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Cray cray for celery
Do you like celery? Hands down, it’s a great food choice. It’s a nutrient dense, low calorie vegetable that is an excellent source of Vitamin K, folate, potassium and Vitamin B5 and a range of antioxidants. It is also a good source of dietary fibre, however the fibre isn’t available if you only drink the juice 😊.
What is the celery juice craze all about?
Claims from Anthony Williams who kick-started the craze, is that the juice of the celery contains healing salts that aren’t available in the required amounts from the whole celery. Williams is a medical medium with no nutritional or medical training. He claims that these cluster salts provide intense cleansing and healing properties that have cured chronic illness.
What does the research tell us?
Well, it’s weak at best. There does not appear to be scientific studies to support the concept of healing salts that are only available when the plant is broken down. I have not read Williams book however he does not refer to any research studies on his website. Consumption of celery has been associated with reduced blood pressure and animal studies on celery leaf extract and celery seed extract have also shown positive health benefits, however these studies do not explore the potential benefits of juicing celery.
It's endorsed by celebrities
What about the celebs and members of the general public who are claiming it has changed their life and cured their ailments?! Perhaps their diet was low in the nutrients contained in celery. Perhaps they also replaced highly refined, processed food items with celery juice or reduced their (excess) calorie intake in general.
Should we all get on board?
We’ve lived through the kale craze, the coconut oil craze and the coconut water craze to name a few. All of these food sources are healthy in my opinion and I consume them, but as part of a healthy, varied diet. Kale and coconut do not suit all constitutions and not everyone should eat them. Same goes for celery. Celery is quite high in FODMAPs so can affect people with IBS and should not be consumed in large quantities by people on anticoagulant drugs due to its vitamin K content.
Is the celery juice movement here to stay?
The word craze, by definition, means that it will come and go. However, celery is a healthy choice so if it makes you feel good, then sip away. Just don’t miss out on other important nutrients and fibre rich foods by filling up on celery juice. Add it to a smoothie with other fruits and veg or dip it in some nut butter for a protein and fibre rich snack. Our bodies need a variety of brightly coloured vegies and fruits to deliver a range of antioxidants to function optimally and food in its whole state is always best.
So back to my original question, do you even like celery, or are you are looking to heal chronic disease or look 10 years younger? That, I am afraid, may end in disappointment!
