Is Celery Juice a Fad for Removing Toxins, or Does It Truly Hold Health Advantages?
Hearsay on Celery Juice:
Let's cut to the chase - celery may not be the king of the vegetable kingdom, but it sure packs a punch when it comes to juicing trends. From blogs to social media, celery juice has been hailed as a drink that can purge your body of toxins. But is it a genuine miracle tonic or just a bunch of hot air? Here's the lowdown.
First things first, celery is far from poisonous, but it ain't a magic elixir either. It won't transform an unhealthy regime or cure all your ailments with a single gulp. Dietitian Amber Sommer, RD, LD, serves up the facts about celery juice.
What's so great about celery juice?
Hey, we ain't hatin' on celery. It's chock-full of nutrients that help keep your body in tip-top shape. As long as you're drinking pure celery juice and avoiding store-bought juices loaded with additives and sugar, you're in for a treat.
Some benefits of celery and celery juice include:
Nutritional Goldmine
Whether you douse it in ranch or add it to your kid's lunchbox, celery is one of those simple, health-conscious greens that never go out of fashion. And guess what? It's loaded with more nutritional value than you might think. There's a whole lotta goodness packed into that humble veggie, and a lot of that goodness translates to juice form.
A 10-ounce serving of celery juice provides:
- 50 calories
- 2 grams of protein
- 9 grams of carbs
- 0.5 grams of fat
- 5 grams of fiber
- 4 grams of sugar
Plus, it's a great source of vitamins and minerals, with that same serving providing:
- 90 mcg of vitamin K (75% of your DV)
- 110 mcg of folate or vitamin B9 (27% of DV)
- 781 mg of potassium (17% of DV)
- 10 mg of vitamin C (11% of DV)
Anti-inflammatory Superhero
Celery contains some kick-ass substances like flavonoids, which help suppress inflammation in your body. Flavonoids work like bodyguards, protecting your cells from harm caused by inflammation. Plus, since celery is rich in vitamin C, it's got antioxidant properties, too, helping your body stay strong and fight off harmful substances.
Blood Pressure Warrior
Not only does celery work wonders in your juice, but it might also boost your heart health when enjoyed as a vegetable. Celery contains a phytochemical called phthalides, which may help relax the muscles in the walls of your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. But remember - celery can't accomplish this miracle on its own; it's just one veggie in a sea of options. Strengthen your heart by following a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, protein, and the DASH diet for optimal health.
Thirst Quencher
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Luckily, some foods can help keep you hydrated, and celery is one of them. Since the vegetable is mostly water, you'll get a hydration boost even when you're snacking. This, in turn, can help with your digestive system, kidneys, and skin.
Celery Juice Cleanse: To Do or Not to Do?
You may have heard about the benefits of a celery juice cleanse, which supposedly helps eliminate toxins from your body. The idea is to eliminate solid foods or certain types of food to aid in detoxification.
But what does a celery juice cleanse actually entail? Basically, it involves drinking a whole lotta juice - sounds fun, right? Dietitian Amber Sommer warns against this fad tactic. The main concern with detox trends is that they're often used as replacements for meals. In a nutshell, detox cleanses aren't generally recommended by health professionals. A 2018 study also found that cleanses can lead to restrictive eating.
"Drinking a celery juice cleanse for a day might not be all that harmful, but I wouldn't recommend downing juice-only concoctions for several days at a time," says Sommer. "Juice alone can't provide the daily nutrients your body needs and may lead to undesirable side effects such as fatigue, dehydration, headaches, irritability, and more for extended periods."
Sommer adds that the healthiest way to consume celery juice is by sipping it as just that: juice, not a meal replacement. Instead, she recommends merely buying a whole celery stalk and combining it with a variety of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and lean proteins for a well-rounded diet.
Celery Juice: Yay, Nay, or Maybe?
Celery juice has earned its reputation for potential health benefits, such as hydration, nutrient richness, and anti-inflammatory properties. Whether you love it for its refreshing taste or as part of a wellness regimen, adding celery juice to your daily routine can offer numerous benefits - but remember to do so responsibly and as part of a balanced diet.
Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance when making dietary changes. Happy juicing!
In the realm of fitness and health, celery juice finds a place due to its nutrient-dense nature. It's packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, folate, potassium, and vitamin C, making it a valuable addition to one's diet.
Celery's anti-inflammatory properties, provided by flavonoids, help shield your cells from damage caused by inflammation, contributing to overall wellness.
drinking celery juice can also contribute to maintaining heart health, as it contains phthalides that may help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Celery's high water content aids in hydration, which is beneficial for digestive system, kidney, and skin health.
However, it's essential to approach celery juice cleanses with caution. While a short-term celery juice cleanse may not be harmful, it should not replace meals, as it may lead to nutritional deficiencies, fatigue, dehydration, and other side effects for extended periods. Instead, a balanced diet that includes various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats is recommended. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice when making dietary changes.
