Celery juice like the name implies is the juice squeezed from celery vegetable. There are many benefits associated with juicing versus eating the vegetable whole.
Listed below are 10 health benefits associated with celery juice Nigerian women should be enjoying:
1. High in Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a micronutrient that is essential for your immune system. It is also involved in many bodily functions such as the formation of collagen, absorption of Iron and, maintenance of cartilage, bone, and teeth. Consuming regulated amounts of Vitamin C can reduce the risk of chronic disease by boosting the immune system.
2. Contains high anti-inflammatory effects
Diseases like arthritis, heart disease, acne, and eczema are caused by inflammation. Celery is heavily loaded with polysaccharides, antioxidants, and phytosterol which are key elements in eliminating free radicals in the body that can cause inflammation, hence the anti-inflammatory effect.
3. High in Vitamin K
As women age, they lose bone mass. An imbalance of hormones prompted by menopause in women causes osteoporosis, the deterioration of bone mass. Both aging and imbalance of hormones promote weak and brittle bones in adults. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in blood clotting, bone metabolism and regulating blood calcium levels. Vitamin K promotes bone and heart health.
4. Can aid in weight loss
Celery juice is low in calories and contains the necessary vitamins and minerals to regulate fat production. It is also nutrient dense as it provides, antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals with very little calories. In order to enjoy the full benefits, it is recommended that you drink celery juice in the morning on an empty stomach, it allows for superlative digestion and absorption.
5. Improves digestion and cures bloating
Salt causes the body to retain water, especially in the abdominal area, this in return induces bloating. Celery juice has diuretic properties as it promotes diuresis, the increased production of urine, and excretion of salt. The excretion of salt and water decreases bloating, resulting in a healthy functioning digestive system.
6. Promotes a healthy heart
Consumption of celery juice can prevent stroke, plaque buildup in arteries, and hypertension. Hypertension may increase the risk for coronary heart disease but the high amount of Vitamin K and Calcium in celery juice has antihypertensive properties. The antihypertensive properties trigger a muscle relaxant effect which can control blood pressure.
7. Prevents liver disease
There are more than 500 vital functions associated with the liver. It is an important organ in the body that aids in bile production, excretion of cholesterol, drugs, and hormones, it also metabolizes fat and proteins. Alcohol hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, Hepatitis B and C are all diseases that affect the liver and can promote liver failure. Regular consumption of celery juice can protect liver health and prevent these liver diseases.
8. Reduces the risk of cancer
Celery juice contains bioactive flavonoids. Flavonoid is a phytochemical found in plants that act as an antioxidant in the human body. Along with reducing the risk of cancer, bioactive flavonoids also reduce the risk of numerous cardiovascular disease.
9. Helps prevent Urinary tract infections (UTI’s)
Celery Juice helps increase urine production and decreases uric acid. High levels of uric acid are known as Hyperuricemia and can generate diseases like gout, and kidney failure. Gout results in painful joints that accumulate urate crystals. Drinking Celery juice can prevent bacterial infections in the digestive tract and reproductive organs.
10. Purifies and detoxifies the bloodstream
Celery Juice has detoxifying properties and contains coumarin which promotes the activity of white blood cells and assists the vascular system. The sodium found in celery maintains the fluidity of the blood, it prevents blood from thickening. As stated earlier Vitamin A, K, C, iron, and magnesium are all properties found in celery juice. These are vitamins and minerals that combine together and help nourish the red blood cells in the body. In return, this can help those who suffer from anemia, and arthritis.
Take Away
According to research, consuming celery juice improve the function of the digestive tract. It works as a natural laxative, and it can also help relax nerves that are sometimes damaged due to unhealthy lifestyle and food choices. This is what happens when you drink celery juice everyday.
You will also enjoy a healthy hair growth and improved hair texture by drinking celery juice daily because it comprises of a high amount of water and vitamin A. Both are great for your hair, it keeps your scalp hydrated and cures dandruff, and also nourishes the roots and strands.
Nigerian women should know that this healthy juice may cause extra bloating in someone who has a highly toxic digestive tract and has a lot of rotting, undigested food in their digestive tract. But over time, if the person continues to drink celery juice, their digestive tract will become less toxic and their bloating will start to disappear. This is what happens if you drink celery juice for a month.
You may ask, “When is the best time to drink celery juice?”
You can drink celery juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach before eating and the second in the late afternoon or early evening, at least fifteen to thirty minutes before eating your next meal.
Celery is known to remove toxins, wastes, and contaminants from your body. Studies have shown that regular consumption of celery can help protect kidney health and prevent kidney disease. Celery juice is good for your kidneys.
You should know that too much celery juice is bad for you. Drink in moderation. consuming too much celery can actually increase levels of toxicity in the blood. Celery contains compounds called psoralens which create sunlight sensitivity that can cause severe, blistering burns.
Celery juice is good for your skin. The healthy juice comprises mostly water and may help hydrate your skin. Drinking enough fluids throughout the day helps maintain hydration levels to keep your skin cells well maintained. When you are dehydrated, your skin may start to look dull, which enhances fine lines and wrinkles.
Celery juice works best on it’s own. Adding any other ingredients to the juice will dilute its medicinal properties. You don’t have to combine lemons with celery juice.
Side Effects
Some people may be allergic to celery which can cause a range of symptoms, including skin reactions, digestive upset, and respiratory problems.
In rare cases, people with celery allergy may experience the potentially deadly allergic reaction anaphylaxis.
Anyone who experiences any of the following symptoms of anaphylaxis should seek urgent medical treatment:
Difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal pain, rapid heartbeat, fainting or dizziness, cardiac arrest, tightness within the throat, low blood pressure and swelling.
Celery contains about 30 milligrams of sodium per 1 medium (40 g) stalk. This means women must be mindful of how much sodium they consume, as a high sodium diet may increase blood pressure and cause fluid retention, both of which may lead to more severe health issues.