Celery seed adds a distinctive bite to sauerkraut, a fine-edged sharpness to coleslaw and a tangy zip to soups, stews and salad dressings. Along with its refreshing flavor, celery seed may also be adding protection against cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, to name just a few of the health benefits scientists attribute to celery seed.

If you'd like to reap celery seed's medicinal power, prepare a tea by pouring boiling water over 1 teaspoon of freshly crushed seeds. Let it steep for 10 to 20 minutes before drinking. Medicinal amounts of celery seed reputedly:

• Help shed water weight: The herb contains a diuretic substance, which will cause you to lose water weight. This may be helpful in getting started in a weight-loss program. The keys to lasting weight control, however, are a healthful, low-fat diet and regular exercise.
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol: In one study, at the University of Chicago, lab animals who were given a daily dose of a compound extracted from celery seed experienced a 12 percent reduction in their blood pressure over a four-week period. The same study indicated it may reduce artery-clogging cholesterol.

Celery seed is a safe herb. One word of caution: If you use it as a diuretic, do so under advisement of a doctor. Diuretics can strip more than just water out of your body. They can deplete you of potassium, which is an essential nutrient.

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