From Food That Harm Food That Heal
Celery
Benefits: low in calories and high in fiber, a good source of potassium, may reduce inflammation and protect against cancer.
Drawbacks: High in plants nitrates.
Medicinal Properties
Traditionally herbalists have advocated fresh celery seed tea to treat gout and other forms of inflammatory arthritis, as well as high blood pressure and edema. Polyacetylene, compounds found in celery are said to reduce production o certain protaglandins, body chemicals that are instrumental in producing inflammation. There is however no proof, however, that celery actually eases arthritis pain. Nor is there any proof that celery lowers blood pressure and increase urination.
Celery may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. The polyacetylenes in celery destroys benzopyrene, a powerful substance that causes cancer. This benefit may be partially offset by celery’s high levels of plant nitrates, substances that the body converts into nitrosamines, which are linked to an increase risk of cancer. However, many researchers believe that this is a minor risk because most plants high in nitrates and other potentially cancer-causing substances also contain chemicals that neutralize any harmful effects. Cooking celery by boiling, braising or steaming lowers nitrate levels.