There are a lot of health and fitness fads going around these days. We have also seen everything from the slimming tea craze to the obsession with apple cider vinegar. But perhaps the most underrated miracle worker is something you have probably never considered: celery juice!
You must be thinking, “Why would anyone make juice out of celery?” To answer your question, celery juice apparently has a ton of nutrients that can be beneficial to your health, on the inside and also on the outside! Without further ado, here are some of the health benefits of celery juice.
1. Nutritional value
Celery is a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It contains high levels of vitamin K and good amounts of vitamin A, vitamins B-2 and B-6, and vitamin C. Celery is also a good source of folate, potassium, manganese, pantothenic acid and dietary fibre.
2. It is an antioxidant
The celery plant and its seeds both contain chemicals that nutritionists call phytonutrients. These chemicals have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Celery is also low in calories and sugar, making it a popular choice for a quick and healthful snack.
3. Inflammation and allergies
Notably, celery contains two beneficial antioxidants. Scientists call these two compounds apigenin and luteolin. Research shows that apigenin and luteolin reduce inflammation and may help treat a range of inflammatory diseases. Celery also contains luteolin, which may help reduce inflammation for people with allergic asthma.
4. Arthritis
A 2017 study investigated whether apigenin could suppress arthritis in mice. The investigators first treated the mice with apigenin. Afterwards, the animals showed less tissue inflammation and also delayed the onset and severity of arthritis in comparison with mice that did not receive treatment. The researchers concluded that apigenin works by suppressing the immune system. It does this by interrupting the transportation and then signalling capabilities of cells that trigger inflammation.
5.Neurodegenerative diseases
Luteolin and apigenin may also offer protection against certain brain diseases. A 2013 study investigated whether luteolin could reduce inflammation and protect against neurodegeneration in rodents with diabetic encephalopathy (DE). DE refers to brain abnormalities and impaired cognitive function that may affect people with type 2 diabetes.
In the study, rats that the investigators continuously treated with luteolin had reduced brain cell damage and improved learning and memory.
A separate 2015 review also looked at the effect of different plant chemicals on rodents with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers then found that apigenin limits damage to a variety of brain processes, thereby delaying and slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s.
5. Cancer
According to a 2016 review, luteolin can halt the growth of some types of cancer cells in rodents. Luteolin may also prevent cancer cells from invading other areas of the body or ‘metastasising.’ Scientists think that it may do this is by preventing new blood vessels from growing around existing tumours.
Furthermore, studies on animals suggest that luteolin could enhance the potency of chemotherapy drugs that act on cancer cells while reducing the toxic effects of these drugs on the body.
6. High blood pressure
Some foods contain chemicals known as antihypertensives, which help to lower blood pressure. A 2013 study investigated whether the chemical 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) in celery seed extract has antihypertensive properties. Apparently, 3nB may lower blood pressure by reducing the buildup of fatty deposits within the arteries and also increasing the elasticity of artery walls.
7. Fertility
A 2016 review investigated the effects of celery on fertility in animals. Apparently, of the 16 papers the study reviewed, 13 reported that celery has a protective effect on fertility. However, the remaining three found that celery reduces fertility. The review then concluded that celery could have protective effects against substances that can damage sperm production in males.
In addition to all these amazing benefits, celery juice can also improve gut health and provide relief for eczema cases.
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