Benefits of Celery Juice

The new trend that is taking over social media as a “cure-all” addition to your morning routine is drinking celery juice every day. Since Anthony William, AKA Medical Medium, dubbed celery juice as a skin-clearing, bloat-fighting, detoxifying miracle juice, his over four million Instagram followers have jumped on the trend of drinking celery juice every morning on an empty stomach. 

He’s not the only one—influencers, doctors, and nutritionists are raving about the health benefits of this green juice. This juice is simple and is made by blending celery stalks and straining out the pulp, leaving behind a refreshing and nutrient-dense drink. But is it worth the hype? Let’s discuss what celery juice is, the health benefits of drinking it, the potential risks, and how to make it at home.

What is Celery Juice? 

Celery juice is simply the juice extracted from celery stalks. It is typically made by blending fresh celery stalks with water and straining out the pulp. The result is a green juice that is rich in nutrients and low in calories. It contains vitamins, minerals, and a large amount of water which support overall health. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional value of one cup (240 ml) of celery juice:

• Calories: 42
• Protein: 1.5 grams
• Fat: 0.4 grams
• Carbohydrates: 8 grams
• Fiber: 1.6 grams
• Vitamin A: 17% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 14% of the DV
• Vitamin K: 36% of the DV
• Folate: 9% of the DV
• Calcium: 8% of the DV
• Potassium: 12% of the DV
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Magnesium: 11 mg

Health Benefits of Drinking Celery Juice 

Celery juice offers a variety of nutrients that can supplement our daily diet, potentially providing more nutrients than we typically consume. Here are some of the most notable benefits of drinking celery juice:

1. Supports hydration: Celery juice’s high water content makes drinking it a great way to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is important for maintaining healthy skin, regulating body temperature, and supporting the proper function of bodily systems. 
2. Packed with Antioxidants: Celery juice contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
3. Improves Digestion: Celery juice is high in fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and gut health. It may also help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, making it a helpful drink for people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
4. Lowering Blood Pressure: Celery juice may help lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation and relaxing the blood vessels.
5. Reduces Inflammation: Celery juice contains phytonutrients, including luteolin, a flavonoid known for its potential anticancer properties. These phytonutrients possess anti-inflammatory effects that may help in reducing inflammation throughout the body, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis, asthma, and even some forms of cancer.
6. Great Source of Vitamins and Minerals: It is particularly high in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Celery juice is also a good source of vitamin A, which is important for eye health, and vitamin C, which supports immune function.
7. Clears Skin: ​​Celery juice has been known to improve the look and feel of skin by banishing inflammation and active blemishes and detoxing the skin. Celery contains essential mineral salts, as well as the trace minerals potassium, folate, and Vitamin K which help promote a glowing complexion. 
8. Reduces Memory Loss: Celery juice contains phytochemicals called apigenin and luteolin. Studies suggest that luteolin can reduce inflammation in the brain which is linked with aging and memory problems.
9. Helps with Weight Loss: Drinking celery juice in the mornings may help break down fat cells stored in your liver. Although there is not enough scientific data to back this up, celery juice can help with weight loss in other ways. Swapping out high-calorie, sugary drinks with celery juice can cut down on daily caloric intake. Drinking celery juice before meals can also help avoid overeating. It is also associated with lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. 

While celery juice can provide a variety of valuable nutrients that may exceed our regular dietary intake, it is essential to remember that it should not be viewed as a substitute for whole vegetables and other whole foods in our diet. This is vital to ensure that we obtain all the necessary nutrients essential for optimal health.

Risks of Drinking Celery Juice 

While celery juice is generally considered safe for most people, there are some risks to consider before breaking out the juicer.

1. Psoralen sensitivity: Celery contains psoralens, which are naturally occurring compounds that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This means that if you consume large amounts of celery juice, you may be more likely to burn damage when spending time outdoors.
2. Digestive issues: Some people may experience digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea after consuming celery juice. This is due to a type of carbohydrate found in celery juice called oligosaccharides, which can be difficult for some people to digest.
3. Allergic reactions: Celery allergy is relatively common, and consuming celery juice can trigger an allergic reaction. Symptoms of celery allergy can include itching, swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing. Be sure to check with your physician about possible allergies before consuming celery juice. 
4. Interactions with medications: Celery juice contains compounds that can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. If you are taking any medications, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before consuming celery juice.
5. Electrolyte imbalances: Celery juice is high in potassium, which can be dangerous for people with kidney problems or those taking medications that affect potassium levels. Consuming large amounts of celery juice can also lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat.

It's important to note that while these risks are possible, most people are able to consume celery juice without experiencing any of the adverse side effects. 

How to Make Celery Juice at Home 

Making celery juice at home is simple and requires only two ingredients. Here's how to do it with a blender if you do not have a juicer:

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of organic celery stalks
• 1/2 cup of water.

Instructions:

1. Thoroughly rinse the celery stalks, cut off the base and the top, and remove the celery leaves.
2. Chop the celery stalks into smaller pieces.
3. Place them in a blender.
4. Add 1/2 cup of water to the blender.
5. Blend the celery and water until smooth.
6. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove pulp.
7. Serve immediately or store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

At The Lanby we’re focused on finding the right wellness approach for each patient. A Lanby member benefits from continuous and coordinated care that’s customized to you. If you are considering adding celery juice to your diet, it is always a good idea to talk to a dietitian first, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. For members, chat with your Care Team for tips on how to integrate drinks like celery juice into your healthy diet.

Join The Lanby or book a consult call to learn more about our integrative approach to primary care.