The Newest Trend: Celery Juice

Up until recently, the only health benefit I’d heard about celery is that it is “zero” calories because the amount of energy it takes to chew it cancels out the actual calories in the vegetable. Is this true? Probably not. The point is, celery has never really been in the foodie spotlight like kale, avocados and acai have. Until now.

Celery juice is the newest health craze social media influencers are swearing by. I first heard about it through an Instagram story of one personal favorite health queens, founder of HBFIT Hannah Fallis Bronfman (@hannahbronfman). Bronfman is #skingoals and thanks celery juice for her clearer skin (was it every really not clear?). I figured I needed to do some research to see if this magical celery hype actually made sense. Here’s what I found:

BENEFITS

It’s extremely hydrating. Chances are, you’re not going to eat several stalks of celery to start your day. Having the vegetable in liquid form provides an easy way to get the same amount of hydration and electrolytes you would get from a head of celery. But I’m thinking, why not just drink water?

It has the potential to prevent cancer. Cell-based research has found that the compounds and antioxidants in whole based celery may have chemo-preventative effects.

Celery seeds appear promising. The seeds have been used to treat asthma and bronchitis, although there’s not a lot of research to back this.

Juicing gets rid of fiber. When you juice something, it’s strips away at the fiber in the fruits and vegetables you want to be consuming. Celery is normally a great source of fiber, so you're losing a major value of the vegetable. Should we be questioning juice cleanses now?

There isn’t much research. Some small scale research exists on the potential health benefits of celery in its natural form but it is unknown if these same properties equate in juice form. There’s no concrete evidence it aids in weight loss or clears skin; only some small Internet studies and anecdotes from the owners and followers of big Instagram accounts.

Before hopping on the newest health trend, it’s important to do some research. Luckily, we’ve got you covered for this one! Social media can sway us to think anything will make us feel good and look good. I’d considered incorporating celery juice into my diet although after doing some research, I’ve decided it’s not worth the time. The fiber and antioxidant qualities of celery in its natural state, however, are qualities I was unaware of before. I’m going to try out celery in my smoothies instead. How about you?