Celery juice has become a popular detox trend, but does it live up to the hype? While it’s not harmful, it’s not the detox miracle it’s often made out to be.
At first glance, celery might seem unremarkable—simple, hydrating, and crunchy. But when juiced, does it offer more health benefits?
Much like other juicing fads, celery juice has been praised online for its supposed ability to cleanse the body of toxins. While celery does have some health perks, it’s far from a magic cure-all, and certainly not a substitute for medicine. Celery juice is not unhealthy, but it won’t undo a poor diet or solve all your health problems with a single sip.
How the Trend Started
The celery juice trend was popularized by Anthony William, also known as the “Medical Medium.” With over 2 million followers on Instagram and 3.4 million on Facebook, he has become a prominent influencer in the wellness world.
William’s website boasts endorsements from celebrities like tennis star Novak Djokovic, and he’s made appearances on shows such as Keeping Up with the Kardashians. He has also contributed to Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle platform, Goop.
His social media and website make bold health claims, such as “Celery helps cure fibromyalgia” and “Raspberries remove viral debris from the bloodstream.” William’s website even suggests that celery juice can help treat serious illnesses like cancer and diabetes.
These claims are part of his larger business, which includes bestselling books featured on The New York Times list, as well as profitable affiliate marketing links.
Benefits of Celery Juice
- High Nutritional Value: Celery is a classic, nutritious green that never goes out of style. Whether you enjoy it raw or in your juice, this humble vegetable provides a surprising amount of nutrition. A 10-ounce serving of celery juice contains: 50 calories, 2 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbohydrates, 0.5 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber and 4 grams of sugar.
It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, providing:
- 90 micrograms of vitamin K (75% of your daily value)
- 110 micrograms of folate (27% of your daily value)
- 781 milligrams of potassium (17% of your daily value)
- 10 milligrams of vitamin C (11% of your daily value)
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Celery is loaded with flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation in your body by protecting cells from damage. Its vitamin C content also provides antioxidant benefits, supporting your body’s defense against harmful substances.
- Supports Healthy Blood Pressure: Adding celery to your diet—whether in juice or its whole form—can be beneficial for your heart health. Celery contains phthalides, a phytochemical that may help relax the blood vessel walls and lower blood pressure. However, it’s important to remember that celery alone isn’t a cure; a balanced diet, like the DASH diet, is essential for optimal heart health.
- Hydration Boost: Celery is composed mostly of water, making it an excellent hydrating snack. This extra hydration helps support your digestive system, kidneys, and skin, in addition to boosting overall health. While drinking water is crucial, incorporating hydrating foods like celery can be an added benefit.
Real life people examples
- Jennifer Aniston: If it’s good enough for the Friends star, it’s good enough for Us! “In the last year, I’ve been doing celery juice first thing in the morning,” Aniston told Allure in October 2019. “I have to force myself not to go right to my coffee.” After drinking the green concoction, she slams a shot of apple cider vinegar diluted in water. The finishing wellness routine touch? “I also take a probiotic, obviously,” she said.
- Novak Djokovic: He drinks celery juice on an empty stomach, which is believed to aid in digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide a significant nutrient boost.
The doctor’s advice set Novak up to eat healthy for the long run, including going more plant-based. This change has really paid off – it’s been a big part of Novak’s success and overall well-being.
In the end, celery juice can be a healthy addition to your routine, especially when paired with a balanced diet and active lifestyle. But it’s important to separate social media trends from science. While drinking it won’t harm you—and might even provide some benefits—it’s no magic bullet. Like most wellness fads, moderation, critical thinking, and a holistic approach to health remain the real secret ingredients.
Source: medicalmedium.com
