Recently, you may have heard people raving about their new morning ritual: drinking celery juice. Many claim it helps with everything from digestion and acne to allergies and autoimmune conditions. This trend gained traction, especially after being promoted by the “Medical Medium,” an author who recommends drinking 16 ounces of celery juice on an empty stomach each morning as a powerful healing remedy. But with all the buzz, is celery juice really as beneficial as some say? Let’s take a closer look at what it is, its potential health benefits, and whether it’s truly worth the hype.
What is Celery Juice?
As the name suggests, celery juice is simply juice made from fresh celery. It’s typically prepared using a home juicer, removing the fiber and retaining the nutrient-rich liquid. The idea behind the celery juice trend is to drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to maximize its health benefits.
Health Benefits of Celery Juice
Celery, in its raw form, is packed with water and important nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants. These nutrients offer a variety of health benefits:
- Lowering blood pressure: Celery has compounds that may help reduce blood pressure.
- Rich in antioxidants: It contains flavonoids that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Hydration: Its high water content promotes hydration.
- Natural diuretic: Celery helps reduce water retention by promoting natural fluid balance.
These benefits can be carried over into celery juice, as most of the nutrients in raw celery are retained during juicing. However, it’s important to remember that while juicing removes fiber, it doesn’t eliminate all the beneficial compounds from the vegetable.
Is Celery Juice Worth the Hype?
While celery juice may provide some health benefits, it’s not necessarily a miracle cure. Like other green juices, it’s a great way to incorporate more nutrients into your diet, especially in a more digestible form. The juice extracts vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients from the celery, making them easier for your body to absorb without the need to break down the fiber.
For individuals with digestive issues or those recovering from illness, this can be a helpful way to quickly boost nutrient intake without taxing the digestive system. Additionally, some people enjoy the refreshing taste of celery juice, which helps them add more greens and phytonutrients to their daily routine.
However, it’s important to note that many people in the U.S. don’t consume enough fiber, which is essential for digestive health, regulating blood sugar, and promoting elimination. While juicing can make nutrients more accessible, it removes the fiber that’s vital for slowing digestion. If you want to keep the fiber, smoothies might be a better option since they retain the whole fruit and vegetable.
The Bottom Line on Celery Juice
If you enjoy drinking celery juice and feel that it benefits you—whether it’s for better digestion, clearer skin, or improved energy—then go for it! It’s a nutrient-dense drink, and incorporating more greens into your diet can never hurt. However, we wouldn’t recommend expecting it to be a magical cure-all. The best way to determine if celery juice works for you is to try it and see how it affects your body and well-being.
How to Make Celery Juice
To make celery juice, you’ll need a home juicer and a bunch of fresh, organic celery. Here’s how to make it:
- Rinse the celery thoroughly.
- Feed it through your juicer to extract the juice.
- Drink it immediately for the freshest taste and best results.
- After drinking your celery juice, wait 15–30 minutes before consuming anything else.
Since celery juice is very low in calories—around 40 per serving—it’s not a replacement for a full breakfast, unless you’re following a specific fasting routine.
In the end, celery juice can be a healthy, refreshing drink to add to your routine, but like anything, moderation and balance are key. Enjoy it, but don’t rely on it for all your health needs.
