Just another health fad - or the elixir of life?
"A quick Google search will tell you that celery juice detoxifies your body, is good for your bones and can apparently even ‘change your life’. And with every second person jumping on the bandwagon, you might be wondering if you should, too.
So which is it - a silly superfood or a miracle cure? Here’s the answer…Celery has got a lot going for it.
For just 100 grams, you’ve got yourself a small dose of Vitamin A for healthy eyes, Vitamin C to support your immune system, Vitamin K which plays an important role in blood clotting and folate which is key for mums-to-be. Plus, you’ll get a small boost of fiber. And all of that costs you just 15 calories and virtually no fat.
“Heal”, “restore” and “detox” are just some of the buzz words associated with the celery juice fad. But let me tell you – there’s no one single food that will cure all of your health woes, so don’t be fooled by these emotive words.
What’s more, when you juice celery (or any other fruit or veg for that matter), you’re removing much of the fiber content. That’s not a good thing, as fiber is key for a healthy digestive system and can also help to keep you feeling full.
Generally speaking, there’s limited scientific evidence to show that celery juice is responsible for the raft of fanciful claims you’ve seen all over your news feed. But, for some, it might be helpful in easing water retention.
It should also be pointed out the trend was not founded by a medical doctor, or a healthcare professional of any kind.
So, my verdict? Celery juice is simply not the magical elixir that it's made out to be – and if you’re forgoing medical intervention because celery juice ‘heals all’, that’s a real worry. But, if it’s worked for you and you enjoy it, celery juice probably isn’t going to hurt you. Plus, it’s a good alternative to sugary soft drink and cordial.
At the end of the day, eating celery as part of a varied, balanced diet is a great thing to do. But I don’t think you need to guzzle down liters upon liters of its juice. What’s far more important is that you’ve got healthy eating basics down pat – because one healthy food in an otherwise unhealthy diet isn’t going to win you any points."
**Melissa Meier is a Sydney-based Accredited Practicing Dietitian.**
For just 100 grams, you’ve got yourself a small dose of Vitamin A for healthy eyes, Vitamin C to support your immune system, Vitamin K which plays an important role in blood clotting and folate which is key for mums-to-be. Plus, you’ll get a small boost of fiber. And all of that costs you just 15 calories and virtually no fat.
“Heal”, “restore” and “detox” are just some of the buzz words associated with the celery juice fad. But let me tell you – there’s no one single food that will cure all of your health woes, so don’t be fooled by these emotive words.
What’s more, when you juice celery (or any other fruit or veg for that matter), you’re removing much of the fiber content. That’s not a good thing, as fiber is key for a healthy digestive system and can also help to keep you feeling full.
Generally speaking, there’s limited scientific evidence to show that celery juice is responsible for the raft of fanciful claims you’ve seen all over your news feed. But, for some, it might be helpful in easing water retention.
It should also be pointed out the trend was not founded by a medical doctor, or a healthcare professional of any kind.
So, my verdict? Celery juice is simply not the magical elixir that it's made out to be – and if you’re forgoing medical intervention because celery juice ‘heals all’, that’s a real worry. But, if it’s worked for you and you enjoy it, celery juice probably isn’t going to hurt you. Plus, it’s a good alternative to sugary soft drink and cordial.
At the end of the day, eating celery as part of a varied, balanced diet is a great thing to do. But I don’t think you need to guzzle down liters upon liters of its juice. What’s far more important is that you’ve got healthy eating basics down pat – because one healthy food in an otherwise unhealthy diet isn’t going to win you any points."
**Melissa Meier is a Sydney-based Accredited Practicing Dietitian.**
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