Phthalide constitutes a critical component in lowering blood pressure because it relaxes smooth muscles inside the vessel walls, allowing them to dilate. Vessel wall proliferation functions primarily to allocate sufficient space for arteries so that blood may flow at a lower level of pressure.
As aforementioned, stress levels commensurately affect both the cardiovascular and blood pressure. Stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, generally constrict blood vessels thereby hindering blood flow. Phthladine inhibits the production of tyrosine hydroxylase, an enzyme required to engender stress hormones, including catacholamines.
Coumarin:
Coumarins prevent the virulent, blood-born dissemination of carcinogenic particles called free radicals, pernicious pathogens that may cause severe cell damage by infiltrating tissues and organs, exploiting our bodies as hosts, a consequent byproduct due to excessive cortisol secretions.
Additionally, the formidable levels of coumarins available in celery bolster immunity, resistance against infection, by stimulating white blood cell activity. Therefore, coumarins indirectly lower blood pressure by significantly reducing stress hormones, thereby thwarting potentially threatening free-radicals.
Apigenin:
Celery possesses a naturally occurring chemical known as apigenin. A bioflavonoid found in many green leafy vegetables, apigenin serves several purposes, including acting as an anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, anti-oxidant, lightening agent, anticarcinogenic, and antiseptic. Apigenin functions in a manner analogously equivalent to phthalides, also promoting vessel expansion, thereby preventing hypertension.
Furthermore, its powerful anti-carcinogenic and anti-oxidant properties likely lower blood pressure by preventing excess production of stress hormones, hence precipitating protection against free-radicals.
Warning:
This information may not be suitable for everyone. Statements have not been evaluated by The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and/or any other federally regulated institution. If you suffer from any known condition that requires a special diet, please consult a qualified physician before altering diet or commencing any new nutritional regimen.
Article comments
1 - Pasty Muncher
Blood pressure aside I am astonished how many books listed above focus on celery
2 - Pasty Muncher
I did come across this helpful blood pressure information - watch out for the salt!
3 - Rita C
Good stuff. The thing I remember about celery before this came out - "It takes as many calories to consume, as exist in the portion". So, I like the fact that it;s good for you and you lose weight and control blood pressure all at the same time. I am Italian and bipolar, that's why my blog is called Bipolaroni. Some cooking tips there too> rit
4 - Phillip Winn
Rita, that bit about celery being a net-zero-calorie food is, while true, not as helpful as you might hope.
As far as blood pressure goes, my own experience (on the advice of my doctor) suggests that the #1 thing people can do to lower their blood pressure is to EXERCISE. Salt, again, not as much a factor as you might think.
5 - Rita
Hi Phil and thanks. I did read the article you had referenced before. I wasn't imagining celery would turn my life around, and, my friends usually add salt to my great home made dishes!
Ciao!
Rita