Celery: The Health Meister (Update on Challenge)

The Benefits of Celery

The crunchy taste of celery, a vegetable from the apiaceae family, is a palatable delight.  Celery contains few calories, provides nutrients and fiber, and is beneficial to our digestive track and cardiovascular systems.  Its seed extractions (1) are used in medicine for the prevention of pain as well as treating aritis, gout, water retention, muscle spasms, inflammation, high blood pressure, colds and the flu.

The molecule apigenin contained in celery is currently being studied for its anti-cancer properties,  its ability to reduce the damage caused by inflammation, reduction of blood pressure and the prevention of aged related vision loss.  However, these studies have been proven successful in rats but have yet to find conclusive results in human testing (1)(2).  The majority of blog literature on the subject of celery’s miraculous benefits seems to bypass this fact and assumes unfettered that these same benefits occur within humans as well.(5)  Be careful in your research.

Celery Juice

• Celery juice is a highly nutritious drink, brimming with essential minerals and vitamins: potassium, folate, vitamins B6, K and C.
• Celery juice has often been referred to as a “cocktail for the skin”(4).  The Luteolin in celery may protect the skin from environmental UV damage, stress and conditions such as psoriasis.
• Celery juice can help lower blood pressure by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) in the bloodstream.
• Celery juice can work as an anti-inflammatory agent in reducing joint, gout and rheumatoid arthritis swelling and pain.
• Celery juice can help reduce uric acid in fighting bad bacteria in the intestine while preventing bladder and urinary infections as well.
• Celery juice can aid with healthy digestion by working like a gentle laxative, relieving bloating puffiness and water retention that often causes discomfort.
• Celery juice contains robust anti-oxidants.
• Celery juice helps the liver reduce fat build-up by flushing out fat excess and the harmful toxins they exploit.
• Celery juice is a soothing and relaxing drink anytime of the day.
• Celery juice consumption should be at least tried.  The worst that can happen is that “nothing happened” and as with any food or drink don’t exceed acceptable limits.

“Celery juice is one of the most powerful and healing juices you can drink.  Just 16 oz of fresh celery juice every morning on an empty stomach can transform your health and digestion in as little as a week” (3).  If you cannot drink 2 cups of celery juice all at once,  drink 1 cup daily until you are able to drink the recommended amount.  It is a delicious way to start your day.  Just be aware of the cost in committing yourself to this regiment.  Buying celery in bulk can be expensive and juicing  celery, time consuming.

Conclusion

As of 8/22/2019, I’m challenging myself to drink celery juice daily for one month to see if there is any significant change in my health, if not then I’ve been hoodwinked again by marketing hype.  That being said,  I do love the taste, texture and color of celery and will continue to add it to my salads, snacks and meals just because…..I always have and always will.

Challenge final scheduled for  9/22/2019: Superwoman or Super chump.

*  9/22/2019 Superwoman or  Super chump challenge final : after one month of continuous celery juice usage, I am nether healthier or sorry to have tried it.  Celery juice, while tasty and nutritional, is a far cry from the wonder food heralded by Anthony William (see above) as far as I am concerned.  However, I will continue to drink celery juice for its added jolt of goodness but not for any miraculous cure for longevity.

We all have different bodies and environmental influences that can affect the outcome of any testing premise, so try it for yourself and see how you fair with the mighty celery juice.

References

1. Medical News Today: Reviewed by Natalie Butler,RD,LD
2. Health Benefits and Risks of Celery: Joseph Nordquist/updated 20/12/2017
3. Medical Medium Liver Rescue: Anthony William (Hay House Inc., 2018, Hardcover)
4. Blog-Feasting@Home: Celery Juice Recipes and Benefits
5. Celery Juice Benefits-A Total BS: Jackie London, MS,RD,CDN-Good Housekeeping Institute, Jan 16, 2019.
6. Youtube video: Celery juice can save your life: Anthony William
7. Google Images of Celery Stalk, Celery Juice,WOW,Thumbs up and Down