celery juice: easy recipe for a juicer or blender

Why celery juice really is good for you?

Since New York Times Best Selling author Anthony William claimed that drinking a glass of celery juice every day could heal our bodies from the inside out, a global celery movement was born, with everyone from Miranda Kerr to Pharrell Williams testing the powers of a chugging 16oz on an empty stomach each morning.

Since many claims are based on anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous scientific studies, celery juicing has well and truly divided opinion. Nutritionists around the world have rolled their eyes, yet thousands of life-changing success stories have been shared online.

So, I’m here to tell you what’s fact and what’s not, rounding up everything you need to know about celery and its health benefits, who should drink it and when, plus a tried-and-tested easy juice recipe, before you invest the time and effort into a daily juicing ritual.

Is Celery juice good for you?

First off, yes, when consumed in combination with a balanced and healthy diet, celery juice is good for your health. Celery contains various nutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to health, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium, and Folate – no one can deny there’s a load of goodness.

Celery is low in sugar.

Celery is naturally low in sugar, making it suitable for individuals watching their sugar intake or following specific dietary restrictions.

In a typical serving of celery (about 100 grams), there are approximately 1-2 grams of naturally occurring sugars like glucose and fructose. Compared to many other fruits and vegetables, celery has a relatively low sugar content.

Celery is high in fibre.

Naturally high in dietary fibre, celery benefits digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements and filling you up with fewer calories. Most of the fibre within celery is contained in the stalk, so drinking the pulp effectively fills your appetite while making the most of celery’s fantastic fibre properties.

Is Celery a Superfood?

While celery is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibre, it is not typically classified as a superfood in the same way as foods like blueberries, kale, or salmon, which are often praised for their unique health-promoting properties.

That said, “superfood” does not have a specific scientific definition. It’s a marketing term that describes foods believed to provide exceptional health benefits due to their nutrient content.

Scientifically-proven health benefits of celery juice

Celery is 95% water, so consuming this vibrant veggie will hydrate the body. But why is gulping a glass of green juice better than plain old water? Here are three key findings from scientific research that explain why.

Celery juice has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Celery and its compounds, such as apigenin and luteolin, may be able to treat inflammation in the body. So, if you’re recovering from infection or illness, celery juice might be your saving grace.

Celery contains beneficial antioxidants.

Celery contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C, which protect cells from troublesome “free radicals.”

That’s a win for your immune system and could explain why many people report a heightened resistance to flu and infection when drinking juice daily.

Blood pressure is regulated.

Studies have found that celery or celery seed extract could help lower blood pressure levels. Healthy blood pressure reduces the risk of fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath associated with high blood pressure, meaning you’re better able to hit the gym without feeling wiped out after.

False claims

While celery juice can provide many beautiful benefits, incorrect or exaggerated claims have been made about its potential effects. Here are some false allegations associated with it.

Celery cannot cure IBS.

Celery juice cannot cure digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or leaky gut syndrome. While some people may experience temporary relief from specific symptoms, no scientific evidence supports celery juice as a definitive treatment.

You won’t magically lose weight.

We’ve read the stories of people dropping two dress sizes after three months of juicing, but we’re sorry to tell you that celery juice alone is not a magic solution for weight loss.

Sustainable weight loss can only be achieved through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and healthy lifestyle habits.

Celery juice cannot alkalize the body.

Since our bodies have robust mechanisms to maintain pH balance, and the foods we consume have minimal impact on blood pH levels, the alkaline nature of celery juice cannot significantly impact the body’s overall pH.

Potential Health Benefits of Celery Juice

Spend 5 minutes on Reddit, and you’ll read story after story from people who followed William’s advice and drank 16oz of celery juice first-thing every day for weeks.

From this comes a wealth of anecdotal evidence about the benefits of celery juice, although scientific studies to support this still need to be developed. Here’s a round-up of the most common success stories I found.

Celery juice may reduce bloating.

Many people reported that drinking celery juice got rid of bloating noticeably around their face or stomach and eliminated stomach cramps. If you feel bigger at the end of the day versus the morning, celery juicing might work wonders for you.

1. Sugar cravings disappear. One interesting finding is that people’s sugar cravings almost disappear while following a juice ritual.
   
2. Clear skin. Some people’s skin became clearer over time as they drank celery juice each day. Generally, people report their faces look more vibrant and healthy, plus no breakouts.
   
3. Energy boosting. Juicing boosts energy for many people, especially in the mornings, right after drinking their celery juice. People who claim they “aren’t a morning person” can experience an out-of-character spring in their step.

Who should drink celery juice?

Whether your doctor instructed you to consume more vitamins, or, you simply like to live a healthy lifestyle, everyone can benefit from drinking celery juice. But, the beverage is especially beneficial for some.

Drink celery juice if you want to improve your digestive function. The dietary fibre within celery juice supports regular bowel movement – that means clockwork toilet breaks.

People who get sick quickly may notice the benefit. Thanks to celery’s mystical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s wise to incorporate the juice into your daily routine if you get sick easily or if it’s that time of year when the flu is going around.

Celery juice is great if you’re dieting. The low-sugar, high-fibre combination will fill you up with fewer calories.

Start juicing if you suffer from high blood pressure. Celery juice has blood pressure-reducing capabilities, so consuming it alongside doctor-advised treatments could be wise.

Is it ok to drink celery juice every day?

Drinking celery juice every day can be a healthy choice for some people. Remember that everyone is different; some people might be allergic to celery or have sensitive stomachs. And remember, a healthy diet is about balance.

So while celery juice can be part of a healthy lifestyle, ensure you still eat various other fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Celery Juice Recipe: How to Make Celery Juice

Making fresh celery juice here is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step recipe.

Step 1

Start by washing the celery stalks thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. About 10-12 medium-sized celery stalks (400-500g) should be enough. I recommend using organic celery.

Step 2

Cut the celery stalks into pieces about 1-2 inches long. Cut into manageable chunks that fit into your feed chute or blender. You may be able to juice celery stalks without cutting them if your juicer has a comprehensive line.

Step 3

Add flavour (optional): add fresh ginger for a spicy kick and a warm, zesty flavor. No need to peel the ginger – chop off a thumb-sized piece and drop it straight into the blender or juicer. Other ingredients like lime or apple will enhance sweetness.

Step 4 (for a blender)

Place the chopped celery into the blender. You may need to add some water to help with the blending process. Start with a quarter cup, adjust your preference, and blend until smooth.

Step 5 (for a blender)

Once the celery is thoroughly blended, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag to remove any remaining fibres. Skip this step if you prefer to consume the juice with its fibres intact.

Step 6 (for a juicer)

Turn on the juicer and start feeding the celery and ginger pieces into the feed chute. Use the plunger to push the celery through the juicer gently.

Continue juicing the celery until you have extracted the desired amount of juice. If you have a larger batch of celery, you can juice it in multiple sets.

Step 7

Once you have finished juicing/blending, pour your juice into a glass and drink immediately for the best taste and maximum nutrient content. Add ice if you prefer it cold.

Unstrained juice provides fibre.

The celery pulp will be separated if you use a juicer rather than a blender. But remember- this pulp is rich in fibre and will make you feel full afterwards.

To maximise the fibre content, serve the juice with the pulp and don’t separate it. Your body (and your bowels) will notice the difference.

Why Cold-Pressed Juice?

If you do use a juicer, cold-pressed is best. Cold-pressed juicing involves using hydraulic pressure to extract juice without using high heat as centrifugal juicers do. This gentle extraction process helps preserve celery’s natural enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Cold-pressed celery juice also has a fresher and more vibrant taste than other methods.

What does celery juice taste like?

Celery has a distinctive earthy and somewhat bitter taste. It carries a unique “green” flavour profile and can be an acquired taste for first-timers. Some people find the taste quite solid and assertive, while others may perceive the flavour to be milder.

I recommend buying fresh, organic celery for the best flavour. It’s always worth spending a little more at your local health food store, or you’ll pay the price when it comes to taste.

How to enhance the flavour of celery juice

To make celery juice more palatable, add other ingredients like lemon, lime, apple, or even a tiny amount of honey to enhance sweetness. Experimenting with different combinations can help you find a taste that suits your preferences.

Pay attention to your body.

If you take up William’s daily juicing ritual and experience any allergic reactions or digestive issues, it’s advisable to stop consuming celery juice and seek medical advice.

Ultimately, listen to your body, pay attention to adverse reactions, and make choices that align with your overall well-being.

If you have concerns or specific health conditions, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Other Healthy Juices You Might Like

Check out our recipes for Aloe Vera Juice and Cucumber Juice for other healthy green juices.