Soong Mei-ling, China’s iconic “Madame Chiang,” had one surprising staple in her diet
“Celery is simple, inexpensive, and incredibly nourishing,” she once noted.
And combined with her disciplined eating habits, it helped her stay vibrant, even in her 100s.
What science says about celery
Celery is rich in fiber, which supports digestion and cardiovascular health, and packed with antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
One key compound in celery is apigenin, a plant flavonoid prized in traditional
Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. A review from 2016 suggest apigenin may also help combat cancer by triggering apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death that removes damaged or abnormal cells.
Research in mice further indicates that apigenin can reduce inflammation by lowering certain inflammatory proteins, helping restore balance to the immune system.
Celery also contains luteolin, another flavonoid that may prevent the spread of cancer cells and make them more vulnerable to treatment, according to scientists. While more research is needed in humans, these findings highlight celery as a potential superfood worth including in your diet.
