Celery juice seems to be the new it "thing" to heal the body. Of course, there has been an influx on social media about celery juice, it's the drink everyone wants to be seen with. I buy celery weekly, I have for, well as long as I can remember. I snack on it, I put it in my salads, sometimes I even use it as a "cracker" with tuna or chicken salad. I was curious myself, what are the benefits of celery, and why juice it over eat it. Growing up I remember peanut butter and raisins at snack time "ants on a log," which is honestly a terrible name when you think about it. Most of us wouldn't willingly eat ants or bugs of any variety willingly. Then it became something that I associated with football games, getting a plate of hot wings, which inevitably came with celery and carrot sticks - I was always the person asking for more celery. Don't worry, no matter how you enjoy your celery, it's healthy and good for you. It is thought that perhaps when celery is juiced, the fiber is removed (the pulp,) increasing it's natural healing benefits. Who would have thought this snack I've been eating since childhood, may in fact have superpowers and is now considered a superfood. For those of us living with chronic illness, it may have even more noticeable benefits. One of the perks of juicing it is that you are able to consume fare more than you could ever eat- and you avoid the celery strings getting stuck in your teeth.
Eating Celery
Fresh celery provides a source of vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate, manganese, calcium, riboflavin, magnesium, fiber (only in its whole form) and vitamin B6. It has a high percentage of both water and electrolytes which can help prevent dehydration. Celery also contains compounds that are well known for their antioxidant properties, such as, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, luteolin, tannin, saponin, and kaempferol. So, we know celery has these antioxidant properties, and the ability too in turn remove free radicals from within the body. Consuming antioxidant foods may potentially decreases risks of getting cancer. With it's anti-oxidative properties, celery can also assist in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, jaundice, urinary tract infections and obstruction, gout, and rheumatic disorders. Celery can also assist in reducing blood sugar levels, blood lipids, and blood pressure. Celery seeds have even been used in the treatment of skin conditions and respiratory diseases, however should be used only after discussing with your medical provider.
Lower Inflammation
Reduce High Cholesterol
Lower Blood Pressure
Assist in Prevention and Healing of Disease (Liver disease, Cancer, Gout, Arthritis)
Aid in Weight Loss
Assist in Fighting Infection (Urinary Tract Infections, Flu, Colds)
Reduce Bloating
Aid in Digestion
Great Source of Antioxidants
Alkalizing Affects
Low glycemic index
Reduce Water Retention
Drinking Celery Juice
There is no evidence to support the idea that drinking celery juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach will actually strengthen your digestion for the foods you consume for the rest of the day. That being said, unless you are allergic to celery, its entirely safe to drink the celery juice. There is also a lack of scientific research or evidence to prove that juicing is better than eating whole foods. Keep in mind that when we eat whole fruits or vegetables, we're getting the benefit of the fiber, which helps move food through your system (aids in digestion) and helps feed the good bacteria in your gut. Juicing the celery takes out the fiber, and fiber is actually critical to have in our diet. If you choose to drink celery juice, it's important to make sure you are getting enough fiber from other whole, plant based foods. There have not been enough human studies done using celery juice as a treatment for chronic conditions to warrant stopping medications or believing that it will cure anything. It is always recommended to talk to your doctor before trying anything new.
Lower inflammation
Starving pathogens
Breaking down and flushing out viruses
Balancing your body’s PH
Restoring the entire digestive system
Risky Business with Celery
Beware, celery belongs to a group of foods that can cause severe allergic reactions, and lead to anaphylactic shock. If you are allergic to celery, clearly, don't eat it, don't drink it, and with it being the new trendy thing, be sure to always read the ingredient list. Often times the smallest traces of celery, or anything that we may be allergic too, can cause an adverse reaction. Maybe a surprising fact about celery also, is that it has a high sodium content, with about 35 milligrams per stalk. Though it's much lower than the recommended "daily dose" it's worth being mindful of this fact. In case you are curious, 1,500 milligrams a day is what's recommended and considered to be healthy.
I'm not sold one way or the other yet, however I can say, I enjoy it as a snack, in soups and curries, and juiced with lemon and ginger as well.
What your your thoughts? do you prefer to eat or drink you celery?