When it comes to health, wellness and weight loss, there’s always a new hyped food getting lots of attention and right now, it’s celery juice. All you need to do is watch some daytime TV or check out social media and you’ll see it somewhere. In fact, you’ll likely see it lots of somewheres.
That said, is celery juice really all it’s cracked up to be? Is it truly something you should be considering for your regular diet? Or are you better off just ignoring all these headlines and pictures, labeling them as only the latest fad? Let’s take a closer look to find out.
What is Celery Juice?
Celery juice is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the result of tossing quite a lot of celery into a juicer. The outcome is a green, fresh, slightly bitter beverage with very few calories. If you consult social media, you’ll also come to see a spectrum of claims about this drink.
Many people say that it provides them with lots of energy, that it boosts their digestive health, that it causes their skin to positively glow and, the old standard, it causes their belly fat to practically melt away. Sounds great, but is there really any part of those claims that you should believe? Has science supported any of these claims?
What Are the Real Benefits of Celery Juice?
Celery juice shouldn’t be mistaken for having the same benefits of celery, itself. If you look into the health benefits of eating celery, you’ll find that it is indeed a great plant and nutritious veggie. It’s low in calories, high in vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and folate. It is high in antioxidant phytonutrients called flavonoids. There are some studies that suggest that it can help to reduce inflammation and support your body’s fight against liver disease and some cancers. It is also good for supporting cardiovascular health.
That said, celery juice is an extraction of the water from celery. It does not contain all the same properties. It may contain some of them, but at the same time it doesn’t contain the fiber from the vegetable. That may not sound all that important, but it is. Fiber is one of the main reasons that eating celery as a vegetable has been associated with healthy weight loss dieting, appetite suppression and even improved sleep. The water content is part of it, but the fiber plays a substantial role in that benefit.
Should You Drink Celery Juice?
If you like the taste of celery juice, go for it. It’s low cal and hydrating. It’s certainly better than having a pop or sweetened fruit juice. That said, if you’re drinking it just to get your weight down, you’re likely to be disappointed and won’t feel that it is worth the expense.