Celery juice! Yes, sounds boring, doesn’t it? But if you are on any social media, then we are sure you have heard or seen someone rave about this. From influencers to celebrities, everyone seems to have jumped on the celery juice wagon. But is it really beneficial? Didn’t we grow up thinking that celery is only useful for its flavor and crunch? So why this sudden excitement about this humble vegetable? Bear with us, and read on. In this article we are going to debunk everything about this magic potion. Let us begin by talking about the benefits of celery juice.
Benefits of celery juice for your health:
Hydration:
Celery is made mostly of water, and drinking celery juice can ensure that you are getting enough hydration for the day. And it can be a great replacement for the sugary drinks which are not only calorie dense, but also dehydrating.
Antioxidants:
You have most probably already heard about why antioxidants are important for a healthy life. If you haven’t, then antioxidants are like the superheroes who fight against the evils of free radicals. Free radicals cause all kinds of damage to healthy cells, speed up the aging process and also increase your risk of disease. And Celery is a powerhouse of not only antioxidants, but also other enzymes and phytonutrients, making it an important addition to your nutrient intake.
Reduces inflammation:
Chronic inflammation has been linked to nearly every major degenerative disease including cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and heart disease. And celery contains almost 25 compounds which can all lead to reduced inflammation.
Digestion and weight loss:
Celery is definitely a low-calorie food. One portion of celery juice (16 oz) will give you only 30-40 calories. Moreover, celery has compounds which help in calming the gastric system, supporting stomach lining health, decreasing stomach ulcers and increasing the overall functioning of the digestive system. All these reduce symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and bloating.
Benefits of celery juice for your skin:
Skin care: the anti-inflammatory properties of celery may help in reducing the severity of chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis. It may also help in improving the look and glow of your face, and in reducing acne. We already know that proper hydration is key to maintaining beautiful, glowing skin. And consuming celery juice will help you reach your daily hydration goals easily, resulting in fresh and clear skin.
Benefits of celery juice for your mind:
Lack of nutrition, inefficient digestive system and chronic inflammation in the body – all lead to unstable mood or mood swings. Celery juice neutralizes most of these conditions, leading to a nourished body and a healthier and more stable mind.
What is the best way of consuming celery juice?
Now that you know the benefits of celery juice – you might have more questions than answers – how and when should you consume it? Is it better to eat celery rather than juicing it? Are there any side effects? Don’t worry, we have you covered.
When should you consume celery juice?
The best time to consume celery juice is in the morning – on an empty stomach. The grassy and bitter taste of celery might be offputting for many, but you can improve the taste by adding a little lemon juice, or adding another fruit or vegetable while blending. Apples, cucumbers and even grapes are great options.
How to make celery juice?
Thankfully, it is very simple to make celery juice at home. We recommend consuming 16 ounces of celery juice every morning, and it can be made with one bunch of celery stalks. Simply chop all the stalks and blend them all together. And don’t forget to include the leaves, as they are packed with antioxidants too, although they might lend a little bitterness to the juice. If that bothers you, just add a chopped apple or a bunch of grapes to add some sweetness. After you consume the juice, please allow 15 minutes to pass before consuming anything else.
If you cannot consume this juice the first thing in the morning, then you can take it anytime during the day. But remember, consistency is the key to reaping the full benefits of this cleansing ritual. So continue to consume this juice regularly for some time before you can see any benefits.
Are there any side effects of consuming celery juice?
When you start consuming celery juice, your digestive system might need some time to get used to it. So your bowel movements might be affected during the initial few days. However, your body and your system will quickly get used to it, and you will find that your digestive system is functioning much better than before you started consuming celery juice.
We do not advise people who are on bloodthinning medications to consume celery juice regularly. The vitamin K in celery juice also has blood thinning properties, and it might lead to unnecessary complications.
Is it safe to consume celery juice everyday?
Yes, you can include freshly made celery juice in your daily routine. But please remember that it cannot replace a proper, solid meal at point of the day.
How to store celery juice?
You can store freshly made celery juice in your refrigerator for 3 – 5 days. And if you are wondering how to store fresh celery, the best way is to wrap it in a foil and store it in the crisper section of your refrigerator. Foil is preferred over plastic or any other material to ensure that the stalks retain their freshness and crispness.
Can you grow your own celery?
Of course you can! In fact, this will be the perfect way to ensure that you get the freshest and the cleanest supply of celery for your juice cleanse.
To start growing your own celery, simply buy a bunch of organic celery from the grocery store. Then cut off the base of the stalk (you can use the remaining portion of the stalks to make your juice), and put it in a shallow bowl of water in such a way that the top half is above the surface and the bottom half is submerged in water. Place the bowl in a sunny window or anywhere under the sun, and you will see new plants generating within the next 5-7 days. Do remember to keep changing the water regularly to maintain freshness. After 8 days, the celery should be ready to be planted in soil in either a patch in your backyard, or in a pot in your porch. And now you need keep watering it regularly and wait patiently for it to become ready for harvesting. This should take a couple of months, and voila, you are a gardener with your very own fresh supply of celery on hand.
Should you eat celery or drink the juice?
We never recommend replacing eating whole vegetables or fruits with juices because you are misiing out on most of the fibre. But that doesn’t mean that juice doesn’t have its own benefits. The most important thing to remember is that celery should be a part of a varied diet that you follow which contains other whole foods, fruits and vegetables.
So, what is the bottom line? Is celery juice as good as it is claimed to be?
Well, celery juice definitely has its benefits. But is it a magic potion? Definitely not. There has been no research (yet) on the dramatic health effects of celery juice. But many dietitians and nutritionists that we spoke to swear by the benefits of celery juice. It is worth introducing in your diet, albeit slowly. Consuming juices made at home is substantially better than consuming soda or beverages including artificial flavors and ingredients. But please remember to consume a varied diet including other fruits and vegetables which will provide your body with the entire array of essential nutrients.