy weight.¹⁰

OUR ADVICE

Here’s what we know > No single food can protect you against disease. But strong evidence does show that eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans is the best way to promote overall good health and lower the risk of many preventable diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. So, load up on a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables at every meal and eating occasion, whether at work, school, home, or when dining out.

Celery Recipes
Celery Stuffed with Apricot-Blue Cheese Spread
Grape and Cashew Salad Sandwich
Lemon-Tarragon Chicken Salad

Resources
Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Celery
American Institute for Cancer Research’s Food That Fights Cancer
Duda Farm Fresh Celery Recipes