The researchers’ findings suggest that luteolin can help slow down the greying process, offering hope for those seeking natural ways to maintain their youthful hair color
Celery, a common vegetable often found in salads or as a crunchy snack, may have benefits beyond what many people know. Recent research has suggested that compounds in celery, especially a natural flavonoid called luteolin, could potentially slow down the process of greying hair and even help reduce the risk of metastasis in breast cancer. While these findings are still emerging, the evidence points to celery being a powerful ally in both cosmetic and health-related areas.
Luteolin, a naturally occurring flavonoid found in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs like celery, thyme, and parsley, has recently been found to have significant benefits when it comes to maintaining the color of hair and even combating cancer. A study by researchers at Nagoya University in Japan has shown that luteolin can help slow the process of greying hair by maintaining the function of melanocytes, the cells responsible for hair pigmentation. In a study involving genetically modified mice that were prone to premature greying, researchers treated one group of mice with luteolin and observed that they retained their original hair color throughout the experiment. Meanwhile, the untreated group saw their fur turn grey.
Masashi Kato, a professor at the university and co-leader of the study, explained the primary impact of luteolin: “Interestingly, luteolin had limited effects on hair cycles, indicating that its primary impact is on pigmentation rather than hair growth or shedding. This targeted action makes luteolin a particularly intriguing candidate for addressing age-related hair graying.”
The researchers’ findings suggest that luteolin can help slow down the greying process, offering hope for those seeking natural ways to maintain their youthful hair color. While many treatments on the market claim to reverse grey hair, luteolin appears to be a more natural, scientifically supported compound that could help maintain pigment longer.
Celery, which contains luteolin along with other vitamins and minerals, is being highlighted as a potential food source that can benefit the hair, but its benefits extend beyond just that. Other research has explored the positive impact of luteolin in reducing the risk of developing metastatic cancer, particularly in women with triple-negative breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer is a type of cancer that does not have the three receptors targeted by conventional chemotherapy treatments, making it harder to treat. Women diagnosed with this type of cancer often face aggressive and highly toxic treatments, and there is a constant need for safer and more effective therapies.
Researchers from the University of Missouri have tested luteolin’s effects on triple-negative breast cancer, and their results have been promising. In experiments where human cancer cells were implanted into mice, luteolin significantly reduced the metastasis of cancer cells in the lungs. The treated mice showed no significant weight loss, which suggests that luteolin has no toxic side effects. “Mice exposed to human triple-negative breast cancer cells experienced significantly reduced metastatic growth in their lungs after being treated with luteolin,” said Salman Hyder, a researcher from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri. The research further emphasizes that luteolin, as a non-toxic plant compound, can play a role in inhibiting cancer cell migration and growth.
While the potential health benefits of celery and its juice are intriguing, it is important to approach some of the claims with caution. The health trend of juicing celery has gained traction in recent years, especially among health enthusiasts who claim it can cure a variety of health problems, such as mental health issues, infertility, and even eczema. However, Lisa Drayer, a dietitian, cautions that the health benefits of celery juice might be overstated. “It’s not a surprise to me that anything a celebrity or an influencer with lots of followers would mention would get a lot of attention,” Drayer said.
Although celery is rich in beneficial flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and possibly slow down age-related memory decline, Drayer explains that there’s limited research supporting the more extraordinary claims made by some juice enthusiasts. Celery also provides a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins C and K, and potassium. “A 5-inch stalk has only three calories, so that’s very low-calorie. A cup of chopped celery has only 20 calories,” Drayer noted. However, once celery is juiced, the calorie count increases as the fiber content is removed, leaving just concentrated sugars and carbohydrates. A cup of celery juice contains around 42 calories.
Drayer also warns that juicing celery strips away the fiber, which is an essential component for maintaining fullness, improving intestinal health, and supporting gut bacteria. Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet, and its removal during the juicing process could negate some of the health benefits of celery.
Despite the popularity of celery juice, Drayer advises that it’s important to remember that no single food or beverage can provide a magical cure for ailments. “What I always tell people is that there’s no one magical food or beverage that will be able to totally make over your health or cure an illness,” she said.
However, incorporating celery, along with other luteolin-rich foods like parsley, thyme, and broccoli, into a balanced diet may help improve overall health, slow down the greying process, and even offer benefits for people with certain types of cancer. While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of luteolin’s effects, current studies highlight its potential as a promising, natural compound for both cosmetic and health benefits.
While claims about celery juice might be exaggerated, its natural components, including luteolin, offer a glimpse into how everyday foods can support our health in significant ways. From maintaining hair color to reducing the risk of cancer metastasis, celery could indeed be a useful addition to a well-rounded diet. But as with any health trend, it’s essential to balance enthusiasm with caution and remember that moderation and variety are key to a healthy lifestyle.
