Does Celery Lower Blood Pressure? Exploring the Science Behind this Popular Claim

October 4, 2025 •

5 min read

High blood pressure affects over a billion people globally, making dietary interventions a key focus for management. The age-old question, "Does celery lower blood pressure?" has gained renewed scientific attention, with modern research exploring the specific compounds and mechanisms at play within this popular food.

Quick Summary

Studies show bioactive compounds in celery, like phthalides and apigenin, can help regulate blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and acting as a diuretic. Incorporating it into a balanced diet may offer cardiovascular benefits, but it should not replace medical treatment.

Key Points

Bioactive Compounds: Celery contains compounds like 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) and apigenin that may help lower blood pressure.
Relaxed Blood Vessels: 3nB can act as a vasodilator, relaxing the muscles in blood vessel walls to improve blood flow.
Diuretic Effect: Celery's compounds have a mild diuretic effect, helping the body expel excess fluid.
Potassium and Magnesium: The vegetable's high content of these minerals is beneficial for balancing sodium and regulating blood pressure.
Effective in Concentrated Forms: Studies suggest celery seed extracts and certain studied amounts may have a more significant effect on blood pressure than small amounts of stalks.
Complementary, Not a Replacement: Celery can support a heart-healthy diet but should not replace prescribed medication for hypertension.
Consult a Doctor: It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider before using celery therapeutically, especially if you have low blood pressure or take other medications.

The Science Behind Celery and Blood Pressure

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, particularly in managing high blood pressure. Modern research has isolated several key bioactive compounds responsible for these effects, revealing the complex mechanisms through which celery can influence cardiovascular health. The seeds and extracts, in particular, appear to have a more concentrated effect.

Key Bioactive Compounds

Several compounds found in celery work together to create its therapeutic effect:

3-n-butylphthalide (3nB): This compound is largely responsible for celery's characteristic smell and taste and is concentrated in the seeds. It acts as a vasodilator, helping to relax the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels. When blood vessels dilate, blood can flow more freely, which reduces overall blood pressure. Some research suggests its effectiveness warrants further study when compared to certain calcium channel blocker drugs.
Apigenin: This powerful flavonoid provides strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Apigenin helps dilate blood vessels and has been shown to increase the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a crucial component in blood pressure regulation.
Potassium: Celery is a good source of this essential mineral, which is vital for managing blood pressure. Potassium helps balance sodium levels in the body, which aids the kidneys in eliminating excess sodium and thus helps relax blood vessel walls.

Mechanisms of Action

The antihypertensive effects of celery are linked to several physiological processes:

Vasodilation: The phthalides in celery help relax the smooth muscles around blood vessels, allowing them to widen. This action reduces the resistance to blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
Diuretic Effect: Some compounds in celery, such as 3nB, act as natural diuretics, helping the body expel excess fluid. This decreases the overall blood volume, which, in turn, reduces pressure on the arterial walls.
Calcium Channel Blocking: Research indicates that celery extracts may block calcium channels, similar to certain medications. This prevents the constriction of blood vessels and further promotes relaxation and lower blood pressure readings.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: The flavonoids and phytonutrients in celery protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to plaque buildup and hardened arteries. By fighting these processes, celery supports healthier blood vessel function and long-term cardiovascular well-being.

Clinical Evidence and Efficacy

Numerous studies, including human trials, have investigated celery's effect on blood pressure:

A 2025 meta-analysis found that celery preparations, particularly celery seeds or certain studied amounts, significantly improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. This review showed a favorable safety profile for celery supplementation.
Other human trials using celery juice and extracts have reported positive outcomes. One case study on an elderly man showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure after regular consumption of celery juice. A controlled trial using celery stem extract in female subjects over 60 days also resulted in significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Incorporating Celery into Your Diet

Celery can be consumed in many forms, with different preparations potentially altering the concentration of active compounds:

Juicing: A popular method for increasing daily intake. Some studies suggest regular consumption of celery juice may be beneficial.
Eating Raw Stalks: A simple way to add celery to your diet. The amount beneficial can vary, but incorporating it regularly is key.
Supplements/Extracts: Celery seed and stem extracts are available in capsule form and may offer a more concentrated dose of the active compounds.
Cooking: Cooked celery may be more effective in some cases, possibly due to changes in nutrient bioavailability. Boiling celery and drinking the water is a traditional preparation method.

Comparison of Celery with Other Natural Blood Pressure Remedies


Remedy	Key Active Compounds	Primary Mechanism	Notes	Recommended for
Celery	Phthalides, apigenin, potassium, magnesium	Vasodilation, diuretic, calcium channel blocking	Effective in both seed and stalk forms, though seeds may be more potent.	Supporting a healthy diet for blood pressure management.
Beetroot	Nitrates	Nitrates convert to nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels.	Effects are often short-term. Can be consumed as juice or cooked.	Supporting vasodilation.
Leafy Greens (e.g., Spinach)	Potassium, magnesium, nitrates	Balance sodium, relax blood vessels, provide nitrates.	High in essential minerals for blood pressure regulation. Best consumed raw for maximum nutrient content.	Overall heart health, as part of a DASH diet.
DASH Diet	Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy	Comprehensive approach, rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium.	A balanced and proven eating plan supported by major health organizations.	Long-term blood pressure management and overall cardiovascular health.

Risks and Considerations

While generally safe, incorporating celery into your diet for blood pressure management has some considerations:

Sodium Intake: While celery contains minerals that balance sodium, it also contains some naturally occurring sodium. For salt-sensitive individuals, excessive celery juice consumption could potentially counteract its benefits.
Allergic Reactions: Celery is a known allergen for some individuals and can cause a range of symptoms, including skin rashes, digestive issues, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Low Blood Pressure: Individuals who already have low blood pressure should be cautious, as medicinal amounts of celery may cause their blood pressure to drop too low.
Drug Interactions: Celery, particularly in concentrated forms, may interact with certain medications. For example, it might slow blood clotting or cause excessive sleepiness if combined with sedatives. Always consult a healthcare provider before using celery for therapeutic purposes, especially if you are on medication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, scientific evidence suggests that celery and its extracts do offer antihypertensive properties, primarily due to compounds like phthalides, apigenin, and its rich mineral content. By promoting vasodilation and acting as a diuretic, celery can play a supportive role in managing high blood pressure. However, it should be viewed as a complementary part of a broader, heart-healthy nutrition diet, such as the DASH eating plan, and not as a replacement for prescribed medication. Before making any significant changes to your diet or using celery for medicinal purposes, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs. For more information on the DASH diet, consult reliable health resources, such as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both celery stalks and juice can be beneficial for blood pressure. While juicing offers a concentrated dose of nutrients, eating whole stalks provides more fiber. Some studies suggest consuming celery regularly may have a positive effect.

There is no officially established beneficial intake for celery to lower blood pressure. Some traditional remedies suggest consuming a certain number of stalks daily for mild hypertension. For concentrated extracts, studies have used various amounts. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Yes, potential risks exist, especially with large, medicinal amounts. Celery can interact with blood-thinning and sedative medications, and it may lower blood pressure too much in individuals with naturally low blood pressure. It is also an allergen for some.

Celery is not a substitute for prescribed blood pressure medication. While it can offer complementary benefits as part of a healthy diet, it is not considered a primary treatment for controlling significant hypertension.

While natural remedies typically don't cause sudden drops in the same way medication can, excessive intake of celery, especially concentrated extracts or juice, could potentially cause blood pressure to fall too low, particularly in people already prone to low blood pressure. Caution and moderation are advised.

Celery seed extract may contain a higher concentration of the active compounds like 3nB. A 2025 meta-analysis noted that celery seeds or certain studied amounts had a stronger effect on blood pressure compared to other parts of the plant.

Some studies suggest that the thermal process of cooking fresh celery may enhance the release of certain compounds. However, the nutrient profile of raw versus cooked celery can differ, and both forms appear to have benefits when incorporated into a balanced diet.