Celery juice has exploded in popularity over the past few years, becoming a go-to morning ritual for health-conscious folks everywhere. What started as a niche wellness hack has turned into a full-blown trend, with people raving about its supposed benefits—from better digestion to glowing skin. But is celery juice really the miracle drink it’s hyped up to be? Let’s dive into the world of celery juice and break down the benefits, potential downsides, and whether it’s worth hopping on this green bandwagon.
What Exactly Is Celery Juice?
In its purest form, celery juice is exactly what it sounds like: the liquid extracted from celery stalks. The trend specifically calls for pure, undiluted celery juice, typically consumed first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. According to advocates, this is when the body can best absorb its nutrients and experience maximum benefits.
The traditional method involves juicing one bunch of celery (approximately 9-12 stalks) to yield about 16 ounces of juice. Nothing else is added – no apples, lemons, or other ingredients that might make it more palatable. The focus is on getting the pure, unadulterated benefits of celery in liquid form.
The Possible Benefits of Drinking Celery Juice
The following is a list of possible health benefits from regularly drinking celery juice.
1. Digestive Health
One of the most commonly reported benefits of celery juice is improved digestion. Many people claim that drinking celery juice has helped with issues like bloating, constipation, acid reflux, and IBS symptoms. This could be attributed to celery’s natural fiber content and water-retaining compounds that help regulate bowel movements.
Also, celery contains a compound called apiuman, which has been shown to support the stomach lining and may help reduce stomach ulcers. The natural sodium in celery also reportedly helps the body produce hydrochloric acid, potentially improving overall digestion.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Celery contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C, which help fight inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health issues like arthritis to heart disease, so foods with anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial for overall health.
Some people report reduced joint pain and improved symptoms of inflammatory conditions after incorporating celery juice into their routine. While more studies are needed, the antioxidant content in celery certainly supports its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Hydration and Mineral Content
Celery is about 95% water, making celery juice an excellent hydrating beverage. It also contains vital electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which help maintain fluid balance in the body. These minerals support nerve function, muscle contraction, and cellular health.
The natural sodium in celery (not to be confused with table salt) is said to be especially beneficial, as it’s more easily utilized by the body than processed salt and can help support adrenal function.
4. Skin Health
Many celery juice enthusiasts report improvements in their skin, including reduced acne, eczema, and psoriasis symptoms. This could be due to celery’s anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its high water content that helps hydrate the skin from within.
The vitamins and minerals in celery also support overall skin health. Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and may reduce the appearance of dark circles and bruising, while vitamin A promotes cell turnover and vitamin C supports collagen production.
5. Potential Detoxification Support
While “detox” has become something of a buzzword in wellness circles, celery does contain compounds that may support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Celery contains compounds called phthalides, which may help stimulate bile production and support liver function.
The diuretic effect of celery juice may also help the body eliminate toxins through increased urination.
6. May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Celery contains compounds called phthalides, which are known to help relax blood vessels and improve circulation. This can contribute to lower blood pressure levels over time.
7. Supports Weight Loss
While celery juice isn’t a magic weight-loss solution, it’s low in calories and can help curb cravings by keeping you hydrated and full. Many people use it as a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks.
8. Boosts the Immune System
Thanks to its high vitamin C content, celery juice helps support a strong immune system, keeping your body better prepared to fight off illnesses.
9. Reduces Bloating
Celery juice acts as a natural diuretic, helping to flush out excess water and reduce bloating. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to maintain a leaner appearance.
10. Packed with Nutrients
Celery is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Drinking it in juice form provides a concentrated dose of these essential nutrients, making it an easy way to support overall health.
Straight Celery Juice vs. Adding Other Ingredients
While many purists advocate for drinking plain celery juice on an empty stomach, others prefer to mix it with other ingredients like lemon, ginger, or cucumber for added flavor and benefits. If you find straight celery juice too strong, blending it with other vegetables can make it more enjoyable while still providing great health benefits.
Blender vs. Juicer: Which Is Better?
Not everyone has a juicer and they can be pricy. Can a blender do the job?
Using a Juicer
A juicer extracts the liquid from celery, leaving behind the fiber. This results in a smoother drink that is easier to digest and quickly absorbed by the body. However, juicers can be expensive and require more cleanup.
Using a Blender
Blending celery retains the fiber, which can be beneficial for digestion and gut health. However, it creates a thicker consistency that some people find less appealing. To make it smoother, you can strain the blended celery using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Should You Try Celery Juice?
If you’re curious about celery juice, there’s little harm in giving it a try to see if you notice any benefits. However, consistency is the key to seeing any results. Often the people who are sharing their stories about having success with celery juice have been drinking it for over a year.
Start with a smaller amount (perhaps 4-8 ounces) and gradually increase to see how your body responds. Pay attention to any digestive changes, as some people experience discomfort when first introducing celery juice.