Celery Juice: The Benefits, Recipes & Must-Know Tips
Uncover the health benefits of celery juice cleanse! Dive into the wellness space and discover how the essential nutrients in fresh celery juice provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, support the digestive tract, and even contribute to weight loss.
In this comprehensive guide you’ll find out the scientific basis of these benefits, explore delicious juice recipe whether you opt for the plain version or in combinations such as this celery and pineapple juice. And gain essential tips for optimal results from your celery juice routine.
Celery Juice Is An Underrated Health Boosting Green Tonic
In the expanding health and well-being arena, the trend of drinking fresh celery juice has sparked a revolutionary wave in the world of juice cleanses. The increasing celery consumption trend isn’t a mere hype, but rather a return to a whole healthy diet that has its roots in traditional medicine.
Celery juice contains a range of beneficial components, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that have myriad health benefits. And when this humble green veggie is juiced down to its purest form, those benefits are further enhanced into an immune boosting tonic.
While there’s still ongoing scientific research to support these claims, anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies hint at some exciting benefits for our health. So, let’s unravel the mystery behind this celery juice trend and discover how exactly it can boost your health.
Benefits of Celery Juice and their Scientific Basis
Aids Digestion: Celery contains a unique compound called apiuman that has shown potential in reducing instances of stomach ulcers and improving the overall digestive process. Drinking celery juice on an empty stomach can provide relief from various digestive disorders.
Improves Gut Health:The beneficial nutrients present in whole celery can potentially enhance the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiome. These bacteria play a vital role in everything from digestion (promoting regular bowel movements) to mood regulation and immune response, overall promoting a healthy gut function.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits: The phytochemicals in celery (such as luteolin) decrease the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevent inflammation. Therefore celery could be a valuable addition to an anti-inflammatory diet.
High in Antioxidants: Celery is rich in antioxidants including Vitamin C for immune support, Beta-carotene which converts to Vitamin A for eye health, Flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol for their anti-inflammatory properties, and Phenolic Acids such as caffeic and ferulic acids which combat cellular damage. Additionally, it contains Phytosterols that can help reduce cholesterol levels. Combination of all these antioxidants have the potential of reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.
Supports Weight Loss: celery contains a bioactive compound called apigenin, which may help to regulate adipogenesis, the process by which fat cells (adipocytes) are formed and accumulated. Scientific evidence suggets that this could potentially aid in weight management and the prevention of obesity, pointing to that celery, in its various forms including juice, could be a beneficial addition to a weight loss diet.
Lowers Blood Pressure: Celery contains a phytochemical called phthalides, which has been linked to lower blood pressure levels by relaxing artery walls and enhancing blood flow. Interestingly, phthalides are behind the characteristic celery odor.
Boosts Bone Health: Celery is a good source of Vitamin K, which plays a key role in bone health. Vitamin K assists in the production of a protein essential for bone mineralization.
Supports Heart Health: Celery contains beneficial phytonutrients and minerals (rich in potassium) which could help lower high blood pressure by relaxing artery wall tissues and increasing blood flow. Additionally, celery might assist in reducing levels of LDL (“bad cholesterol”), and its antioxidants can help reduce inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease.
Diabetes Management: According to studies, bioactive flavonoids present in celery, such as apigenin, have demonstrated potential in alleviating insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that these compounds may aid in glucose metabolism, contributing to better blood sugar control, which is critical for managing diabetes.
Summing Up Celery Juice Benefits
When we talk about celery juice benefits, it’s essential to note that many of the studies conducted have used concentrated amounts of the beneficial bioactive compounds found in celery (sometimes the leaves, stalks or celery extract) not solely celery juice.
This means that when whole celery is juiced, these compounds would be present, but likely in less concentrated amounts than in the extracts used in research studies.
That being said, even if the compounds are in lesser quantities, consistent consumption of celery juice could still potentially offer health benefits over time. The regular intake of celery juice could help accumulate these bioactive compounds in the body, contributing to health improvements.
Side Effects of Drinking Celery Juice
There are very few side effects associated with drinking celery juice. It is generally considered safe for most people, unless you have a celery allergy. However, some people may experience mild side effects:
Digestive Discomfort: For those not used to consuming a lot of vegetable juice, suddenly drinking large amounts of celery juice can potentially lead to bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
Oxalates: Some people may be worried about oxalate compounds that celery has (which could be a problem for people with kidney stones). But please note that veggies like Spinach, Rhubarb, Beetroot, Swiss chard or Sweet potatoes have much higher levels of oxalate. Celery though is generally considered to be in the low to moderate range in terms of oxalate content when compared to the other vegetables.
Medication Interaction: There are also posible interactions with Certain Medications such as thyroid medications (can interfere with the absorption) and blood thinners (such as warfarin). Celery is high in vitamin K, which plays a key role in helping the blood clot. And this could counteract the effects of blood thinners.
How to Make The Best Celery Juice
Making celery juice is easy! Here’s how:
Start with 4 celery stalks (organic), washed and cut into pieces, so that they could fit into the juicer. If you want add more.
Place the celery in a juicer and process until all of the juice has been extracted. On average, 4 celery stalks typically yield approximately 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 milliliters) of juice. However, this can vary based on factors such as the efficiency of your juicing method and the thickness of the stalks.
Drink the juice immediately for maximum nutrition, or store it in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
