By: Tanya Jolliffe, SparkPeople Blogger
10/21/2010 10:40 AM   :  110 comments   :  15,839 Views

See More: senior health, mental health,

Celery is often wrongly touted as an example of a negative calorie food. People like to believe low calorie foods like celery take more calories to digest them than they contain so they have no influence on weight. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a negative calorie food. Although, celery does have a high water content, which makes it a great choice for juicing while also being low calorie and high in fiber, it is not calorie free. Although it may not be a negative calorie food, new research suggests it could be a memory super food.

Earlier this month I shared about an interview explaining how diet and exercise influence Alzheimer's disease risks. Now, according to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition a specific component of celery may help reduce age-related brain inflammation.

Luteolin is a flavonoid that has been found to target and inhibit an enzyme referred to as TBK1. When TBK1 is inhibited, it prevents a specific biochemical signal from being activated. When the biochemical signal is inactive, it prevents the formation of gene production, which ultimately prevents inflammation that can cause cognitive aging. So eating foods rich in Luteolin may help protect cognitive memory from the typical decline of aging.

In addition to celery, Luteolin can also be found in thyme, green peppers, and chamomile tea. Other sources include carrots, peppermint, rosemary and oregano leaves. You may want to try one of these fun fall recipes to boost your celery and Luteolin intake to help promote memory retention.

Fresh Juice – Apple-Beet-Carrot-Celery

Leek & Celery Root Soup

Carrot Soup with Onion & Celery

Pomegranate & Celery

Broccoli and Celery Slaw

Do you eat celery? Did you think it had much nutritional value? What are your favorite ways to eat celery?