Deemed as the detox queen, celery juice has now taken to the health-throne. We’ve finally come around to accepting green foods for what they are – the key to a healthier body. From Popeye and his love for spinach to Gwyneth Paltrow’s kale craze, each of these veggies have had their moment to shine — and 2022 seems to be the year celery gets the (green) thumb’s up! Rumour has it, this miraculous superfood holds immense health benefits for your system, especially when consumed in the morning. Are the rumour mills true or is this just another fad celebrities ‘swear by’? Dietitian and diabetes educator, Garima Goyal breaks down everything you need to know about celery juice and if this is just a new trend?
Word of caution: While celery is a pretty adaptable green, it shouldn’t be consumed by those with irritable bowel syndrome or those who need to maintain their sodium levels. Goyal also says that celery can cause heat rash and swelling in some people, so if you find yourself to be sensitive to it then keep consumption low.
Fact: Celery juice is rich in a myriad of nutrients such as fibre, vitamins A, C and K, and potassium. It holds immense anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect blood vessels, prevent damage to the organs, and fight inflammation. Goyal says, “The antioxidants present help protect the digestive tract, while the high amount of natural fibre aids in better digestion. Consumption of celery plays a crucial role in lowering blood pressure levels, and improves heart health too.”
Eating it whole versus juicing it up
Clearly, celery is the superhero it’s made out to be! And since the world is obsessed with turning everything into a pulp, we asked the golden question: is this obsession taking away from the nutrients? Like most nutritionists, Goyal agrees that whole is always better than juiced. “Both celery juice and raw celery are beneficial for health. Whole celery, however, contains a higher amount of fibre, which is often reduced when extracted into a juice. Moreover, whole celery keeps the body fuller for longer than a glass of juice. According to Goyal, eating celery leads your body to absorb more fibre, which maintains your gut health and aids in weight loss too. Other than that, it also maintains the body’s acid balance, as it stimulates alkaline and reduces acidity levels. What's more, it has immense benefits for the skin too!
Wake up & smell the celery
There’s a huge reason why the internet suggests drinking this early in the morning, and it has a lot to do with celery’s high fibre content. “Consuming celery first thing in the morning helps to detoxify the body. Since it contains a lot of fibre, it promotes weight loss and consuming it in the morning can quicken that process.” She also adds that celery is made up of 95 per cent water, which makes it an incredibly hydrating vegetable to consume. “Having it in the morning hydrates the body and aids in better digestion throughout the day.”
This doesn’t mean that celery is just an early bird – it’s a night owl too. Having it as a snack at night keeps the stomach fuller, which cuts those cravings and aids in weight loss. Other than eating it whole or drinking its juice, Goyal suggests adding it to soups or mixing it with in your morning smoothie!
Goyal recommends consuming four stalks of celery (as a whole) or 475 ml (as celery juice) is good enough for one’s health. Eat it twice a week and not more than four stalks.
Garima Goyal’s celery juice with a twist
Want to know how to make celery juice? Chop a few slices of green apple, celery stalks, lemon drops, and a little bit of ginger paste. Blend away, serve and drink up!
Also read:
A nutritionist busts the biggest myths about juice cleansing
6 summer drinks that are equal parts healthy and refreshing
5 reasons to add aloe vera juice to your morning routine like Bhumi Pednekar
