Celery Seed Extract: A Natural Calcium Channel Blocker

Celery Seed Extract: A Natural Calcium Channel Blocker

Celery is a simple food with a complex chemical makeup. Studies show that celery seed components produce a relaxing, dilating effect that lowers blood pressure. This appears to occur, at least in part, by blocking or antagonizing the flow of calcium into muscle cells lining blood vessels—similar to the action performed by calcium channel blocking drugs.^7,24,25 One key blood pressure-lowering compound in celery seeds has the technical name of L-3-n-butylphthalide, abbreviated as 3nB.^26,27

 

3nB has been used in a number of studies for the management of vascular diseases in the brain, such as stroke and vascular dementia.^26,28,29 And even now, a synthetic form of 3nB is being developed as a drug in China for the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke and mild cognitive impairment as well as for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease—all of which have components of abnormalities in blood flow.^26,30-33

 

Animal and lab studies reveal that 3nB-rich extracts of celery seeds produce blood pressure reductions of up to 38 mm Hg in hypertensive rats (this effect was not seen in those with normal blood pressures).²⁷ Animal studies also demonstrate that celery seed extract has no significant toxic effects even at very high doses.³⁴

 

A human study demonstrating the effectiveness of a celery seed extract standardized to 85% 3nB recently appeared in the Natural Medicine Journal.⁹ For the study, 30 middle-aged patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension took 75 mg doses of a celery seed extract twice daily for six weeks. To obtain an equivalent amount of 3nB, one would have to consume approximately 530 stalks (nearly 50 pounds) of celery. 

Mean blood pressures at baseline were 139.4/85.4 mm Hg. At three weeks, they fell to 134.8/80.9, and at six weeks they fell to 131.2/76.9. This represents total drops of 8.2 mm Hg systolic and 8.5 diastolic from baseline. 

Of great importance, while pharmacological calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors are known to reduce blood flow to the brain—which can leave patients feeling tired, depressed, dizzy, or forgetful—celery seed extracts rich in 3nB appear to improve brain blood flow, prevent stroke, and may protect brain cells and enhance their energy consumption.^9,30,33,35

^{Sources: http://www.lef.org/Magazine/2014/10/Two-Natural-Plant-Extracts-Lower-Blood-Pressure/Page-01} 

6 Great Things About Grapefruit By Rachel Zachar,

When you think about common fruits that can provide benefits for your health, you might not immediately think grapefruit. However, grapefruit contains many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that can step up your health game. In addition, new research has illustrated that drinking the juice of grapefruit can supply significant support for multiple aspects of your health, including weight loss and blood sugar regulation. Let's explore some of the great ways grapefruits may be able to enhance your wellness.   1. Protects your skin Grapefruit is brimming with nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium and magnesium. The antioxidant vitamin C works to protect your skin from sun damage and also improve its overall appearance, tone and texture. In addition, grapefruit can provide hydration and contribute to forming collagen, one of the substances that is responsible for your skin's elasticity, firmness and fullness. Grapefruit essential oil can be applied to the skin after you dilute and combine it with a carrier oil like jojoba or avocado; however, it's best to do this before bedtime because wearing grapefruit on your skin and going out in the sun can cause strong, adverse reactions.    2. Lowers LDL cholesterol Pectin fiber is a form of fiber that can reduce hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and it's another ingredient found in grapefruit. By cutting down LDL “bad” cholesterol, grapefruit can also knock out many triglycerides and encourage healthy cholesterol levels. According to a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, red grapefruit might be more effective than blond grapefruit at lowering blood triglycerides because of its lycopene content or other nutrients.   3. Provides heart support With the nutrients vitamin C, lycopene, potassium and fiber, grapefruit can provide significant support for maintaining the health of your heart. Potassium in particular can contribute to lowering blood pressure, and the other nutrients in grapefruit can improve your blood lipid levels, fight ischemic stroke and also prevent narrowing of the arteries—all of which can have an effect on your heart.    4. Fights diabetes According to recent research from UC Berkeley, grapefruit juice may be able to lower blood glucose and insulin levels, helping to regulate your blood sugar and fight diabetes. The presence of flavonoids and other nutrients in grapefruit may play a part in its effect on blood sugar.   5. May contribute to weight loss You may have heard about grapefruit being a contributor to weight loss in the past, but now there is more solid evidence for the claim. UC Berkeley researched the effect that drinking grapefruit juice had on test rats who were fed high-fat diets. The study demonstrated that rats on high-fat diets that drank grapefruit juice gained 18 percent less weight than water-drinking rats on high-fat diets; in addition, the rats that drank grapefruit juice on a high-fat also illustrated a 13 to 17 percent decrease in blood glucose levels and a threefold decrease in insulin levels. Pending human research, this new study could help solidify the connection between grapefruit juice and weight loss.    6. Supplies antioxidant protection Grapefruits are loaded with antioxidants, which can provide defense against cell-damaging free radicals and oxidation. Antioxidants work to scavenge free radicals and remove them from your body, preventing your cells from enduring damage. In addition, antioxidants can help prevent cancers caused by free radicals and benefit your immune system for an overall improvement in fighting illness.    Overall, grapefruits can provide many benefits for your health, with their nutrient-rich composition; red grapefruit is typically perceived to have more antioxidants and vitamins than the other types of grapefruit. However, consuming grapefruit is not right for everyone. If you're on any medications, it's advisable that you do not eat grapefruit or drink its juice, as it can cause adverse reactions. In addition, when applying grapefruit oil to your skin, it's important to first talk to a professional about the proper way to dilute it and do a test patch to ensure that you do not experience any allergic reactions. Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/6-great-things-about-grapefruit-1038#.VIenyMm17uc