Benefits of Celery Juice – There is a myriad of benefits of celery juice for the health of the body that can be obtained. Not only does it help you lose weight, but consuming celery juice is also beneficial for increasing endurance and maintaining the health of the digestive tract.
Celery is a type of vegetable that is generally used as a flavor and aroma enhancer in dishes, such as soup. However, recently, consuming celery juice is popular because it is believed to have some benefits that are no less important than other juices.
Nutritional Content
1 serving of celery juice (227 grams) contains about 43 calories and the following nutrients:
- 2 grams of protein
- 9 grams of carbohydrates
- 4 grams of fiber
- 3 grams of sugar
- 215 milligrams sodium
In addition to the various nutrients above, celery juice also contains calcium, magnesium, zinc (zinc), copper, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin K, as well as various types of antioxidants, including beta carotene and flavonoids.
Benefits for Body Health
1. Lose weight
Consuming celery juice is known to help you lose weight. This is because celery contains high fiber so it can have a longer full effect.
Even though it claims to be able to lose weight, that doesn’t mean you can only rely on celery juice to lose weight healthily and effectively. You also have to eat healthy and balanced nutritious food and exercise regularly.
2. Increase endurance
Vitamin C contained in celery juice acts as an antioxidant that can increase endurance. Not only that, but vitamin C in celery juice also functions to speed up the wound healing process.
3. Maintain the health of the digestive tract
The high fiber content in celery juice makes this drink very good for consumption to maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Not only can it overcome and prevent constipation, but celery juice is known to also act as a prebiotic which provides food for good bacteria in the intestines.
4. Reducing menstrual pain
Complaints that are often experienced by women during menstruation are pain and cramps that are clear or during menstruation. According to a study, consuming lots of fruits and vegetables, including celery juice, is believed to be able to reduce pain during menstruation.
5. Reducing the risk of cancer
The next benefit of celery juice that is no less important is that it can reduce the risk of developing cancer. This happens thanks to the high content of antioxidants in celery juice which can prevent damage to body cells due to exposure to free radicals. It is free radicals that contribute to the emergence of cancer.
In addition to the various benefits above, celery juice is also known to help control blood sugar while lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, making it useful for reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Even though it is believed to have a myriad of benefits, the various benefits of celery juice still need further research to ensure its effectiveness and safe dosage.
In addition, celery juice also contains a chemical called psoralen. These ingredients are known to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and can increase the risk of developing skin problems. Therefore, you are not advised to drink excessive amounts of celery juice.
Although sufficient consumption of celery juice is still relatively safe to do, it is recommended that you first consult with your doctor to ensure safety. Especially if you have certain medical conditions or plan to consume celery juice as an alternative treatment.
Side Effects
Both celery and celery juice can cause some side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some side effects of celery juice if consumed in excess:
1. Increases hunger
When making celery juice, the fiber contained in celery will be lost during the manufacturing process. When your fiber intake decreases, you tend to feel more hungry. This is because fiber can help keep your stomach full longer.
2. Causes digestive problems
Drinking celery juice can cause indigestion. Celery contains mannitol, which can cause diarrhea. Mannitol can draw water into the digestive tract and can cause diarrhea.
3. Causes hypertension
Sodium is known to be a contributing factor to high blood pressure. While celery contains sodium in large quantities in it. High sodium content can trigger high blood pressure. Therefore, you should avoid drinking too much celery juice.
4. May interact with medications
Celery contains vitamin K, which can help contribute to the blood clotting process. Therefore, if you are taking medication with blood thinners, you should limit or avoid consuming celery juice.
5. Contains the chemical psoralen
Celery contains the chemical psoralen, which reacts to sunlight. In rare cases, eating high amounts of celery and other foods high in psoralen can increase the skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Other effects include increasing the risk of dermatitis, sun damage, and photoaging.
For people who are very sensitive to psoralen, eating foods high in psoralen can cause skin irritation.
6. Is a food allergen
Some people may have an allergy to celery, which can cause a variety of symptoms. For example skin reactions, digestive disorders, and respiratory problems.
In rare cases, a person who is allergic to celery may experience an anaphylactic allergic reaction which can be life-threatening. The following are symptoms of anaphylaxis that must be treated medically:
- It’s hard to breathe.
- Hives or swelling.
- Throat tightness.
- Hoarseness.
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Stomach ache.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Low blood pressure.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Heart failure.
Celery does contain many important nutrients that are believed to be beneficial for the health of the body. However, several studies have also investigated that celery juice may cause side effects.
People who have allergies or are sensitive to celery should avoid consuming this plant. Those who are reducing their sodium intake should also watch their total intake for all foods, including celery.
