We all know that fresh fruits and veggies are a staple of good health, but sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the trends and all the strange new fruits being touted as the new must-have of the week.
And amid all the glamour of the latest miracle berries or grains or vegetables, sometimes we forget that the ordinary veggies we pass by every day at the grocery store, the humble ones that don't get a lot of press, but actually have so much to offer.
Today's humble vegetable? Celery.
Celery is a common ingredient in lots of dishes, but not everyone likes gnawing on the raw stalks with all those strings that get caught in your teeth.
So to get all that celery has to offer (which is a lot!), try juicing it. That way you get all the benefits and don't have to pick celery strings out of your teeth!
And if you don't like the taste, you can always mix in some other, sweeter fruits or vegetables to make a juice blend that's a little more palatable.
Just like the equally ordinary cranberry juice, which is also chock full of health benefits, celery juice is great for all parts of your body. It might sound weird, but check out some of the benefits below and give it a try!
How Do I Make Celery Juice?
It's simple: buy some celery and juice it! If you don't have a juicer, you can also do it in a blender with some water to thin it out. A blender will also get you the fiber, too!
Look for celery stalks that are firm and dark green, as they'll be richer in nutrients. And you can juice the leaves, too!
If the taste of celery isn't your thing, try sweetening it with apples, carrots, or any other fruits or veggies.
So what can celery juice do for you?
Celery Juice Benefit #1: It's Super Hydrating
Instead of chugging a sugary energy drink after a workout, try some celery juice.
It's full of vitamins like A, B1, B2, B6, and C, as well as folic acid, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, and sodium.
It's also full of water, so it's a great post-workout, or just post-long day, drink, and helps your body replace any electrolytes lost during the day.
Celery Juice Benefit #2: It's Anti-Inflammatory
Celery is great for reducing inflammation in the body, which can lead to health issues like arthritis and gout.
That's because it's full of luteolin and polyacetylenes, both of which are antioxidants that soothe the body and reduce inflammation.
Blend the celery with carrots, parsley and fennel for an extra dose of antioxidants.
Celery Juice Benefit #3: It's A Diuretic
Celery juice is great if you're looking to flush our your body, and is great for cleaning out your kidneys.
If you're feeling bloated or like you're retaining water, celery juice will help flush it out.
Celery Juice Benefit #4: It Helps With Digestion
The fiber in celery juice is great for digestion. Fiber clears out the intestines and bowel, and can help with constipation.
If you feel blocked up, try sipping a glass of celery juice with the fiber included — this is why using a blender is a good idea, over a juicer.
It will give your body a dose of fiber and help…move things along.
Celery Juice Benefit #5: Prevents Kidney And Gall Stones
Besides being great for cleansing the kidneys, celery juice is also great for both treating and preventing kidney and gall stones.
Regularly cleansing out the kidneys prevents them from forming, and celery juice is a great way to ease a kidney stone out of the body.
Celery Juice Benefit #6: Lowers Blood Pressure And Cholesterol
Celery's properties include a nutrient called phthalide, which relaxes the smooth muscles in the arteries.
Celery juice relaxes the muscles inside the arteries, which lowers blood pressure.
Celery also contains coumarins that reduce cortisol levels, which strain the circulatory system. Antioxidants also prevent cell damage to the blood vessels.
Celery Juice Benefit #7: Helps Soothe Headaches
Getting enough water and nutrients to the brain is crucial for soothing headaches, most of which are caused by dehydration and stress.
Celery juice delivers a calming wave of electrolytes, nutrients, and, of course, water to the body, and help calm an aching head.
Celery Juice Benefit #8: It Boosts Skin Health
Celery contains Vitamin K, which is great for maintaining skin's firmness. It's also full of A, B, and C, vitamins, all of which play roles in skin health.
On top of that, the antioxidants provide anti-aging benefits for a healthy glow.
Celery Juice Benefit #9: It Helps You Sleep
Because celery has relaxant properties and may lower cortisol levels, that also means it will help you get to sleep more easily.
It also contains magnesium, which is known for its calming effects, and is often suggested to people with magnesium deficiencies.
Would you try celery juice? If you have, what's your favorite way to prepare it? Or will you stick to munching on stalks?
Let us know in the comments, and SHARE the benefits of this super-vegetable with everyone you know!
