The Rising Popularity of 16 oz Celery Juice
Celery juice has become an increasingly popular health trend in recent years. Advocates claim drinking 16 ounces of fresh celery juice on an empty stomach each morning can provide a variety of health benefits. But where did this celery juice craze come from, and is it really as healthy as some claim? Let's take a closer look.
The Origins of Celery Juice
The concept of drinking pure celery juice for health benefits is often attributed to Anthony William, author of the books "Medical Medium Celery Juice: The Most Powerful Medicine of Our Time Healing Millions Worldwide" and "Celery Juice: The Most Powerful Medicine of Our Time Healing Millions Worldwide."
William claims he received information about celery juice through a process called "medical mediumship" from a divine spirit he calls Spirit of Compassion. Through this spirit, William says he learned celery juice contains undiscovered cluster salts that have powerful healing abilities when consumed in juice form.
While William may have popularized celery juice, drinking vegetable juices for health and vitality has been around for decades. Juice cleansing became popular in the 1930s and 1940s when health enthusiasts like Norman Walker began touting the benefits of raw, pressed vegetable juices.
The Proposed Benefits of 16 oz Celery Juice
William and other celery juice proponents say drinking 16 ounces of celery juice on an empty stomach can provide the following benefits:
- Lowers inflammation
- Aids digestion and gut health
- Detoxifies the body
- Boosts energy and mental clarity
- Improves skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis
- Helps balance pH levels
- Kills off pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi
- Contains antioxidants that fight free radical damage
- Protects liver health
- Hydrates the body
- Lessens symptoms of autoimmune conditions
- Fights chronic illnesses like Lyme disease and fibromyalgia
With such an extensive list of purported benefits, it's no wonder people have embraced celery juicing. However, many health experts remain skeptical about these wide-ranging health claims.
Evaluating the Potential Benefits of 16 oz Celery Juice
When looking at the suggested benefits of celery juice, it's important to separate fact from fiction. Let's take a closer look at some of the main claims about 16 ounces of celery juice.
Claim: It lowers inflammation
This claim has some merit. Celery contains antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids. Some research indicates these antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation.
A 2015 study found celery extract reduced inflammation in mice with liver injury. Another study showed celery extract suppressed inflammatory responses in human colon cells.
Claim: It aids digestion and gut health
Celery is about 95% water and contains insoluble fiber from celery stalks. This combo makes it a diuretic that can help maintain regularity. Celery also contains some prebiotics that may serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria.
However, there's little evidence specifically showing 16 ounces of celery juice dramatically improves digestion or gut health. The fiber from juicing celery is removed, reducing its regularity benefits.
Claim: It detoxifies the body
"Detoxifying" is a vague, overused term without a medical definition. The liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract already eliminate toxins from the body. There's no evidence celery juice significantly enhances this process.
That said, celery juice is very hydrating. Staying hydrated supports kidney and liver function. Celery also contains antioxidants that may protect liver cells.
Claim: It boosts energy and mental clarity
Celery juice is mostly water, so it can provide a burst of hydration. Staying hydrated may boost temporary energy and mental sharpness.
However, celery juice contains minimal protein, fat, or carbohydrates. It won't provide sustained energy. The brain also needs adequate nutrition from protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to support focus and mental clarity, which celery juice lacks.
Claim: It improves skin conditions
Celery contains vitamins K, A, and C, plus antioxidants that may benefit skin health. However, there's little evidence drinking celery juice clears up acne, eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.
Topical creams containing celery seed extract show more promise for improving skin issues. The linoleic acid in celery may also help with dry skin when applied topically.
Claim: It helps balance pH levels
Some sources claim celery is alkaline and helps balance the body's pH levels. In fact, celery is slightly acidic with a pH around 6.0-6.5. It contains both acidic and alkaline minerals but isn't significantly alkalizing.
Your kidneys and lungs balance the body's pH levels automatically, maintaining a neutral blood pH around 7.35-7.45. Diet has a negligible effect on blood pH levels in healthy people.
Claim: It kills off pathogens
Certain compounds in celery have shown antibacterial and antifungal properties in test tube studies. However, there's no evidence consuming celery juice rids the body of viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens.
The immune system and good bacteria already work to keep pathogens under control. Furthermore, the low acid environment of the gut makes it difficult for most pathogens to survive.
Claim: It protects liver health
Animal studies show celery contains antioxidants that protect the liver and reduce liver inflammation. Additional human studies are needed to determine if consuming celery juice has the same liver-protecting effects.
There is some evidence that drinking celery juice may support liver health, but more research is needed on the direct effects of celery juice consumption.
Potential Downsides of 16 oz Celery Juice
For most people, drinking daily celery juice is safe and may provide some benefits. However, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Nutritionally imbalanced - Celery juice lacks protein, fat, fiber, and many vitamins and minerals. It shouldn't replace whole fruits and vegetables.
- High in sodium - Celery contains naturally occurring sodium. 16 ounces can have over 500mg of sodium.
- May trigger reactions - Celery contains low levels of salicylates that may trigger reactions in those with sensitivities.
- High oxalate content - Celery contains oxalates. Those prone to kidney stones should moderate intake.
- Missing valuable fiber - Juicing removes insoluble fiber from celery stalks that aids digestion.
While generally safe, celery juice isn't a nutritional silver bullet. It shouldn't replace eating whole, balanced meals loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
How to Make 16 oz Celery Juice
If you want to try celery juicing, here is a simple recipe for making 16 ounces at home:
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch organic celery (about 16 ounces)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
- Wash celery thoroughly and trim off leaves or dried ends.
- Run celery through a juicer according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Pour juice into a glass. Add lemon/lime juice if desired.
- Drink immediately, ideally on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
You can also add a dash of Himalayan or sea salt to help balance the mineral content, but avoid over-salting.
Tips
- Save pulp for adding to
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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