Celery: A Veggie With Cancer Healing Properties

Though celery is not too appealing to look at, this simple vegetable is a powerhouse of minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients which according to science – can stop breast cancer cells from growing.

Celery 101

Celery, which is related to fennel and parsley is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Let us first take a look at the basics.

  1. Vitamin K (33% of the total daily recommended amount per serving!)
  2. Vitamin C
  3. Vitamin A
  4. Vitamin B2 and B6
  5. Calcium
  6. Folate
  7. Fiber (lots!)
  8. Potassium
  9. Phosphorous
  10. Magnesium
  11. Manganese
  12. Copper

Furthermore, celery has been found to have some unique properties which categorize it as a super anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. A dozen of antioxidant phenolic nutrients in celery has been identified by researchers. These phenolic nutrients can guard the body against oxidative damage to blood vessels, organs, and cells themselves.

Since celery’s pectin-based polysaccharides can help calm digestive system inflammation, it can be a source of significant relief for the gut. The flavonoids in celery can protect the lining of the digestive tract from ulcers, according to a 2010 report published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology. Another research revealed that celery has a polysaccharide substance called apiuman, which help balance stomach secretions an animal model.

A British Study in 2009 revealed that intake of celery can fight stomach-centered infections such as H. Pylori. Plus, other investigation demonstrated that it can also improve liver function, cardiovascular health, and cognition.

Celery and Cancer

Celery turns out to contain cancer-targeting substances in the form of two flavonoids – luteolin and apigenin.

A study conducted by Pusan National University in Busan, Korea in 2016 found that apigenin contains powerful anti-carcinogenic properties which have the ability to control cancer cell proliferation through “regulation of cellular response to oxidative stress and DNA damage, suppression of inflammation and angiogenesis, retardation of cell proliferation, and induction of autophagy and apoptosis.”

In addition to this, in a study on HER2 Breast Cancer at University of Missouri researchers found that celery has the ability to decrease vascular growth factor (VEGF) making them hypothesized that celery may be a potent non-toxic treatment for breast cancer. VEGF is an important mechanism for stimulating new blood vessels and tissues in growing children. However, in adults, too much of it can kick-start tumor growth. Likewise, it was confirmed by other studies that celery flavonoids have the ability to lead breast cancer die off through encouraging “autophagy.”

Get The Most Out Of Your Celery

For thousands of years, humans have been gathering, harvesting and eating celery. An experiential research conducted by George Matelian Foundation (GMF) recommends that steaming your celery is the best way to go. Celery maintains about 90 percent of its antioxidant value after 10 minutes of steaming. Another study suggests that celery must be refrigerated, chopped right before consumption and eaten within 7 days of purchase.

Celery is a must have for a cancer-preventive healthy breast lifestyle. Just make sure it is fresh and organically produced.