Lately, the hashtag (#celeryjuice) on Instagram has been generating quite a buzz, with nearly 150,000 tags and counting. Amidst the sea of conflicting claims about its effectiveness, we decided to examine what the scientific research has to say on the matter.
What Is In Celery Juice?
Celery juice comes from, you guessed it, celery. A long-stalked marshland plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, celery brings crunch and nutrition with:
- Folate
- Vitamin A
- Potassium
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Vitamin K
Celery is particularly rich in vitamin K, which plays a large role in blood clotting, metabolism and regulating blood calcium levels. Juicing celery allows a higher concentration of these minerals to be consumed. For years, celery has been hailed as a superfood for weight loss, often fueled by the myth of being a negative-calorie food. However, scientific research has debunked the notion that digesting celery burns more calories than it provides. While celery doesn’t possess the magical power of causing weight loss through calorie burning, it still holds its ground as a potent ally in the quest for shedding the pounds. Moreover, celery offers a plethora of other surprising benefits that extend beyond weight management.
Celery Juice and Heart Health
A 2017 review conducted in China by the Sun Yat-Sen University went over numerous clinical studies and experimental research that looked at how different vegetables affect heart health. Among a handful of others, celery was mentioned to have cardioprotective effects including; antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and the reduction of platelets that may cause a heart attack or stroke. Vitamins, botanic proteins and phytochemicals found in this vegetable help attenuate myocardial damage and modulates the signaling pathways of certain biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease. In addition, celery decreases the secretion of cytokine which is a protein that signals inflammation as well as inhibits apoptosis (the programmed death of a cell).
Antioxidants Found in Celery Juice
Oxidative stress is the process in which free radicals introduced to your body by food, medicine, or pollution steal electrons from your cells and cause cellular, protein and DNA damage that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Celery is widely known for its abundant antioxidant content. Reviewing nine studies looking at the antioxidant activity of celery, researchers found that this amazing vegetable contains the following antioxidant acting compounds:
- caffeic acid
- p-coumaric acid
- ferulic acid
- apigenin
- luteolin
- tannin
- saponin
- kaempferol
The review concluded that because of its powerful and diverse antioxidants, celery can have numerous healing effects on the body.
Celery Juice and Gut Health
Easing digestion is the first step to gut health. Plentiful in water and fiber, celery juice may alleviate an abundant number of digestive disorders. This is because it keeps you regular, aiding in elimination, and supports healthy cells in the colon. Celery contains compounds known as coumarins, which are known to enhance white blood cell activity and aid in metabolism. Rich in minerals and mineral salts, celery juice aids the absorption of nutrients. Over time the minerals and mineral salts also assist in the restoration of the stomach’s hydrochloric acid, therefore strengthening digestion. Furthermore, a 2010 study showed celery to have a significant ability to replenish mucus and act as a powerful protector against stomach ulcers.
Is Celery Good for Your Kidneys?
Kidneys remove excess water and waste from the bloodstream and eliminate it from the body through urine. To function properly, kidneys must have a steady balance of salts and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium – all of which are found in celery. Juicing celery allows a higher concentration of these minerals to be consumed which can correct imbalances that may impede healthy kidney function. Other vitamins such as Vitamin K, which is also found in celery, can build up in bodies that are unable to process the nutrient properly. People with decreased kidney function could see ill effects when this happens such as nausea and dizziness. While celery juice may be quite beneficial to your kidney health, it is a good idea to consult your physician if you’re on dialysis or if you’re exhibiting any symptoms of kidney disease.
When Should I Drink Celery Juice?
Anthony William, the author behind ‘Celery Juice: The Most Powerful Medicine of Our Time Healing Millions Worldwide’, wrote “The best time to drink celery juice is in the morning on an empty stomach before you consume anything else other than water or lemon water (wait at least 15 to 30 minutes after the lemon water before having your celery juice.” Roughly 16 ounces a day is recommended but it’s believed that up to 32 ounces a day may be even more beneficial. For those sensitive to the juice, you can start with 8 ounces and work your way up. Starting with cucumber juice (which is known to be quite gentle) can help your body adjust while you slowly introduce the celery juice over time. Organic celery is preferred and is best consumed immediately after juicing to maximize benefits.
Is It Safe To Drink Celery Juice Every Day?
Celery is full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that take a big dip out of your daily recommended values. Many people choose to incorporate the juice into their life much like they would a daily multivitamin. Juicing provides more nutrients per volume than eating whole fruits or vegetables. The celery juice guru Anthony William recommends it every day. Many celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Busy Philipps, and Miranda Kerr are daily drinkers of celery juice. Jenna Dewan, Naomi Campbell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Pharrell Williams, and Robert De Niro are also avid supporters. To know if drinking celery juice daily is right for you, visit your local health care provider. If you’ve never had celery before it’s important to be tested for any food allergies you may have first to avoid causing any severe allergic reactions.
Celery Juice Recipes
With its outstanding popularity and long list of health benefits, it’s easy to see why people are turning to celery juice to start their day. Here are a few pointers to get you started.
To make celery juice in a juicer: run your celery stalks through first– extracting fiber and leaving you with the juice. Then add the remainder of your ingredients. One small bunch typically makes about 16 ounces of juice. When using a blender: blend your celery until you reach a smoothie texture. To remove the excess pulp, strain the mixture by pouring it into a bowl covered by cheesecloth or other straining material. Here are a few favorites to try that will give your juice an extra kick of flavor and health benefits.
The Super Green
1 medium heart of celery
2 Large green apples
1 Large cucumber
1 large peeled lemon
1 bunch of chopped kale
Ginger-aid Celery Juice
1 medium heart of celery
1/2 English cucumber
1 large green apple
1/2 lemon
1-inch knob of peeled ginger
Lemon-Apple Celery Juice
1 medium heart of celery
1 Large green apple
½ medium bunch of parsley (with the stems)
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
Heart Super Juice
1 medium heart of celery
1 apple (your choice)
1/2 large cucumber
1 clove of garlic
1/4 Fennel Bulb
The Immunity Booster
1 medium heart of celery
1 Granny Smith apple
4 stalks of kale
½ a peeled lemon
1 bunch of chopped kale
1 handful of blueberries
