Celery juice is a nutritious drink that has many health benefits. Keep reading to find out what celery juice can do for your health.
What is Celery?
Celery is a green vegetable used raw or cooked, and its crunchy stalks are a popular low-calorie snack. It may provide a range of health benefits such as reducing blood pressure, preventing cancer, preventing rheumatic problems, preventing asthma and bronchitis, and boosting the immune system. Celery stalks, leaves and celery seeds all provide nutritional benefits, but most importantly, celery contains two powerful antioxidants – luteolin and apigenin, which can help with inflammation, cancer, and nerves. It can be used in different ways, such as eating raw, in soups and stews, added to homemade dry spices, added to smoothies or as celery juice.
Celery Juice Nutritional Content
Celery juice is a low-calorie, highly nutritious drink that is low in sugar and contains potassium and vitamins A, C, and K. It contains antioxidants that boost immunity and heal the gut by restoring hydrochloric acid, which improves digestion. The studies have shown that celery juice lowers blood pressure and is a natural anti-inflammatory which reduces chronic joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Celery is a good source of antioxidants like phytonutrients and flavonoids, and is rich in electrolytes. Electrolytes are chemicals in the water that are essential for the body to maintain hydration, healthy blood pressure, repair tissue damage, and help muscles and nerves work properly.
What Can Celery Juice Do for Your Body
- Can improve digestive system health – Fibre in celery can improve the health of the digestive and cardiovascular system.
- Can be useful for treating stomach ulcers – Researchers suggest that consumption of celery extract can have a positive effect in treating stomach ulcers.
- Can reduce blood pressure – Some Chinese medicine practitioners use a mixture of celery juice and honey to reduce blood pressure. Some researchers suggest that people who follow a high-fibre diet have lower total and LDL cholesterol levels. Celery may lower blood pressure, even though it contains sodium.
- May help prevent the spread of cancer cells – Celery contains the flavonoid luteolin, which may have anti-cancer properties, according to a study.
- Can support cancer treatment – The herbal compound apigenin has a role in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant agent. It has been shown to contribute to programmed cell death, which can make it beneficial in the treatment of cancer.
- Improves the immune system – A good amount of antioxidants in celery contributes to a strong immune system and disease prevention.
- Can reduce brain inflammation – A 2008 study suggests that luteolin in celery can reduce brain inflammation, and may have potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
- May reduce inflammation linked to chronic disease – Celery seed extract has anti-inflammatory properties, according to research. It has been shown that celery seed extract is as effective as medications in treating arthritis symptoms. It may also have pain-reducing effects.
- May improve heart health – Studies have found that consuming celery extract for 60 days can lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Can improve sperm count – Celery can have a protective effect on the body against substances that can damage sperm count.
- Can reduce cholesterol levels – A study suggests that celery extract reduced LDL cholesterol levels in rats fed a high-fat diet.
Some researchers suggest that celery extracts may prevent:
- Rheumatic disorders
- Urinary tract obstruction
- Gout
- Liver disease
- Nausea
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
Potential side effects and disadvantages of consuming celery include:
- Allergic reaction – People who are allergic to celery can have an allergic reaction if they consume it or take a dietary supplement.
- May cause gas, bloating and loose stools – Celery is rich in insoluble fibre, which is not digested well. When consumed in large quantities, it could lead to gas, bloating and loose stool.
- Celery pesticides – Celery is listed on the EWG** Dirty Dozen list of contaminated produce. To be safe, soak celery in a baking soda solution, or buy organic if possible.
*People on a low-sodium diet for medical reasons, such as fluid retention or high blood pressure, should limit their consumption of celery.
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➥ DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for educational purposes only. This article does not constitute medical advice.