6 Benefits of Celery Juice | Worth The Hype?

Celery juice is seemingly everywhere these days, with celebrities and Instagram influencers alike touting its many health benefits. 

While vegetable juice and even green juice are nothing new in health-conscious circles, celery juice, in particular, is currently experiencing its moment in the limelight. 

Why is celery juice suddenly so popular, and are there any real benefits to drinking it?

Why the sudden interest in celery juice?

Interest in celery juice benefits increased in 2019 following the release of the book Medical Medium Celery Juice: The Most Powerful Medicine of Our Time Healing Millions Worldwide by Anthony William.

William claims that he has the ability to communicate with a spirit that provides him with medical insight, particularly in areas that are not well understood by medical communities. This information was the basis of his four previous books: Medical Medium: Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal; Medical Medium Life-Changing Foods; Medical Medium Liver Rescue; and Medical Medium Thyroid Healing.

His latest book, Medical Medium Celery Juice, was released in May 2019. In it, he explains the healing properties of celery juice, which he calls a miraculous superfood.

What are the benefits of drinking celery juice?

Celery juice enthusiasts claim that it can promote weight loss, counteract brain fog, increase energy, heal chronic illness, improve liver function, reduce inflammation, heal digestive issues, and clear up skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

William claims that celery juice can restore health in people who suffer from fatigue, addiction, ADHD, thyroid disorders, diabetes, SIBO, eating disorders, autoimmune disorders, Lyme disease, and eye problems.

Does celery juice actually work?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claims around celery juice, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good for you!

Juicing is popular among health-conscious circles for good reason. The benefits of a plant-based diet are widely recognized. A diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. And juicing is a great way to add more nutrients to the diet.

Proponents of juicing claim that it improves nutrient absorption and research supports this. A review of 22 studies found that supplementing with store-bought fruit and vegetable supplements — either in the form of juice concentrates or blended powders — improved levels of folate, antioxidants, and vitamins, including beta carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C. None of the studies reported any negative side effects.

6 celery juice benefits

Every plant has benefits, and celery is no exception. Celery is rich in flavonoids, which are plant compounds with antioxidant properties. Celery is especially high in vitamins C and K, as well as folate and potassium.

Here’s a look at some of the benefits of celery that are supported by science:

1. Reduces oxidative stress

Celery is a great source of important antioxidants, which help protect organs and cells from oxidative damage. Over time, oxidative stress caused by free radicals can lead to symptoms throughout the body, including high blood pressure, hardening of blood vessels, heart disease, cognitive decline, cancer, diabetes, and aging. Increasing levels of antioxidants in your diet can help prevent some of this oxidative damage.

Celery contains at least 12 different kinds of antioxidants, including beta carotene and vitamin C. Studies show that including beta carotene and other antioxidants in the diet helps reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. These benefits were observed only with beta carotene obtained from the diet, and not with beta carotene supplements, so it’s important to get your antioxidants from whole plant foods.

2. Improves digestion

Celery juice may be good for your gut, and gut health is important for overall health.

Studies have shown that a compound in celery known as apiuman helped protect against stomach ulcers and gastric cancer in rats. Celery also contains compounds that promote gastric relaxation and stimulates the production of stomach acid, which helps ease symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and bloating.

3. Reduces inflammation

Chronic inflammation has been linked to every major degenerative disease, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Celery contains approximately 25 different anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce chronic inflammation.

One of these is a compound called apigenin, which has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial agent. A 2015 study using mice found that apigenin reduced certain inflammatory proteins.

4. Reduces cancer risk

Apigenin may also have properties that help combat cancer. A 2016 review published in the Journal of Cancer Prevention noted that apigenin may induce autophagy, a process in which the body clears out damaged cells. Celery also contains a flavonoid called luteolin, which may help prevent the spread of cancer cells and promote cancer cell death, according to a 2009 study.

5. Improves brain function

Claims that celery juice can improve brain function may be related to the role of apigenin in stimulating the development of nerve cells. A 2009 study found that apigenin improved learning and memory in adult mice, but the effects have yet to be studied in humans.

6. Reduces LDL cholesterol

Celery may improve cholesterol levels, which in turn can lower the risk of heart disease. A 2014 study found that celery extract significantly reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) in rats who were on a high-fat diet.

Researchers noted that celery could be useful in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol. Hyperlipidemia doesn’t cause any symptoms on its own, but it increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Celery juice tips

William recommends drinking at least 16 ounces of fresh celery juice every morning on an empty stomach. Sixteen ounces can be made with roughly one large bunch of celery. You can wash and chop your celery the night before so it’s ready to juice in the morning. The leaves are especially high in antioxidants, so you can include them, but they may create a slightly bitter flavor.

He recommends plain celery juice with no other ingredients. If possible, use organic celery. If you find the taste of plain celery juice too strong, you can add cucumber or apple. As you become adjusted to the flavor, work toward using celery on its own.

Celery is low in calories, so the juice won’t replace your breakfast, but wait at least 15 minutes before eating anything else. For even more benefits, you can increase your intake to 32 ounces, either at once or split into two servings.

If you’re unable to drink your celery juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, the next best thing is to drink it during the day, 15 to 30 minutes before or after eating any food.

Celery juice: a fad worth trying

While you shouldn’t expect celery juice to be a cure-all, it’s worth adding to your diet if you’re interested in exploring its benefits for yourself. Drinking fresh vegetable juice — especially juice made at home—is infinitely better for you than drinking soda or other beverages with artificial ingredients. And given celery juice’s high levels of powerful antioxidants and important nutrients like potassium and vitamin K, it may very well help improve your overall health.

Try it for yourself and see how you feel, especially if you have a health condition that hasn’t responded to traditional treatment. It’s always important to eat a varied diet in order to provide your body with an array of nutrients, so make sure you’re also including other fruits and vegetables in your diet—whether in their natural form or in the form of juice.