Celery Microgreen Nutrition Fact Sheet

Celery microgreens, the young seedlings of the familiar celery plant (Apium graveolens), offer a potent dose of nutrients and a concentrated celery flavor. These tiny greens are gaining popularity for their culinary versatility and impressive health benefits.   

Nutritional Profile

Celery microgreens, like other microgreens, contain a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals than their mature counterparts. Key nutrients include:

Vitamins

• Vitamin A: Crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen production.
• Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
• Vitamin E: Another antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

Minerals

• Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
• Calcium: Important for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
• Iron: Essential for oxygen transport in the body.
• Magnesium: plays a role in many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation.

Other Beneficial Compounds

• Antioxidants: Celery microgreens are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, which help protect against oxidative stress.
• Fiber: contributes to good digestive health. 

Health Benefits

Antioxidant Protection:  The high concentration of antioxidants in celery microgreens helps neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Cardiovascular Support:  Potassium content contributes to healthy blood pressure levels.  The antioxidants found within the microgreens also contribute to good heart health.

Immune System Boost:  Vitamin C plays a key role in supporting immune function.

Digestive Health:  The fiber content contributes to a healthy digestive system.

Important Notes:  Celery is a known allergen, so individuals with celery allergies should avoid celery microgreens. As with all foods, moderation is key.

Blood Pressure

Studies suggest that celery may help lower blood pressure.

Some research, including studies on animal models, has indicated that celery extracts, particularly celery leaf extracts, can have a positive effect on blood pressure. There are also smaller human studies that have shown positive results, though more large-scale clinical trials are needed.

Celery contains compounds that may contribute to this effect, such as Potassium (known to help regulate blood pressure) and Phytochemicals (some of these compounds have been suggested to have blood pressure-lowering properties).  It is worth noting that some studies have focused on celery extracts or celery juice, so the effect of consuming whole celery may vary.  

Cholesterol

Research also indicates potential benefits for cholesterol levels.

Some studies, particularly those conducted on animal models, have shown that celery extracts may help lower cholesterol levels.   These studies suggest that celery may help reduce "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.   Again, the presence of various antioxidants, and other compounds within celery are thought to contribute to this.

It is important to remember that much of the research has been conducted on animal models, so further human studies are needed to confirm these findings.  While celery may offer potential benefits, it should not replace prescribed medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Key Points:

• Celery contains various nutrients and compounds that may contribute to cardiovascular health. 
• Research suggests potential benefits for blood pressure and cholesterol levels.   
• More large-scale human clinical trials are needed to fully understand the effects of celery on cardiovascular health.
• Consuming a healthy diet, that includes celery, is a good way to help support good cardiovascular health.

References

TexasRealFood: "Celery Microgreens | Trivia, Buying Guide, Production & Enjoying Tips"

Specialty Produce: "Micro Celery Information and Facts": 

Home Microgreens: "Micro Celery: Intense Flavor Without the Tough Strings": 

Sproutpeople: "Celery Micro-Greens - Sproutpeople": 

PubMed Central: "Blood Pressure Change After Celery Juice Ingestion in a Hypertensive Elderly Male"

Word Health Organization: "Increasing potassium intake to reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases in adults "

National Library of Medicine: "Beneficial effects of celery (Apium graveolens) on metabolic syndrome: A review of the existing evidences "

Disclaimer:  The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, preparations, or procedures described in this article.