Is Celery Juice Healthy? Here Are 6 Science-Backed Benefits
It's been dubbed the most powerful drink in the world...
Where on earth has the celery juice craze come from? It’s taken over social media by storm, with celebrities such as Miranda Kerr and Elle Macpherson touting its health benefits.
With all the hype, we’ve rounded up the top googled questions and our in-house nutritionist has answered these for you:
Who Started The Celery Juice Craze?
Anthony William, who is also known as the Medical Medium started the craze and has even put together a whole book on the subject.
However, it’s important to note the Medical Medium’s knowledge around nutrition comes from ‘spirits’ therefore it’s important to take any extreme statements which claim to ‘cure’ with a liberal pinch of salt.
What Are Celery Juice's Health Benefits?
Regardless of some of the more outlandish claims, celery juice can certainly be a healthy and nutrient-dense drink to enjoy alongside a balanced diet. It is a low sugar hydrating juice which provides a rich source of vitamin A, K, folate as well as an array of minerals and antioxidants!
This also means it has a wide array of health benefits to take advantage of. Let's go into a few of them below:
1. May help to lower blood pressure:
Nitrate-rich vegetables like celery may help to temporarily lower blood pressure. Nitrates increase nitric oxide in the body which widen blood vessels and improve blood flow. One study has shown that consumption of celery juice can improve blood pressure in those with hypertension, however the study was conducted on a very small group and there could have been other factors at play. Further research needs to be conducted before these effects can be confirmed.
2. Can reduce inflammation
Celery juice contains an array of antioxidants, including flavones which may reduce inflammation within the body however most of the research has been conducted on animal or test tube studies which means that it may not be applicable to everyday life.
Fights against oxidative stress - contains an array of antioxidants including flavones and antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and beta-carotene (vitamin A) which protect cells against oxidative stress (UV rays, pollution, smoke, stress etc).
4. Reduces Bloating
Celery juice offers protection to the digestive tract and therefore has some special benefits to the stomach. A compound in celery (apiuman) has been shown to reduce instances of stomach ulcers, improve the stomach lining and improve bloating.
Because of it's high water content and generous amounts of fibre, celery can keep you regular and support a healthy digestive system.
5. Provides Healing For Acne
Celery juice is almost 95% water which is known to improve skin health and leave you with a glowing complexion. As it also reduces inflammation in the body, this can help acne because that is sometimes the root cause!
6. Keeps your blood sugar steady
Alongside vitamins A, K, C, potassium and folate, celery is also very low in sodium and very low on the glycemic index. This means that it has a slow, steady effect on your blood sugar and you won't experience spikes and 'slumps' throughout your day!
Will Celery Juice Heal My Skin Condition?
In isolation, no one food will ‘cure’ any health condition, but a healthy diet on the whole may help to manage symptoms. There are plenty of anecdotal claims around celery juice and healthy skin, however there is a lack of evidence to support these claims. Despite this, celery is a nutrient-dense and tasty way of getting in extra greens within the diet which may play a role with glowing and healthy skin!
How To Make Celery Juice At Home?
How to Make Celery Juice in a Juicer:
- Use 1 bunch of organic celery, cutting off the base to separate the stalks
- Wash them in clean water to remove any debris
- Feed the celery through your juicer.
- Drink immediately.
- Feel free to make enough for 2 days ( two bunches) and keep in a sealed mason jar the fridge.
How to Make Celery Juice in a Blender:
- Use 1 bunch of organic celery and cut off the base to separate the stalks
- Wash them in clean water to remove any debris
- Chop the celery stalks into 1 inch pieces and place them in the blender.
- Add 1/4 cup of purified water and put the lid on the blender. Blend until smooth.
- Place a clean nut milk bag over the mouth of a pitcher or bowl and pour the blended celery through the nut milk bag. Use your hands to squeeze the celery juice through the bag.
- Drink immediately, or feel free to make enough for 2 days ( two bunches) and keep in sealed mason jar the fridge.
References:
1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/celery-juice-cleanse#benefits
By leading London Nutritionist, Lily Soutter
(Last updated on 22/04/2024)
