What’s all the fuss about celery juice?
It’s one of the latest fads among wellness gurus, celebrities and influencers – even if they can’t stand the taste. But is celery juice really the health elixir it’s made out to be?
Aussie supermodel Miranda Kerr has said she starts her day with a fresh, cold-pressed celery juice.
Kim Kardashian also sips on the vitamin-packed green stuff in a bid to help her psoriasis – although she readily admits she’s not a fan of the taste!
And Grammy-award winning artist Pharrell Williams has also posted pictures on social media downing a glass or two of celery juice.
It has been hailed as another superfood, with its fans believing it can help with a range of health issues – from high blood pressure to weight loss and high cholesterol to improving gut health.
But what are the facts behind the celery juice fad?
“Anything that encourages you to eat more veggies is good,” says Felicity Curtain, of the Dietitians Association of Australia.
“But there’s no evidence that celery juice is a miracle cure and it is being pushed as that for some chronic diseases and autoimmune conditions.
“If you drink it hoping that it’s a miracle cure, you are wasting your time.”
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Celery does have health benefits though …
While it won’t deliver a miracle cure, celery does deliver a bunch of nutrients.
It is rich in vitamins A, C and K and folate.
It is also high in fibre and water and in phytonutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin A helps maintain healthy eyesight and a healthy immune system. It also helps keep the heart, lungs and kidneys working properly.
Vitamin C is important for keeping skin and bones healthy, and plays a role in healing wounds and preventing infections.
Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and healthy bones.
Folate is important for growth and development, and fibre is an essential part of a healthy digestive system.
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If you’re going to drink celery juice, here’s how to do it
“Having a glass or two of celery juice each day can get expensive because you need quite a few stalks to make that much juice,” says Felicity.
“But it is great to include more celery in your diet.
“Put it in the blender and make a celery smoothie. If you put it through a juicer the pulp is discarded, and a lot of fibre and nutrients are contained in the pulp.
“So if are going to drink celery, blend it so you keep all the goodness.”
You can also add celery to soups and pasta sauces to increase fibre and nutrients in family lunches and dinners.
“Or eat it whole and in its natural form. I love celery sticks spread with natural peanut butter – a great, crunchy snack,” says Felicity.
Written by Sarah Marinos.
