Is Celery Juice Really As Healthy As You Think?

Among the surge of 'green smoothie' recipes that have populated the internet in the past few years, one green trend stands out for its eye-popping health claims. The celery juice movement, which was first promoted by self-styled 'Medical Medium' Anthony William, involves drinking 16 ounces of celery juice on an empty stomach every day. Those who faithfully follow the regimen are promised life-changing health improvements which can include everything from digestive issues and migraines, to skin conditions and autoimmune diseases (via Medical Medium). And, according to testimonials from many who have tried the regimen, there have been many positive health outcomes.

But before you get your hopes up too high, take the claims with a grain of salt, or maybe sodium since 16 ounces of celery juice contains 430 milligrams of sodium, which is almost one-fifth of the 2300 milligrams that's recommended per day (via Healthline).

It's true that celery contains a host of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pediatrician and rheumatologist Gabriella Safdieh, M.D., says "Fresh celery provides a source of vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate, manganese, calcium, riboflavin, magnesium, and vitamin B6" (via Parsley Health). All of these are important to overall health. Also, celery, being mostly water, is hydrating, low in sugar and low in calories. In its whole form, it also offers some fiber. There are no arguments about celery being an excellent addition to a healthy diet. 

The controversy is in the claim that celery juice is basically a cure-all. Although celery does contain potent antioxidants which have been shown to reduce inflammation, and antioxidant-rich diets are known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, it's a leap of faith and logic to then deduce that celery juice can single-handedly be responsible for curing a host of diseases. Abby Van Voorhees, M.D., National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) Medical Board Chair, said in an article by The National Psoriasis Foundation, "There's not a whole lot of medical evidence for what is being said about celery juice. It won't hurt anybody to drink celery juice. I just don't know if it's going to make anything better."

Want to see if celery juice can make a difference in your health? Go right ahead. Just don't set your expectations too high.