In 2018, I was introduced to the magical healing power of celery juice, and while the thought initially grossed me out after two days I was hooked. It was then that I began noticing that everyone was posting and sharing celery juice on social media. Every health and wellness podcast mentioned how they had come across this magic healing juice. So I sat down and researched as much as I could from every available source out there and here is what I found, which is more than I bargained for.

So what exactly is celery juice?

According to many experts, the compounds in celery “Such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, luteolin, tannin, saponin, and kaempferol, has powerful antioxidant characteristics, to remove free radicals. It is clear that celery, with different compounds and diverse concentration, can have varied healing effects.” In addition celery juice (CJ) is considered a “super food.”

What can CJ do?

According to Anthony Williams, in his book Liver Rescue, “Celery Juice is one of the most powerful and healing juices we can drink. Just 16 ounces of fresh celery juice every morning on an empty stomach can transform your health and digestion in as little as one week.” Williams also suggests drinking it straight and not adding anything to it for the maximum benefit. And of course going organic when it comes to CJ is the way to go.

Essentially, yes. Celery stalks, leaves and celery seeds all offer nutritional benefits, but most importantly celery contains two beneficial antioxidants apigenin and luteolin. Research shows that apigenin and luteolin reduce inflammation and may help treat a range of inflammatory diseases.

“Celery, because of compounds such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, luteolin, tannin, saponin, and kaempferol, has powerful antioxidant characteristics, to remove free radicals. It is clear that celery, with different compounds and diverse concentration, can have varied healing effects.” It turns out, even celery seeds are highly nutritious.

Whether it was, making it fresh every morning, making enough for two days (for my non-morning people), or ordering it from my local Nektar when I am lazy, the way my body changed, made me change my outlook on adding it to my daily routine.

While there seems to be a lot of research and consensus about the healing benefits of celery – but as always, please do your own research and decide for yourself. You can always try it and see how you feel.

Here is what I found…

Celery Juice contains powerful anti-oxidants and cancer-fighting compounds. Celery contains a flavonoid called apigenin, which has been shown to kill cancer cells. The polyacetylenes in celery interestingly contain chemo-protective compounds that help to reduce toxicity while boosting immunity and help slow the growth of mutated cells.

Celery Juice heals and activates the gut by restoring hydrochloric acid which helps us digest things faster and more efficiently. Celery juice helps raise stomach acid, which is necessary to help break down food, especially protein. Especially good for those on a high protein diet. If our stomach acid is low, the body has to use more resources to digest that food, often leaving us feeling tired and lethargic. Celery juice has the ability to significantly replenish depleted levels of gastric mucus that is needed in the stomach lining to heal and prevent ulcers and acid reflux.

Celery Juice lowers cholesterol. Celery contains a compound called 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh) that has been reported to have lipid-lowering action, reducing the bad cholesterol (LDL) in our bloodstream.
Celery Juice is a natural anti-inflammatory. It contains Polyacetylene which reduces chronic joint pain, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. Not only does it soothe the body, but it is also believed to soothe the nerves, with calming and relaxing properties.

Celery lowers blood pressure. Research shows that celery helps lower high blood pressure by acting as a smooth muscle relaxant, improving the flow of calcium and potassium in cells, allowing blood vessels to expand and contract with greater ease.

Celery juice aids the Liver. Celery juice improves liver function by increasing the production of enzymes. Studies show that celery helps reduce fat build-up in the liver. The nutrients in celery protect the liver, and actually, help the liver produce enzymes that help flush fat and toxins out.

Celery juice improves digestion by increasing circulation in the intestines, getting things going and moving. It’s good for constipation, bloating, puffiness and water retention, acting as a gentle, mild, natural laxative and diuretic.

Celery Juice reduces glucose levels. Research shows that compounds found in celery can help reduce glucose levels with no increase in insulin.

Celery Juice is alkalizing. Celery is one of the most alkaline foods you can eat! Research suggests that an alkaline diet lengthens life and prevents chronic diseases.

Celery juice is highly nutritious. Celery is loaded with essential minerals and vitamins such as folate, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin K and vitamin C. A cocktail for the skin. The luteolin in celery protects skin from the inside and prevents UV-induced damage. Some swear by celery’s skin healing properties, saying that it helped clear up skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.

Sounds great right? So how do you go about adding CJ to you routine? Drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal results. Wait 20-30 minutes before drinking anything else. How much do you need? About 16 ounces (two cups, or a pint glass). If you feel you can’t tolerate two cups in the beginning, start with 1 cup and gradually increase. Or perhaps if is not pleasant, it may not be what you need.

Will any celery work? Technically yes, but if you decide to use non-organic celery, make sure to wash all the stock very well, to help rinse any lingering pesticides. Celery makes the EWG’s list of veggies that are heavily treated with pesticides annually, aka The Dirty Dozen.

Many people have asked, can’t I just eat celery instead of juicing it? You can. But, to get the full benefits that everyone is raving about, you’d have to eat the whole head (or bunch) of celery first thing in the morning. One whole head of celery ( 9-12 stalks) equals 16 ounces of juice when juiced.

Ready to start making your own? Find out how below!

In a Juicer:

Use 1 bunch of organic celery, cutting off the base to separate the stalks
Wash them in clean water to remove any debris
Feed the celery through your juicer.
Drink immediately.

While making it fresh always seems like the tastier alternative, due to time, some people have been known to make enough for two days.

In a Blender:

Use 1 bunch of organic celery and cut off the base to separate the stalks
Wash them in clean water to remove any debris
Chop the celery stalks into 1 inch pieces and place them in the blender.
Add 1/4 cup of purified water and put the lid on the blender. Blend until smooth.
Place a clean nut milk bag over the mouth of a pitcher or bowl and pour the blended celery through the nut milk bag. Use your hands to squeeze the celery juice through the bag.

Celery Juice is the Hype Real?