Drinking Celery Juice: A Natural Powerhouse for Health and Wellness
Celery, a member of the Umbelliferae family, is not just a crunchy and salty vegetable; it’s a nutritional powerhouse with two varieties, white and green. Growing up to 16 inches in height, celery’s stems are rich in essential nutrients, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content found in a cup (approximately 101 grams) of chopped, raw celery:
- Calories: 16.2
- Carbohydrates: 3.5 grams
- Protein: 0.7 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Fiber: 1.6 grams
- Vitamin K: 29.6 micrograms (37% DV)
- Vitamin A: 453 IU (9% DV)
- Potassium: 263 milligrams (8% DV)
- Vitamin C: 3.1 milligrams (5% DV)
- Folate: 36.5 micrograms (9% DV)
- Calcium: 40.4 milligrams (4% DV)
- Riboflavin: 0.1 milligram (3% DV)
- Magnesium: 11.1 milligrams (3% DV)
- Manganese: 0.1 milligram (5% DV)
- Vitamin B6: 0.1 milligram (4% DV)
Celery is packed with vitamins E, niacin, pantothenic acid, minerals like iron, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and various phytochemicals. Its antioxidant properties are attributed to phenolic antioxidants, providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
Numerous studies suggest that celery offers various health benefits:
- Rehydration: Celery juice helps rehydrate the body, offering high electrolyte levels, making it an excellent post-workout drink.
- Cholesterol Management: It lowers total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
- Anti-Cancer Properties: Celery contains compounds that inhibit tumor cell growth and prevent free radical damage, contributing to its anti-cancer effects.
- pH Regulation: Rich in minerals, celery regulates blood pH levels and neutralizes acidity.
- Blood Pressure Regulation: The organic sodium in celery lowers blood pressure, while phthalides relax arteries, improving blood flow.
- Laxative Effects: Natural laxative effects treat constipation.
- Diuretic Properties: Sodium and potassium stimulate urine production, preventing water retention.
- Appetite Suppression: Celery juice suppresses appetite, aiding in weight loss.
- Temperature Regulation: During hot weather, celery juice helps normalize body temperature.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Polyacetylene fights inflammation, addressing conditions like arthritis, gout, asthma, and bronchitis.
- Detoxification: Celery detoxifies the body and prevents kidney stone formation.
- Insomnia Treatment: Celery soothes the nervous system, promoting better sleep.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Flavones in celery lower blood sugar levels and prevent spikes.
When buying celery, opt for green celery for its chlorophyll content, choosing firm ribs. Keep celery in a sealed container or wrap it in a plastic bag in the fridge.
For a homemade juice that leverages the benefits of celery, try this recipe:
Ingredients:
- A whole stalk of celery (about 12-16 ribs)
- ½ lemon
- 1-inch ginger root
- 1 cucumber
- 2 green apples
Instructions: Rinse the ingredients, cut them, and juice them together in a juicer. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of celery juice by incorporating a few glasses into your daily routine.