Crunching on a yummy celery stick after dipping it into peanut butter tastes pretty good, doesn't it? But have you ever thought about celery juice benefits as far as your health is concerned?
Celery deserves a far more prominent place in our fruit and vegetable juice recipe repertoire. Let's take a quick behind-the-scenes look at this valuable veggie.
What Are The 5 Top Celery Juice Benefits?
Celery Is Rich In Nutrients
There's more than a satisfying crunch in a celery stick. The veggie has a nutrient supply packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, some B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Celery can be used as a natural source of sodium. We do need salt for optimal health, although table salt can be harmful. It is also a good source of iron and dietary fiber, although some of this will be lost when juicing celery. Best of all, the calorie count is very low.
Celery May Help With Heart Health
When we are juicing for my dad, I always make really sure that I have some celery ready. It is a wonderful, natural 'tool' that can help to lower blood pressure. At the same time, it is great for heart health in general. Simply put, the blood pressure benefit is probably due to a phytochemical called phtalides, which apparently helps the muscle tissue in the artery walls to relax. This allows the arteries to dilate, helping with blood flow. Celery juice benefits may also include help with cholesterol control.
Caveat: If you have any ailment, discuss using celery juice with your doctor first. Never adjust your blood pressure medication or other medications without his or her knowledge and direction. Also, don't take your medication with veggie juice. The absorption of the meds may be affected.
Balancing Act Of Celery
Celery is one of the ideal veggies to use if you want to reduce acidity in your body. It can help to normalize the pH. Many of us struggle (even without knowing it) with too much acid in our systems, due to unhealthy food choices. Celery juice may help to improve this situation.
Celery Rehydrates
As with cucumbers, celery is one of the veggies that can help you to cool down in hot weather, as it sports a high water content. It can be used to rehydrate you on a hot day or after a workout (the minerals in celery are important here). Adequate hydration helps with a supple skin.
Celery And Cancer-Fighting Nutrients
Celery comes packed with compounds that may function as anti-cancer nutrients. It is good source of antioxidants, necessary to keep free radicals from damaging your cells.
These are just a few of the main health benefits of celery juice. The veggie can also boost your immune system and may help your body to fight inflammation.
How To Choose Celery
- Ribs should feel firm. Limp, wilted ribs are probably old.
- Go for the deepest green you can find. You may soon even be able to find some of the new red celery!
Get the celery into the fridge as soon as you can. Use an airtight container, if possible. Ice water can help to revive wilted celery. You can use both the leaves and the stalk when juicing.
Keep-Your-Cool Celery Juice Recipe
2cm Cucumber
3 Celery ribs with leaves
2 Red Apples
Thick slice of pineapple
- Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Peel only if it has been waxed.
- Wash the celery and cut into lengths.
- Wash and core the apples.
- Peel the pineapple slice and cut into chunks.
- Run all the produce through your juicer and drink up! You can add ice and a sprinkling of shredded coconut if you prefer.
I hope you will soon be enjoying celery juice benefits as a family!
From the juicing for health desk of Rika Susan
