THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DRINK CELERY JUICE EVERYDAY
When it comes to going green, celery juice has become one of the biggest trends in the scene. It has a host of health benefits that’s making celebrities, influencers and wellness gurus from around the world take stalk.
Dating back hundreds of years, celery has been used to treat everything from allergies to insomnia. In Chinese Medicine Living, acupuncture physician and Chinese herbalist Emma Suttie wrote, “celery is used to treat many conditions.” National Geographic goes back even further to the ancient Greeks. Celery was considered a traditional aphrodisiac that helped people get busy in the bedroom. In Homer’s The Odyssey, it was theorized that wild celery fueled Calypso’s 5-year love affair with Odysseus.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop is the go-to for everything innovative and off-beat in wellness. They recommend drinking 16 ounces (or 1 bunch of organic celery) on an empty stomach every morning to promote wellbeing. Many people have jumped on the juicing celery trend (we see you Jennifer Anniston) and swear by the healing powers of this veggie. However, do the health benefits really live up to the hype or is it just another fatuous fad?
This is why drinking celery juice every day has become the stalk of the town
The root of celery’s modern day obsession can be attributed to #1 New York Times best-selling author Anthony William, or more popularly known as the Medical Medium. His feature on Goop provided him a bit of notoriety. He wrote, “If people knew all the potent healing properties of celery juice that I’ve observed, it would be widely hailed as a miraculous superfood. In my opinion, celery has an incredible ability to create sweeping improvements for all kinds of health issues.” He believes celery juice can work miracles on acute and chronic illnesses including eczema and psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome, addictions, migraines, digestive issues, and more. It’s important to note that the Medical Medium is not a medical professional, nor does he have a medical degree. Rather, his expertise was accorded to him by what he refers to as “spirit”. His connection to this higher entity allows him to “read people” and heal them from health conditions. As far-off as this may sound, the Medical Medium has gained the trust of millions.
An onslaught of celebrities swear by the Medical Medium’s approach. Pharrell Williams, Debra Messing, Miranda Kerr, and Jenna Dewan have all taken to Instagram to show off shots of celery juice. Many are reporting a variety of noticeable improvements including weight loss, increased energy, and better digestion. Most famously, Kim Kardashian West met with the Medical Medium on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. She has always been very public about her battle with psoriasis, turning to remedies like cortisone shots and breast milk to cure her condition. The Medical Medium gave her a reading from “spirit” and prescribed her celery juice to alleviate her symptoms. Little sister Kylie Jenner has also taken to Instagram to share that she, “tries to drink about 16oz in the morning and waits 30 minutes before eating.” Is celery truly a superfood or super fad?
A daily dose of celery juice could work to detoxify your liver
One of the most commonly known benefits from drinking celery juice is linked to your liver health. Stephen Holt, medical doctor and professor at NYCPM (Emerite) asserts that celery is full of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids. These elements work to protect our vital organs like the liver from oxidative damage and unwanted toxins. However, registered dietician Jacklyn London wrote in Good Housekeeping, “enzymes in your stomach and intestine absorb the nutrients you need and excrete what you don’t. The liver converts anything we've consumed too much of into other compounds the body can use elsewhere.” This means your liver already takes care of all your detoxing needs as long as you treat it right. The bottom line: Celery contains tons of healthful nutrients, but it won’t miraculously cure your liver.
Drinking celery juice every day may help with inflammation
Celery contains a plant compound called apigenin, which has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties. A meta-analysis of 17,000 cases from the journal Nutrients reports that apigenin has powerful effects. When our bodies become irritated by something intrusive, its biological immune response is to heal itself. Often times, this can cause redness, swelling, chronic pain, or even damage to tissue. If these symptoms persist, chronic inflammation can result in arthritis, autoimmune diseases, asthma, and other illnesses. Celery boasts a lot of benefits that can protect you from inflammation in the body. A study shows the plant compound in celery can play a major role in restoring immune balance. Additional research demonstrates that diets rich in apigenin can reduce inflammation. Although there’s tons of scientific evidence that celery aids in inflammation, there is no research that proves it’s a cure.
Starting each day with a glass of celery juice can keep you hydrated
Registered dietician nutritionist Megan Ware discussed the nutritional value of celery in the Live Science journal. It’s approximately 95% water so it’s very hydrating. A full head of celery produces about 16 ounces of juice, the Medical Mediums’ recommended amount to drink each morning. Most people don’t eat an entire head of celery in one sitting, so we can safely say that its liquid form is a much more efficient source of hydration. Celery contains high levels of magnesium and iron, which assists your blood cells with oxygenation. Drinking celery juice is a great way to replenish your body’s fluids, especially after sweating or working out. However, the celery skeptics believe drinking water is equally as hydrating. They believe that individuals who experience the hydrating benefits of celery juice were probably not consuming enough liquids in the first place. Regardless of where you stand on the hydration hype, it never hurts to add celery juice to a balanced diet.
Your digestion may improve if you drink celery juice every day
Celery is rich in nutrients and minerals that aid in absorption. It works to restore hydrochloric acid and strengthen your digestion to alleviate symptoms like indigestion and heartburn. It’s important these symptoms don’t persist long-term because it can result in gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining. An article from Penn State Hershey discusses the benefits of consuming vegetables like celery because of their high levels of flavonoids. Research also shows that celery has a bunch of important nutrients that keep your gut happy. Magnesium, sodium, potassium, and anti-inflammatory flavonoids all work together to improve digestion. It also aids in gastric relaxation, which is a polite way of saying your food will move more smoothly. Although never proven true to humans, a study on rodents found celery can protect against stomach ulcers and gastric cancer. As with any other ailment, digestive imbalances should be observed by a physician to ensure you are not experiencing a more serious disorder. As they say, always trust your gut.
You may banish bloat by drinking celery juice every day
The inability to break down food is one of the most common issues with gut health. Without hydrochloric acid, what we consume ends up sitting in our stomachs and ferments, producing ammonia gas. This can make you feel bloated, uncomfortable, and lethargic. Celery has the ability to restore the hydrochloric acid in your stomach. It also contains 2% daily value per cup of vitamin B3, which is needed for metabolizing food and producing bile. According to Better Health Channel from the Victoria State Government, celery acts as a natural diuretic and has been used as a home remedy for ages. It’s effective because of the minerals and vitamins that work to excrete excess fluids, maintain balance, and provide electrolytes. Celery isn’t the sexiest vegetable out there, but it could definitely help you beat the bloat and feel a little sexier yourself.
Lowering your blood pressure could result from drinking celery juice daily
The New York Times featured a fantastic story about a medical student named Quang T. Le from the University of Chicago Medical Center. His interest in celery was, “prompted by [his] father, who was found to have mild hypertension but chose to ignore his doctor's advice to reduce his blood pressure by eating less salt. Instead, the elder Mr. Le ate a quarter-pound of celery every day for one week, and his blood pressure dropped from an elevated level of 158 over 96 to a normal level of 118 over 82.” Celery has been used in Oriental folk medicine for centuries to treat high blood pressure and circulatory issues. Similarly, The Natural Medicine Journal reported that people who had mild to moderately high blood pressure were able to lower their numbers with celery seed extract. Additional studies provide further evidence that the essential oils and flavonoids in celery contains unique healing powers. So, let’s raise a glass to lowering blood pressure.
Drinking celery juice every day could promote healthier and clearer skin
You would be hard pressed to find celebrities or bloggers who don’t swear by celery juice after trying it. With almost 210,000 Instagram posts under #celeryjuice, you’ll find some incredible before and after photos. Celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder shared with Vogue, “when it comes to skin, hydration is key. Plus, with high natural sodium content, celery juice raises stomach acid, which helps break down food—improving gut health and, in turn, lowering stress levels and brightening skin. What’s more? The magical drink is also loaded with vitamin A, which may positively affect hair, providing nourishment to the roots while also stimulating growth and overall texture.” Sound too good to be true? There are experts who believe that it is. Registered dietician Abby Langer told the New York Post, “There’s nothing remarkable about celery juice,” and denounces it as, “the epitome of bulls–t pseudoscience.” Those who are science skeptics believe that drinking any kind of pure juice will provide your skin with the hydration it needs, whether it’s celery or citrus. Langer believes that when celery juicers suddenly experience clearer skin or better digestion, it’s more than likely a result of an overall lifestyle change. Perhaps they weren’t getting enough water to begin with, or they’re replacing a less nutritious breakfast choice. The science may not fully support clearer skin, but influencers believe the evidence is in their Instagram. If drinking celery juice will help you replenish fluids, we say it’s definitely worth glowing for.
Drinking celery juice every day could also cause skin sensitivity
The University of Washington Center for Ecogenetics & Environmental Health has found that celery is one of the most notable foods that contain residual pesticides. With regular exposure, these toxins can lead to risk of hormonal complications, as well as toxicity in the nervous system and brain. Although extreme, research by dermatologist and professor Marius Rademaker finds that celery contains a number of allergens that react to sunlight. Rademaker writes, “If celery comes into contact with the skin, it can make the skin very sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity); even a small amount of subsequent sun exposure can cause blistering.” Consuming celery could cause hyperpigmentation as well. If you experience any of these symptoms, but sure to consult a physician. We wouldn’t want celery to ruin your fun in the sun.
You might be able to fight off more infections if you drink celery juice daily
Dr. Atli Arnarson breaks down the benefits of antioxidants, molecules found in celery that fight against free radicals. Lifestyle, stress and environmental factors can cause an excessive number of free radicals to form in the body. They are constantly developing, but when free radicals outnumber antioxidants, it can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease or certain types of cancer. The good news is your body already has its own antioxidant defenses that work to keep free radicals in line. Yet, studies show that foods like celery are an incredible source for antioxidants. It also contains antimicrobial properties which help fight infection and boost the immune system. With infections like UTIs, celery juice is going head-to-head with cranberry. Premier Medical Group found that celery can provide UTI relief because it acts as a diuretic by flushing out the bladder. There is no science behind celery juice magically making over your immune system, but it’s packed with nutrients that can help you stay healthy and happy.
If drinking celery juice every day is your long-term weight loss plan, you should reconsider
There are endless amounts of “miracle” weight loss methods out there. As with anything that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Celery juice became mainstream by the controversial Medical Medium. He says, “It can break down and help dissolve fat cells that are stored inside the liver. It helps dislodge fat deposits there, breaking them down and breaking them free and cleansing these cells to remove fat storage from the liver. Celery juice is a powerful weight-loss tool." Numerous experts have noted that yes, you can potentially lose weight drinking celery juice but only in the short-term. It’s not a sustainable approach to weight loss and more than likely, you’ll re-stalk the pounds later.
As part of a healthy and balanced diet, drinking celery juice every day could help with weight loss
Losing weight has to be a multi-faceted approach. It’ll take much more than simply pouring yourself a fresh glass of celery juice in the morning. Weight loss requires a number of other changes in your lifestyle, including more exercise and better food choices. However, there are benefits to incorporating celery into a holistic weight loss plan. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations finds that celery is low in calories and when eaten whole, it can provide bulk in your belly. Eating celery can leave you feeling fuller for longer because your stomach will empty slower. The only way you can truly lose weight is to not eat in excess of what you are burning. If drinking celery juice helps you keep the calories down, then no harm here. Wherever you are in your fitspo journey, just remember to follow your heart (even if it leads you to the donut shop).
If you drink celery juice every day, you could be missing out on much needed fiber
Celery is a crispy, crunchy vegetable and juicing it can remove many key health benefits. Harper’s Bazaar consulted accredited practicing dietician Marika Day on this matter. She claims, “juicing celery removes the fiber, which is one of their great benefits. All in all, I’d say eat your celery, drink it if you wish, but don’t do so thinking it’s a miracle cure.” Fiber is an important nutrient to maintain your overall wellness. Experts from UnityPoint Health find that whole celery is a great source of insoluble fiber, which is an effective bulking agent. Fiber rich foods digest more slowly and steady your blood sugar to keep you feeling full. This type of fiber found in celery can actually attract water into your stool, making it softer and easier to pass through.
Drinking celery juice every day should not be your cure-all
Currently, there is little to no scientific evidence that supports celery juice as the miracle cure-all that wellness gurus claim it to be. Yes, there are tons of health benefits but celery juice on its own won’t cure any conditions. Registered dietician Dr. Jenna Bell tells Coveteur readers, “My problem with claims [that celery juice can] cure a disease, disorder, and ailment is that it’s a false promise that creates misguided hope and possibly leads someone to opt out of other remedies. It’s false advertising.” Despite the lack of empirical scientific evidence, celery has the ability to do incredible things when incorporated into a balanced diet. In the meantime, the important thing is to separate the pseudo from the science.
How much celery juice should you be drinking every day?
Only you (and your healthcare provider) can accurately answer this question. We would never claim to be celery know-it-alls, so always consult a physician when trying something new. However, if you are planning to (celery) stick to this trend, be sure to take a 360-degree approach. If drinking celery every morning makes you feel good from the inside-out, by all means juice away. Be aware that there are a number of studies that show consuming too much celery can also result in serious symptoms and allergies. Most importantly, listen to how your body feels and trust your intuition. There are millions of ways to introduce nutritious foods into our diets for a full and healthy life. So, let’s raise a glass to celery juice. Cheers to you!