In our fast-paced, ultra-connected world, it can seem like there’s a new superfood every time you sign onto social media. Acai berries. Turmeric. Quinoa. Kefir. Some fade away, but others are here to stay. Celery juice is the latest superfood with proven positive effects – and many people are catching on to its benefits.
Celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Pharrell swear by celery juice to help them achieve glowing skin, higher energy levels and overall better health. So what are the celery juice benefits? And how can you drink celery juice the right way to get the most from it?
Celery juice benefits
Celery juice is a low-calorie yet nutrient-rich beverage that is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including calcium, vitamins B, C, K and more. Celery juice benefits are derived from these nutrients. Plus, it’s easy and inexpensive to learn how to make celery juice, so it’s accessible for almost everyone. Here are the top five benefits of drinking celery juice more often.
Decrease inflammation
Antioxidants are powerful healing nutrients, and celery juice contains several of these compounds: luteolin, apigenin and caffeic acid. Antioxidants clean up “free radicals” in our bodies, giving them anti-inflammatory properties that are vital to health. Luteolin’s anti-inflammatory properties have even been shown todelay the growth of cancer cells.
Improve nutrition
Most people know that eating fresh fruits and veggies is good for them. If you’re eating healthy, you’re probably mixing in leafy greens, good fats and plenty of protein. But celery juice contains several essential nutrients you may still be missing, like magnesium, potassium and zinc. To get all the nutrients, juice both the stalk and leaves.
Alkalize your diet
An alkaline diet is proven to benefit your health. Alkaline foods help balance the pH in your body and keep it running efficiently. They are the fuel you need for energy and vitality – and celery is one of the most alkalizing foods. As part of an alkaline diet, celery juice could help lengthen your lifespan and prevent chronic illness.
Increase hydration
In addition to its incredible antioxidant properties, celery juice is high in electrolytes and is made up of more than 95 percent water. It’s also very low in sugar compared to other vegetables. That means it’s extremely hydrating and can help your body regulate its fluid levels. Celery juice’s hydrating properties might explain why athletes like tennis pro Novak Djokovic and fitness guru Brooke Burke swear by it.
Improve digestion
Many people notice that celery juice “gets things moving.” It’s a natural laxative and helps digestion by raising your stomach acid levels. What about other organs? Is celery juice good for your liver? Research on celery juice benefits is still in its early stages, but there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence. Celebrities and athletes swear by celery juice cleanses to detoxify their livers to prevent overload and stress.
How to make celery juice
To get the full benefits of celery’s vitamins and minerals, you’ll need to learn how to make celery juice. Juicing celery is better than eating whole celery because it breaks down the fiber, making it easier to consume. You can drink much more celery as juice than you would be able to eat, meaning you get more powerful celery juice benefits.
To make celery juice, just buy a juicer and run your celery stalks through it. You can also use a regular blender, then strain the liquid. One head of celery (10-12 stalks) makes the recommended 16 ounces of juice. Making the juice is easy, but before you start your celery juice cleanse, there are a few tips to be aware of.
- Go organic and drink it fresh
It’s always best to avoid contaminants by using organic vegetables, and that’s true for celery juice as well. If you can’t get organic, make sure you wash it very thoroughly. You’ll also want to drink celery juice fresh – don’t store it for more than 24 hours. Storing it could decrease the celery juice benefits. - Drink on an empty stomach
Because celery juice is taken on an empty stomach, many people make it part of their morning routine. Drink your celery juice, then wait 30 minutes before fueling your body with a healthy breakfast. Can’t drink on an empty stomach? Make sure you wait 30 minutes after eating.
- Adjust your intake
The typical recommended amount is 16 ounces, but you can adjust your intake as needed. If the celery juice isn’t sitting well, start with a smaller amount and slowly increase it. You can also drink more – if you have a chronic condition or just want greater celery juice benefits, up your intake to 24-32 ounces per day. - Add some flavor
Once you’ve mastered how to make celery juice, you may want to try it with different flavors. Celery juice can also have an odd taste at first, so mixing in other ingredients is also helpful for new drinkers. Add lemon, ginger and cucumber, or add a whole green apple to the mix. Variety is a primal human need, so don’t be afraid to switch it up.