Celery juice is one of the most nutritious and hydrating juices available today. It is loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. It is rich in minerals that include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium and it also contains folic acid, essential amino acids, plant hormones and essential oils that provide a calming effect which are beneficial to the nervous system.
Here are some of the known health benefits of celery:
1. It helps to fight cancer
Celery contains eight families of compounds that help to prevent the growth of tumors and deter cancer cells from spreading.
Acetylenics, phonolic acids and coumarins are just some of the compounds in celery which are very useful in preventing the growth of tumor cells and protecting the cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. Celery is known to actively prevent the development of colon and stomach cancer.
2. It helps to lower cholesterol level.
Celery contains an active substance called butyl phthalide which helps to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body. A study conducted by the University of Chicago stated that eating two stalks of celery each day can reduce cholesterol levels by as much as 7 points.
Celery also helps to improve bile acid secretion which plays a role in the removal of cholesterol from the body.
3. It helps to improve digestion.
Celery contains fiber with special nutrients that aid in improving bowel movement. It is a natural laxative that helps to provide relief from constipation.
4. It helps to stimulate urination.
Celery juice is a powerful diuretic that contains potassium and sodium. This property works to cleanse the body from toxic substances and excess body fluids.
5. It helps to fight inflammation.
Celery is loaded with polyacetylene which helps to provide relief from inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bronchitis, asthma and gout.
A study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences U.S.A. found that celery contains luteolin, a powerful phytonutrient that prevents the body’s excessive production of TFN-alpha, a substance that can cause inflammation.
6. It helps to lower blood pressure.
Celery contains phtalides, a compound that helps to relax the muscles surrounding the arteries and dilate the blood vessels to allow blood to flow smoothly. This would result in lower blood pressure.
It also helps to reduce the body’s production of stress hormones which is one of the causes of blood vessel constriction and high blood pressure. What’s amazing about celery is the fact that it doesn’t lower blood pressure which is already low.
7. It helps to treat insomnia.
Celery contains minerals and essential oils that provide a calming effect on the nervous system. It is also high in magnesium which helps to take people into a relaxed state and bring them to sleep.
8. It helps to promote weight loss.
Drinking celery juice helps to stop people’s cravings for sweets which can trigger weight gain. Its filling effect enables you to avoid overeating and no matter how many times you drink celery juice, it won’t add any extra pounds to your weight.