Celery, often hailed as a humble green vegetable, is making waves in the health and wellness world in the form of power-packed celery juice. This simple drink, made from freshly pressed celery stalks, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. Endowed with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities adding this juice to your diet regimen can uplift your overall physical well-being. Let's explore celery juice's nutritional profile, uses, benefits, and possible side effects.
Also Read: Cucumber Juice: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Uses And Side Effects
Nutrition Profile Of Celery Juice
Celery is low in calories but high in essential nutrients and antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids. A single cup of celery juice contains:
Calories: 42
Carbohydrates: 9 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Vitamin K: 37% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 16% of the DV
Folate: 10% of the DV
Potassium: 14% of the DV
*Source Database of the US Food And Agricultural Corporation
Uses of Celery Juice
Celery juice can be had on its own or blended with other fruits and vegetables of your choice to make a nutrient-packed beverage. Besides this, it can also be blended to make a wholesome smoothie or combined with herbs and spices for added flavour and nutrition.
Health Benefits of Celery Juice
Hydration
Celery juice is mostly water, making it a hydrating beverage that can help maintain fluid balance in the body. Good hydration helps to regulate blood pressure, maintain body temperature, improve brain function, proper absorption of vital nutrients, detoxification and promote kidney health.
Also Read: Detox Drinks To Cleanse Your Body From Within
Antioxidant Effects
The rich antioxidant profile of celery juice includes flavonoids and phenolic acids, that may help fight oxidative damage and ease inflammation in the system, thus reducing the risk of diseases.
Digestive Health
Celery juice endowed with fibre and other nutrients can improve digestion by stimulating stomach acid secretion and supporting the liver's natural detoxification processes. Additionally, it is beneficial for treating common digestive woes like bloating, indigestion, and constipation.
Improves Heart Health
Celery contains compounds like phthalides that may help diminish cholesterol levels and promote blood circulation in the blood vessels. These contribute immensely to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.
Boosts Skin Glow
The vitamins and antioxidants in celery juice may promote healthy skin by reducing inflammation and supporting collagen production. Drinking this juice helps to improve the skin tone, texture, and complexion, thus rendering you a radiant and youthful look.
What Is A Celery Juice Cleanse?
This wholesome and humble juice has gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts as a "detox" or "cleanse" drink, with many touting its ability to flush out toxins, improve digestion, and promote weight loss.
The celery juice cleanses typically involve consuming large quantities of freshly pressed celery juice for several days to a week. Advocates claim this cleanse can help reset the digestive system, eliminate toxins, and promote overall health and well-being.
Also Read: Colon Cleanse: 5 Natural and Effective Ways To Detox The System
How To Make Celery Juice?
Ingredients:
1 bunch of organic celery
1 tsp of lemon juice
A pinch of Himalayan salt
Method
Wash the celery thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Trim the celery's base and leafy tops, leaving just the stalks.
Chop the celery stalks into smaller pieces that will fit into your juicer.
Juice the celery stalks using a juicer.
Strain the celery juice into a glass, add a teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of Himalayan salt and drink immediately for the best flavour and nutritional benefits.
Tips:
It is essential to use organic celery whenever possible to avoid pesticides and other chemicals.
It is ideal to consume celery juice on an empty stomach in the morning to get maximum health incentives.
You can add other ingredients like lemon or cucumber for added flavour, but this will alter the juice's nutritional content.
The Downsides of a Celery Juice Cleanse
Lack of Fibre: Juicing removes the fibre content of celery, which is important for digestive health. A cleanse that lacks fibre may lead to digestive issues like constipation.
Nutrient Imbalance: Consuming only celery juice for a longer period may lead to nutrient imbalances and deficiencies.
Not Sustainable: Celery juice cleanses are often not sustainable in the long term and may lead to yo-yo dieting behaviours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Drink Celery Juice Every Day?
Drinking celery juice in moderation is generally safe for most people. However, excessive consumption may lead to issues such as stomach upset or allergic reactions in a few people.
How And When To Drink Celery Juice?
It's best to drink celery juice fresh and on an empty stomach, either first thing in the morning or at least 15–30 minutes before meals. This allows for better nutrient absorption.
Is Celery Juice Good For The Kidneys?
Celery juice is believed to have diuretic properties, which may help promote kidney health by increasing urine production and potentially reducing the risk of kidney stones. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
How Long Is Good To Drink Celery Juice?
The duration of celery juice consumption depends on individual preferences and health goals. Some people incorporate celery juice into their daily routine for extended periods, while others may drink it for shorter durations for specific purposes.
What Is The Best Time To Drink Celery Juice?
The ideal time to drink celery juice is in the morning on an empty stomach. This helps the body to absorb the nutrients to the fullest and may help with digestion and detoxification.
Why Should I Drink Celery Juice On An Empty Stomach?
It is believed that drinking celery juice on an empty stomach allows the body to assimilate the nutrients more efficiently. It also helps avoid dilution of the juice in the presence of other foods.
Does Celery Juice Work?
Drinking celery juice offers numerous health perks, such as improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and detoxification. However, evidence supporting these claims is limited, and more research is needed to understand the effects of celery juice on augmenting overall health.
Conclusion
Drinking celery juice as part of a balanced diet can be a healthy choice, but embarking on a celery juice cleanse solely for detoxification may not be necessary. Instead, pay attention to eating a variety of whole foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, to support your body's natural detoxification processes. If you're considering a cleanse, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider to ensure it's safe.
References:
A Review of the Antioxidant Activity of Celery (Apium graveolens L)
Wesam Kooti, MSc1 and Nahid Daraei, MSc2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871295/
Tang SY, Halliwell B. Medicinal plants and antioxidants: what do we learn from cell culture and Caenorhabditis elegans studies? Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010;394:1–5. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Ghasemiboron M, Mansori E, Asadi-Samani M, et al. Effect of ointment with cabbage, pomegranate peel, and common plantain on wound healing in male rat. J Shahrekord Univ Med Sci. 2014;15(6):92–100
