Although few people think of celery as a nutritional powerhouse, it turns out that this innocuous stalk vegetable is good for more than sampling a fat-laden dip. And drinking celery juice delivers a wide array of health benefits, offering one of the best sources of hydration while at the same time providing powerful diuretic properties for those who need them. Loaded with nutrients, celery juice can ease the symptoms of multiple ailments. Check with a doctor before using celery juice to address health problems.
A Rich Source of Nutrients
Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch touts celery juice as a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly the B-complex vitamins as well as A, C and E. The minerals in celery juice include calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Celery juice is also a rich source of natural sodium, which differs significantly from highly processed table salt, explains nutritionist Sheryl Walters. While table salt has high levels of insoluble, inorganic compounds, the sodium in celery juice is organic, fully soluble and critical to optimal human function. This healthy form of sodium allows your body to efficiently use the other nutrients that it takes in, according to Walters.
Helps Maintain Electrolyte Balance
People who work out on a regular basis know the importance of replacing electrolytes lost through perspiration. Herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner, author of "The Natural Testosterone Plan," says that celery juice supports electrolyte balance and helps to optimize kidney function. The high level of primary electrolytes -- calcium, magnesium and potassium -- in celery juice enhances the body's electrolyte balance, while the diuretic properties of the juice promote urine flow through the kidneys, helping to optimize their filtration capacity.
Eases Symptoms of Arthritis
Citing the claims of some nutritionists that arthritis is a result of nutritional deficiencies, Amy Rost, author of "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know How," says that arthritis patients can significantly reduce their symptoms by drinking celery juice on a daily basis. Four to six stalks of celery generally yield about 8 oz. of juice. For those who find the taste of the celery juice alone somewhat unpalatable, Rost suggests adding the juice of one large or two small carrots, about 2 oz. The carrot juice makes the celery juice a bit tastier and provides additional nutrients. Consult your health-care provider before using celery juice to treat arthritis symptoms.
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Recent studies have shown that celery juice has powerful antihypertensive properties, according to Mark C. Houston, M.D. Houston cites a Chinese study in which blood pressure fell significantly in 14 of 16 hypertensives who were given celery. Another study -- this one on animals -- showed that 3-n-butyl phthalide, a component of celery oil, sharply reduced blood pressure. He suggests that patients with hypertension can help normalize their readings by consuming 8 tsp. of celery juice three times daily.
References
- "Prescription for Dietary Wellness"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2003
- NaturalNews.com: The Incredible Powers of Celery Juice
- "The Natural Testosterone Plan"; Stephen Harrod Buhner; 2007
- "Natural Healing Wisdom and Know How"; Amy Rost; 2009
- "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypertension"; Mark C. Houston, et al.; 2003
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