Celery is a marshland plant that belongs to the family of Apiaceous, has been widely grown as a vegetable since times immemorial. Celery is a fibrous long stalk tapering into leaves that goes with the botanical name Apium gravealens. This crunchy, crispy celery with less than 10 calories per stalk is valued as low-calorie diet food offering umpteen health benefits.  Celery seed is also extensively used as a spice and its extract have been used in traditional medicine.

Celery seeds are small, dark brown in colour found in the flowers, with the taste and smell similar to celery stalks. The dried celery seeds are a pack of flavourful punch used in several dishes and offer an aromatic twist to the food. The seeds are the primary method of breeding for the celery plant.

Celery seed has been greatly valued in Ayurveda for more than thousands of years, it serves as a diuretic, remedies cold and anti-inflammatory medicine. Celery oil is also extracted from the seeds valued for its healing properties and cures several maladies. Celery seeds are known as Ajmod in Hindi and Ajmoda in Sanskrit.

Nutritional Facts:

These tiny seeds come with an impressive nutrient profile and one tablespoon of celery seeds offers about 25 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrate, 1 gram of protein, 1 gram of fibre and 2 grams of fat. While it also contains profuse amounts of calcium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, iron and magnesium.

The celery seed extract is imbued with powerful volatile oil, ascorbate, choline, coumarins, flavonoids, furocoumarins and phenolic antioxidant compounds. Also Read: 5 Essential Antioxidants To Add To Regular Diet For Enhanced Overall Health

Ayurvedic Uses Of Celery Seeds:

Celery seeds or ajmoda is a wonderful digestive herb, works amazingly well in treating gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramps and regularise bowel functions. Some of the healing properties of celery seeds are used in treating Kapha conditions. It is often confused with Ajwain, however, celery seeds/ajmoda is stronger than ajwain when it comes to deepanpachan qualities (clearing toxins and kindling digestive fire). Celery seeds are effective in pacifying Vata and Kapha doshas. Besides these, celery seeds work well as carminative, nervine and improve the lung health and beneficial in treating various respiratory ailments.

Wellness Incentives Of Celery Seeds:

Builds Stronger Bones

Celery seeds are a storehouse of bone-friendly nutrients like calcium, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus which supports to strengthen bones and lowers the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in older adults. A notable amount of manganese in celery seeds helps to activate enzymes that produce proteins needed for bone tissue and cartilage formation, thereby promoting bone strength and structure. Apart from this, the richness of magnesium and phosphorus in celery seeds helps in the process of bone-building cells called osteoblasts and reduces the risk of bone-related disease. Also Read: Tremendous Calcium Boosters: Refreshing Smoothie Recipes For Healthy Bones And Joints

Prevents Inflammation

The plant compound apigenin in celery seeds possess powerful antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which were extensively used as a time tested natural remedy in traditional medicine. Regular addition of celery seeds in the diet may be valuable in treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, ulcers and other health problems. Furthermore, celery contains a flavonoid called luteolin which exhibits anticancer properties and prevent the growth of tumour cells and induce cell death.

Boosts Iron Stores

Iron is a vital mineral essential for producing red blood cells, the red blood cells play a key role in transporting oxygen and nutrients to all the vital organs in the body. Noteworthy amounts of iron in celery seeds meet 17% and 38% of the daily recommended allowance of iron for women and men. Adding celery seeds as a part of a wholesome diet is a healthy way to pump iron stores and prevent anaemia.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Celery seed extracts are used as an effective mode of treatment for high blood pressure i.e. hypertension. Rich on alpha-linoleic acid, apiol, isoquercitrin and terpinene-4-ol exhibits potent hypotensive and diuretic properties that support to control high blood pressure. Besides these, the abundance of calcium in celery seeds also plays a remarkable role in lowering blood pressure. Several studies have also revealed that celery seed extract is the second most potent natural supplement which lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Treats Muscle Spasm

The active compounds umbelliferone and Alpha-linoleic acid present in celery seed extract possess strong anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and analgesic effects. These compound together with calcium in celery seed extracts significantly reduces muscle spasms by relaxing muscles and also beneficial in treating patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Moreover, celery seeds extract works well in reducing inflammation and mitigates joint pain and stiffness.

Packed With Antioxidants

Celery seeds are an impressive source of antioxidants. These bioactive compounds hold a significant role in safeguarding the cells, blood vessels and vital organs from free radical damage. Also, packed with vitamin C, beta carotene and flavonoid, there are at least 12 types of antioxidant compounds present in a single stalk. The goodness of phytonutrients in celery seeds supports reducing inflammation in the stomach, cells, blood vessels and vital organs.

Promotes Digestion

Thanks to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory actions of celery seeds that confer protection to the whole gastrointestinal system, celery seeds may provide extra benefits to the stomach. Also, high in water content about 95% and a good source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, celery seeds promote gut functions and keep the body hydrated.

Alkalizing Effect

Laden with minerals like magnesium, iron and sodium, celery seeds have a neutralizing effect on acidic foods. Further, these minerals are ideal for performing several important bodily functions.

How to Add Celery Seeds In The Diet:

Celery seeds are available as whole seeds, crushed or ground spice which adds intriguing flavour and aroma to the dishes. You can add them to your diet in the form of seasoning soups, vegetable curries, salad dressing, pickles, meat gravies and coleslaw.

Side Effects:

Celery seed, when used as a spice in moderate amounts, is generally considered safe. However, experts suggest that celery seeds supplements are not safe for pregnant women and people with kidney inflammation, low blood sugar and allergy to celery seeds.

Conclusion:

Celery seeds are a flavourful and aromatic spice overpowered with a dense nutrient profile which offers umpteen health benefits and used extensively in traditional medicine. Regular addition of celery seeds facilitates to fortify bone health, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of inflammatory disease. Reap its amazing wellness incentives by incorporating to your diet in the form of soups, salads and herbal concoction.