Lose Weight with Celery

With only 30-40 calories per cup, celery juice is a stimulating tonic and a great addition to a healthy eating diet. The reason celery is so low in calories is because of its high water content (up to 95%). All parts of the celery plant are edible. Celery was originally used for medicinal purposes to purify the blood. Fresh celery juice has a mild diuretic effect and helps curb food cravings.

Weight loss

The calories expended in chewing and digesting a piece of raw celery are the same as those contained in the celery itself (about 3 calories). In effect the body gets the sensation of fullness and the satisfaction of eating without any net calorie gain. It has been demonstrated that eating a low-calorie celery based snack once a day promotes more weight loss than not eating a snack at all. Nutritional experts agree that consuming small portions of food throughout the day can keep the body’s metabolism running at an optimal rate. A faster metabolism means that more calories are burnt. Drinking fresh celery juice is said to reduce appetite and help curb cravings for sweet high calorie foods. Taken before a meal, celery juice can be a valuable addition to a weight loss program.

Celery has proven diuretic properties. A diuretic is a compound that promotes the elimination of fluid from the body. This can lead to an accelerated metabolism promoting the breakdown of fatty deposits.

Raw celery has a high concentration of calcium in a form ready to be used by the body. This organic calcium can stimulate the endocrine system. The increased secretion of hormones such as thyroxin will promote the breakdown of fat.

Nutritional content of celery

Celery is from the same family with parsley and fennel, the Umbelliferae family. It can grow to the height of up to 16 inches. The white celery is grown shaded from direct sunlight, thus has less chlorophyll, compared to its greener counterparts.

The green leaves and stem and the bulbous root of celery are rich in compounds that make celery an important medicinal plant. There is a well balanced content of minerals, vitamins and nutrients. In addition there are important concentrations of plant hormones and essential oils. Celery leaves are high in vitamin A, whilst the stems are a good source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C, potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and essential amino acids.

Celery is rich in organic sodium, which is very different to the inorganic sodium in table salt. If the salt level in the body is not in balance, dehydration occurs. This is why celery juice is an excellent re-hydration drink.

Health benefits of celery

The medical properties of celery were first documented by the Greeks. In the middle ages celery juice was used for treating ailments such as kidney stones, constipation, menstrual problems and disorders of the liver and gall bladder.

Celery and acidity

The minerals in celery juice effectively balance the body’s blood pH, neutralizing acidity.

Celery and cancer prevention

Celery is known to contain at least 8 anti-cancer compounds. Among them are the acetylenics that have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumor cells; phenolic acids which block the action of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances that promote the growth of tumor cells; and coumarins which help prevent free radicals from damaging cells.

Celery and cholesterol reduction

Laboratory studies indicate that butyl phthalide, a chemical in celery, may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. According to researchers at the University of Chicago, celery can reduce cholesterol levels by as much as 7 points with as little as 2 stalks eaten per day. Celery also promotes increased bile acid secretion which helps to remove cholesterol from the body.

Celery and constipation

The natural laxative effect of celery helps to relieve constipation.

Diuretic properties of celery

The potassium and sodium in celery juice helps to stimulate urine production, facilitating the removal of excess body fluid.

Celery and inflammation

The polyacetylene in celery help relieve the symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis. Another powerful phytonutrient called luteolin prevents activation of a biochemical pathway that promotes inflammation in the brain. Luteolin also inhibits excess production of TNF-alpha, a direct cause of inflammation.

Celery and kidney function

Celery promotes normal kidney function by aiding the elimination of toxins from the body. It also helps prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Blood pressure reduction using celery

Studies have shown that drinking celery juice every day for 1 week can significantly help lower blood pressure. Drinking celery juice can lower blood pressure. A compound called phtalides helps relax the muscle around arteries, dilating the vessels and thus reducing pressure. Pthalides also reduce stress hormones that can cause blood vessels to constrict. Surprisingly, celery does not appear to lower blood pressure which is already lower than normal.

Celery and insomnia

The organic alkaline minerals and the essential oils in celery juice have a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting sleep.

See also: Top Juicing Tips for Weight Loss