Written By Miranda Regalado
When we talk about food, healthy food anyway, it is astonishing the amount of bioactive compounds that have shown the ability to help us deal with, and alleviate, a wide range of chronic diseases. This week we are focusing on flavonoids, powerful antioxidants like Apigenin, an important element in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
Some great sources of Apigenin are chamomile tea, artichoke, parsley, etc., and we can find it in higher concentrations in oregano, green chili peppers, and celery. Focusing on the latter, celery is a powerful antioxidant because it’s filled with flavonoid compounds, plus it also contains vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, folate, and amino acids; it helps us with digestion thanks to its fiber and promotes an alkalizing effect in the body.
In recent times, the consumption of celery juice has gone viral, and while it reduces the amount of fiber of the raw plant, it still retains all the benefits of its nutrients. It is well known for the possible anti-cancer effect of celery, and part of that comes from another great flavonoid called Luteolin. The way it works is by preventing the spread of cancer cells and inducing the death of damaged cells.
Research shows that Apigenin and Luteolin reduce inflammation and by doing so may help us treat diseases like allergic asthma and rhinitis, inflammatory responses that affect the upper and lower airways. Apigenin could also help with arthritis by suppressing the immune system and interrupting the signaling for inflammation to occur. Luteolin may protect brain cells from neurodegeneration that could impair cognitive function, and studies have shown the possible effect of Apigenin on delaying and slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Although there is a great community that supports and promotes the consumption of celery juice, other experts waver in their support, saying that more studies should be done, and that there’s no miracle juice that can overthrow a balanced diet. They also claim that by juicing, you remove the fiber, which is one of the main benefits of celery. This claim can also be counteracted by adding celery and water to the blender instead of the juicer, and you might have a less smooth texture but maintain more of its fiber.
While we support the use of natural remedies, we also encourage you to investigate for yourselves, and to talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet, but ultimately we promote eating balanced and trying out more spices, fruits, and vegetables, because therein lies the millenary secrets to a happy and healthier life.
