Allegedly it's both diuretic and nerve building. It is a tonic for the pancreas, spleen, and entire intestinal system.Celery has been used in Asia as a treatment for high blood pressure for centuries. Once put to the test by an assistant professor at the University of Chicago, the remedy was proven true. By injecting research animals with a small amount of 3-n butyl phthalide (a chemical found in celery) he dropped the blood pressure of the test subjects by 12%to 14%. Phthalide relaxes the arteries that regulate blood pressure. This allows the vessels to dilate. Phthalide also lowers the level of stress hormones called catacholamines.This helps fight high blood pressure that is stress induced constricting blood vessels and raising blood pressure.

There is an ingredient found in celery called acetylenics, which has been shown to stop the growth of cancer cells. Celery also contains phenolic acids. These have been shown to block the actions of prostoglandins, which are known to encourage the growth of cancerous tumors.

Unlike foods that lose much of their nutritional value when cooked, celery does not. Eating 1 cup of cooked or uncooked celery will provide you with a good portion of your daily nutritional requirement, such as-vitamin C 15%DV, potassium 12%DV, and calcium 6%DV. Even the seeds are beneficial. A tablespoon packs 17%DV of iron.Most of us eat the stalk but actually it's the leaves that contain the most nutritional benefits. So just by altering your recipes in small ways, adding a little bit of celery seed, or sprinkling a few celery leaves over your sauces and soups, you will help lower your blood pressure and enjoy the benefits of a healthier life.

On the other hand it's very high in Sodium, and a large portion of the calories in this food come from sugars. Hence celery salt I suppose. And it does make the most delicious soup.