Celery juice packs a powerful kick of antioxidants and offers many surprising health benefits!
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram recently, you’ve probably seen several glowing glasses of #celeryjuice and possibly wondered where all the hype has come from. Move aside super green juice; celery juice has taken center stage with a number of celebrities endorsing its health benefits.
With all the craze around celery juice, it’s difficult to separate the facts from the fiction. The water sticks that are so commonly paired up with hummus and peanut butter could actually help towards your overall health. So, is it time to replace your morning coffee with a glass of celery juice?
Celery packs a powerful kick of antioxidants and has been linked to a number of health benefits including:
- Decreasing inflammation
- Fighting against oxidative stress
- Reducing blood pressure and sugar levels
- Preventing cardiovascular disease
- Removing free radicals and combat cancer
- Staying hydrated
- Replacing lost electrolytes
The Celery Juice Phenomenon
The power behind the celery juice movement came from Anthony William aka the Medical Medium. Anthony Williams is a New York Times bestseller and author with books on natural food cures. He’s amassed a huge following from his holistic approach to well-being and the belief that he can “read” people’s medical condition and provide the guidance on the best way to treat them (hence the name Medical Medium).
One thing to mention is that Williams has no medical license or nutrition certificates which he is open about on his website. This is where labeling celery juice as a cure all receives some heat from the scientific community. Of course, celery is a perfectly healthy vegetable to eat and juice. Celery is packed with antioxidants and vitamin K. As well as vitamins A and C, folate, and potassium.
Why Juice Celery?
Juicing is convenient, especially when you prepare it ahead of time. You can consume large portions in a small amount of time, making it easier to eat more of a certain type of food. This allows you to take in higher levels of vitamins and minerals. Since vegetables and fruits are broken down during the juicing process, this could make it easier for some individuals to digest.
However, when you juice vegetables, it can strip them of their beneficial fibers. Fiber helps to move food through your body and feed the good bacteria in your gut. If you’re kicking off your day off with a glass of celery juice, make sure to eat plenty of fiber in your diet. A healthy diet includes lots of variety with plenty of whole plant-based foods.
What Are the Health Benefits of Celery Juice?
Decrease Inflammation
Celery contains apigenin which is a molecule that’s currently being studied for its anti-cancer properties. A study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research looked into whether apigenin might help to reduce damage caused by inflammation. They found that apigenin and apigenin-rich diets reduced certain inflammatory proteins. A 2017 review of celery found that its content may reduce inflammation, diabetes, cancer risk, and more.
Fight Against Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress and inflammation in the bloodstream are contributing factors towards the development of a number of cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. There is supporting research that shows that the phytochemicals in celery help to fight against oxidative stress.
Reduce Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels
Celery contains a phytochemical called phthalides. Research suggests the phytochemicals in celery can help reduce blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. One study found that using an extract of celery seed helped balance glucose and insulin levels and improve weight. Starting off your day with a glass of celery juice is a great way to fire up your digestive system and give you the energy you need.
Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
Studies have shown that consumption of celery seed may help prevent stroke and reduce plaque in arteries. Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of deaths globally according to the World Health Organization. The most important behavioral risk factors of stroke and heart disease are an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use.
Remove Free Radicals and Combat Cancer
Celery has been found to have powerful antioxidant characteristics to remove free radicals in the body. Consuming foods high in antioxidants, like celery, could potentially decrease the risk of cancer. The vegetable also contains the flavonoid luteolin which has been linked to preventing cancer. One study found that luteolin renders cancer cells more vulnerable to therapy.
Stay Hydrated
According to the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, celery is over 95% water by weight. One of the biggest benefits you get from drinking celery juice is staying hydrated. When you’re not drinking enough water, your body lets you know. Which is why celery juice can have such a big impact in terms of hydration. So, what are the signs that your body needs more water?
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Weak immune system
When buying celery, organic is the best. If you can’t buy organic, just make sure you’ve really washed it properly before juicing. Celery juice is the next big health trend that looks set to stay.
Celery Juice, the Next Trendy Super Drink
Replace Lost Electrolytes
Electrolyte replacement is crucial for your health. When you sweat, you lose sodium and potassium, and you need to replenish the minerals you lost. Celery juice helps to replace your lost electrolytes and rehydrate you after a workout. So, next time you hit the gym, be sure to reach for a glass of celery juice after to give you the boost you need.
Despite showing promising results, there have not been large human studies using celery juice as a treatment for chronic conditions so far, but that’s not to say that won’t change. Drinking a big glass of celery juice in the morning is a great way to wake up and give your body the hydration it needs. As more research continues to focus on the effects of celery juice, the potential benefits could be limitless. Celery juice has gained a cult following, and it will no doubt continue to thrive.
COMMENTS
Jose
Great information