The Celery Juice Craze

Scroll through your social media feed for even a few minutes and you’re likely to spot several influencers touting celery juice as the next big thing in the nutrition world. Juicing fruits and vegetables (aka juice cleanse) is a practice that has been around for centuries, with some records indicating that pomegranates and figs were mashed into a juice and consumed as early as 150 B.C.

However, celery juice has only recently started to emerge in the health and fitness circuit, and thanks to the benefits of celery juice, it is already being hailed as a superfood on par with other ingredients like spirulina, wheatgrass and acai.

So what are the health benefits of drinking celery juice? Does it actually live up to the hype, or is it just another fad destined to disappear within a matter of months? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Celery Juice?

Celery juice is a trendy new beverage made from the juice of celery stalks that has been steadily gaining popularity among health enthusiasts. In fact, there are a slew of celery juice testimonials out there from proponents who claim that it can do everything from detoxify your body to shed extra pounds effortlessly. On the other hand, critics of celery juice claim that it’s unlikely to have much impact and is little more than a hyped up health trend.

The truth is that celery juice can be beneficial and supply a steady stream of the antioxidants and micronutrients that your body needs for a very low amount of calories. Promising research also shows that celery juice can help decrease inflammation, keep you well-hydrated and even reduce blood pressure.

However, that said, you shouldn’t expect celery juice to be a quick fix for better health, and it’s unlikely to be beneficial unless paired with a healthy, balanced diet rich in a variety of other fruits and vegetables. Still, enjoying a cup or two per day can be a refreshing and delicious way to stay hydrated while also squeezing a few extra nutrients and antioxidants into your diet.

Benefits of Celery Juice

1. Rich in Several Nutrients

Celery juice is very nutrient-dense. It is also low in calories but high in several vitamins and minerals. In particular, the celery juice nutrition profile offers a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin K and folate. It also contains an array of other key micronutrients as well, including potassium, vitamin C and manganese.

Celery juice that is made using about three stalks of celery contains approximately:

• 18 calories
• 32.2 micrograms vitamin K (40 percent DV)
• 39.6 micrograms folate (10 percent DV)
• 494 international units vitamin A (10 percent DV)
• 286 milligrams potassium (8 percent DV)
• 3.4 milligrams vitamin C (6 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligram manganese (6 percent DV)
• 44 milligrams calcium (4 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligram riboflavin (4 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligram vitamin B6 (4 percent DV)

In addition to the nutrients listed above, celery nutrition also contains a small amount of pantothenic acid, phosphorus and magnesium.

2. High in Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that help fight disease-causing free radicals to protect cells against damage. Some research also indicates that antioxidants may be crucial when it comes to health and disease and could aid in the prevention of chronic conditions, such as cancer and heart disease.

One of the top health benefits of celery juice is its antioxidant content. In fact, one review out of Iran actually found that celery is a good source of several powerful antioxidants, including kaempferol, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, luteolin and saponin. According to an animal study published in the journal Molecules, celery juice was also able to prevent oxidative stress in rats treated with Doxorubicin, a type of chemotherapy drug, thanks in part to its antioxidant content.

3. May Help Reduce Inflammation

Studies show that celery may contain several key compounds that can help decrease inflammation in the body. Not only can this potentially decrease symptoms of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, but it could also help protect against chronic disease as well.

Although research is still limited on the anti-inflammatory effects of celery, one animal model conducted by the University of Salerno in Italy showed that apiin, a compound found in celery leaves, was effective at altering the activity of a specific enzyme to help decrease several markers of inflammation. Another in vitro study found that several components of celery exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by modifying the production of certain molecules involved in inflammation.

4. Supports Hydration

Celery has a high water content and is actually composed of about 95 percent water by weight. Thanks to its water content, celery juice can help promote proper hydration, which is essential to overall health. Not only is staying well-hydrated necessary for temperature regulation, waste excretion, digestion and nutrient absorption, but not meeting your daily fluid needs can take a toll on nearly every aspect of health, including physical performance, brain function, heart health and more.

5. Could Decrease Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a condition that occurs when the force of blood flowing through the body becomes too high. This puts extra strain on the heart muscle and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, some studies suggest that celery juice benefits heart health and could potentially help lower blood pressure.

One 2015 animal model published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine showed that celery leaf extract was effective at decreasing systolic blood pressure in mice. Not only that, but it was also able to improve other aspects of heart health and helped lower levels of triglycerides and “bad” LDL and VLDL cholesterol. Another study  demonstrated that certain compounds extracted from celery had vasorelaxant properties, which could potentially help treat high blood pressure.

Celery Juice Recipe

Although there are plenty of options for where to buy celery juice, it’s also easy to make at home for a fraction of the price. In fact, it just requires a few simple ingredients and can be prepared very quickly for a healthy drink on the go.

Here’s an easy method for how to make celery juice:

1. Rinse off 3–4 stalks of celery, and use a knife to remove leaves from the stalks.
2. Add stalks to a juicer to extract juice. Alternatively, add to a blender and use a strainer to remove pulp.
3. Stir and enjoy as is or with a few cubes of ice to keep it cold.

You can also get creative and combine your juice with other ingredients to give it a healthy twist. Try adding spinach, cucumber, pineapple, ginger and green apple to the mix to blend up a nutritious anti-inflammatory juice. Lemons, limes or mint leaves can also help spice up and boost the flavor of your drink.

While  you can enjoy celery juice at any time of day, many recommend drinking celery juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning for a refreshing way to start off your day. However, celery juice can also be consumed before meals or throughout the day to support hydration.

Side Effects

Is it safe to drink celery juice every day? For most people, enjoying a glass or two of celery juice each day can be an easy way to take advantage of the many benefits of celery juice with minimal risk of side effects.

There are some people who may need to moderate their intake, however. For example, those with an allergy to celery should avoid celery juice as it may cause serious symptoms like itching, swelling and hives. If you experience any of these side effects after consuming celery juice, discontinue use immediately and consult with your doctor.

Those taking anticoagulants like Warfarin or coumadin should also moderate their intake. This is because celery juice is high in vitamin K, a key nutrient that is involved in blood clotting. Maintaining a consistent intake of vitamin K foods is important to maximize the effectiveness of these medications and prevent adverse effects on health.

Finally, drinking large amounts of celery juice may interact with medications used to lower blood pressure. Therefore, it’s best to talk to your doctor and keep consumption in moderation for best results.

Celery, often relegated to a humble snack or salad ingredient, holds a treasure trove of surprises and health benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the world of celery, uncovering answers to 50 intriguing questions about this versatile veggie. From its historical roots to its surprising nutritional profile, we explore every aspect, leaving no stalk unturned. Discover the science behind celery’s crunch, its role in culinary history, and its potential health perks. Whether you’re curious about its unique composition, its role in weight management, or its lesser-known uses beyond the kitchen, this article aims to satisfy your curiosity and shed light on the many wonders of celery.

What is Celery?
Celery is a versatile vegetable belonging to the Apiaceae family, valued for its crunchy texture and distinctive flavor. It typically consists of long, fibrous stalks topped with leaves, both of which are commonly consumed. While the stalks are more commonly used in culinary applications, the leaves can also impart flavor to soups and salads. This vegetable is prized for its low-calorie and high-fiber content, making it a popular choice in various diets.

What is the scientific name of Celery?
The scientific name of Celery is Apium graveolens. This species encompasses several cultivars and variations, but they all fall under the umbrella of Apium graveolens.

What is Celery’s traditional and modern medicinal use?
Celery boasts a long history of medicinal use dating back to ancient times. Traditionally, it was employed for its diuretic properties and was believed to help in treating conditions like arthritis and inflammation. In modern times, research has highlighted its antioxidant properties, potential anti-inflammatory effects, and its role in reducing blood pressure due to its high content of compounds like phthalides and apigenin. Additionally, its fiber content supports digestive health by aiding in regular bowel movements and promoting healthy gut flora. However, while celery offers potential health benefits, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before relying solely on it for medicinal purposes.

What nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.) does Celery contain?
Celery is a nutritional powerhouse, boasting an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s rich in vitamin K, providing about 37% of the daily recommended intake in a single cup, crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, it contains vitamin A, essential for vision and immune function, along with vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports skin health and boosts immunity. Minerals like potassium, folate, and manganese are also present, aiding in heart function, red blood cell production, and metabolism regulation. Moreover, Celery is packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, offering potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer benefits.

Where is Celery usually sourced or cultivated?
Celery is primarily cultivated in temperate regions globally, with major producers including China, the United States, India, Russia, and Spain. It’s readily available in supermarkets and grown in home gardens due to its relatively simple cultivation requirements.

How does Celery taste, and can it be mixed with other herbs or foods for palatability?
Celery has a subtly bitter, slightly salty taste with a refreshing, crisp texture. Its flavor is versatile, allowing it to blend well with various herbs and foods, enhancing dishes like soups, salads, and stir-fries. Its mild taste makes it adaptable to complement both savory and sweet flavors, making it a flexible ingredient in many recipes.

What other supplements work well together with Celery?
Celery is a versatile and healthful vegetable that can complement various supplements to enhance its benefits. Here are some supplements that work well when combined with celery:

Turmeric: Combining Celery seed with Turmeric can support joint health and reduce inflammation. Both herbs possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially providing relief from discomfort related to joint issues.
Ginger: Ginger and celery seed can work together to aid digestion. They both have digestive properties that may help alleviate digestive discomfort and promote a healthy digestive system.
Milk Thistle: Celery seed combined with Milk Thistle may support liver health. Milk thistle is known for its liver-protective properties, and when paired with celery seed, it can enhance liver function.
Parsley: Parsley and celery seeds complement each other in supporting kidney health. They both have diuretic properties that can promote healthy kidney function and aid in flushing out toxins.
Garlic: The combination of Garlic and celery seed can have cardiovascular benefits. Both have properties that may support heart health, such as helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Dandelion Root: Dandelion root and celery seed can work together to support overall detoxification. They both have diuretic properties and may aid in eliminating toxins from the body.
Probiotics: Combining celery with probiotic supplements can aid in digestive health. Celery contains prebiotic properties that can support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, complementing the action of probiotics.
Vitamin C: Celery is a source of vitamin C, and combining it with a vitamin C supplement can boost immunity and provide antioxidant support. This combination may enhance the body’s ability to fight off infections and support overall health.
Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids): Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements can complement the anti-inflammatory properties of celery. Together, they may promote heart health and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Magnesium: Celery contains a small amount of magnesium naturally. Pairing celery with a magnesium supplement can help support muscle function, relaxation, and overall nerve health.
Chlorophyll: Combining celery with chlorophyll supplements can enhance detoxification and promote healthy digestion. Chlorophyll complements celery’s natural cleansing properties.