What's the science behind this latest celery extract fad?

I recently saw that drinking celery juice was recommended as if it were a new discovery. But when I was gathering information about nutrients for a healthy liver, I noticed that there was mention of the unique salt cluster present in celery that is especially beneficial for human health. I didn't know about this.

This latest fad involves drinking celery extract for breakfast and not eating anything for half an hour. Then, you go about your day as normal. According to some people who practice it, they feel less bloated and more energy. Some people even say they have lost a little weight.

But we have known about celery extract for a long time, so what's new?

Celery is known to be native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East. There is evidence that humans were transporting celery seeds throughout the known world as early as 4000 BC, with findings found as far away as Switzerland and its surrounding areas, as well as China, India, Egypt and Rome. Throughout history it has had a number of uses, including medicinal uses in the form of seed extract to relieve pain, arthritis and gout.

The celery we know today was not always like this. Until the 17th century, celery had a much more sour taste and was hollow inside. It was in Italy that the more solid celery was developed, with the sweeter and milder taste we know today. ( 1 )

Aside from the fact that just one stalk of celery provides 25% of the daily requirement of vitamin K, 5% of the daily requirement of vitamin A, folate and potassium; smaller amounts of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin B complex are found. In addition, a full gram of fiber is found per stalk of celery.

Celery is rich in phytonutrients, flavonoids, and electrolytes. Electrolytes are chemicals in water that are essential for our bodily functions. They help hydrate the body, maintain healthy blood pressure, repair tissue, and keep muscles and nerves working efficiently.

One of those electrolytes is sodium, and here's the news: There is currently a stir in the United States promoting celery extract as a cure-all medicine.

The concept of celery curing all comes from medical medium Anthony William who has been preaching this for the past 20 years. ( 2 )

Although Mr. William is not a licensed physician or health care professional, he has earned quite a reputation in the health and wellness world. Since the age of 4 he had heard a very clear voice in his right ear. He calls this voice “Spirit.” From there, Spirit has been guiding him to listen to people to see what is wrong with their bodies. William calls himself a Medical Medium because he is guided by Spirit and it was at the age of 4 that he diagnosed his grandmother with lung cancer which doctors would later confirm. He has written 5 New York Times “best-selling” books and has acquired a wide fan base of devotees to his work such as actress Gwyneth Paltrow, singer Pharell Williams and actor Robert de Niro.

As for celery, at the age of 8, William received the message to drink celery extract without adding anything. From that moment on, he and the people he treats have received great benefits. “16 ounces (a large glass) of pure celery extract can change a person’s life,” he told the Extra program: https://youtu.be/MklG7RZ3csQ

To get the full benefits of celery juice, William advises that the celery be juiced (without pulp) and taken straight (without adding ANYTHING, not even ice). This large glass of juice should be taken on an empty stomach and at least half an hour before breakfast.

William uses celery juice to treat many conditions. It helps with digestive problems, constipation, gas, stomach inflammation, reflux, acne, sinusitis, urinary tract infection, Lyme disease, and even ADHD.

The scientific basis of celery as a miracle tonic

There are no scientific studies to corroborate these effects. According to William, “there are sub-groups of sodium in celery (which science has not yet been able to isolate) that are not just salt. They are called salt conglomerates that scientists have not yet been able to break down. These sub-groups of salt conglomerates have the ability to fight pathogens.”

Pathogens would be bacteria, viruses or microorganisms that cause a wide range of digestive problems, as well as urinary tract infections, to acne.

Because these claims are not medically proven, some nutritionists and health professionals are skeptical that celery juice is a panacea. According to nutritionist Rachel Goodman , “When it comes to food choices, we tend to fixate on one food or drink that will solve our health problems because there is really no ONE nutrient that cures everything. We must consider lifestyle and cultivate healthy behaviors to achieve optimal health. If you enjoy celery juice, then make it part of a healthy eating pattern, but it should be just one component of a broader spectrum and not replace the consumption of other fruits and vegetables.”

The proven benefits of celery so far

1. You can participate in cancer treatment

Celery is rich in antioxidants that help eliminate cancer-promoting free radicals in cells. In fact, celery seed extract has been studied for its two anti-cancer components, apigenin and luteolin, which eliminate free radicals from the body and promote the destruction of cancer cells. It also appears to promote autophagy, a body mechanism that removes old cells or useless elements from them, thus helping to prevent disease.

2. It should reduce inflammation associated with chronic disease

Celery seed extracts have been used for their anti-inflammatory properties. Some research claims that celery seed extract is as effective as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen in treating arthritis symptoms and may even have a pain-reducing effect.

A study conducted by the University of Illinois in 2008 found that luteolin present in celery can significantly reduce brain inflammation and may also have the potential to treat degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. ( 3 )

This is also mentioned by Anthony William, the medical medium on his blog.( 4 )

3. Participate in reducing the risk of heart disease

A 2009 study on rats found that when given celery extract for 60 days, the animals showed a reduction in their blood lipid levels, including cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol), and triglycerides.

Another study showed that celery could reduce blood pressure, although it is considered a high-sodium vegetable. ( 5 )

The curious thing is that Anthony William says that the salt conglomerates that celery and spinach have provide the body with the hydration it needs by absorbing the mineral salts from table salt, for example, eliminating them and providing the body with the salts that are appropriate for it. ( 6 )

4. Adjuvant to preserve male fertility

A summary of 16 studies on the effect of celery on fertility found that celery has properties that act against substances that impair sperm production. ( 7 ). According to the studies, this may be because celery appears to have effects against free radicals that directly affect fertility.

5. Promotes digestive and intestinal tract health

Celery contains a high amount of fiber that increases the feeling of satiety, promoting weight loss and at the same time intestinal motility and colon cleansing. In addition, celery extract has protective effects on the gastric mucosa in experiments performed to treat stomach ulcers. Researchers concluded that this was possibly due to the antioxidant properties of celery. ( 8 )

Precautions

1. Although it is a wonderful vegetable, full of nutrients and many health benefits, you should know that if it is not organic, it is one of the vegetables that stores the most pesticides. Pesticides accumulate in the lower part of the stems, which is where it absorbs water. But this should not discourage you, conventional celery is better than nothing and if you have the possibility of getting organic celery, do not hesitate.

2. Celery fiber is insoluble, so it is difficult to digest in the intestinal tract. In other words, it is like a broom that sweeps away everything that is in its path. Although consuming enough insoluble fiber is very good for the colon, there are some cases of intestinal sensitivity in which too much fiber can cause diarrhea.

3. Although it is not common, there are isolated cases of allergy to celery. Most allergies are to celery root and the symptoms are itching and inflammation of the throat, tongue and lips. In very severe cases, the person may have an anaphylactic shock. It is very rare, but it is good for you to know.

Storing Celery

Ideally, it should be consumed within 5-7 days after purchase. In case you have forgotten your celery in the fridge without a cover or in the drawer where fresh vegetables are kept, you can do the following:

• Immerse the whole stems in water, this will restore freshness and firmness if done in time. Put the stems in water inside a glass jar and cover with a lid.
• Another option is to put the celery stalks in a wide-mouthed glass jar like a vase and leave the lid off.
• Wrap the celery stalks in a damp towel and cover with aluminum foil.

Ways to use celery

1. The most commonly used form by my family is in extract form. Celery is one of the main ingredients in green extract and I can tell you that by consuming it at least 4 times a week (ideally 7), the body becomes more alkaline, meaning it becomes an unwelcome environment for viruses and bacteria that cause infections and more. For this, you need a juicer and to pass the chosen vegetables through to obtain a fresh and ready dose of powerful nutrients. See the recipe here .

2. According to Anthony William, to get all the benefits of this vegetable, he recommends pure celery extract, that is, putting it through the juicer and filling a large glass (16oz) to obtain its nutrients. This is understandable, because, as we saw above, celery contains a lot of fiber and if it is not in extract, the body could hardly absorb all the nutrients of this vegetable. I cannot yet attest to this experiment, but my sister is already taking 16 ounces of celery extract during this month of December, so by the first days of 2020 we will be able to comment on its effects.

3. As a snack, cut into sticks to enjoy with sauces or almond butters, peanuts and more.

4. Add it to smoothies.

5. As an ingredient in salads and in the preparation of wraps.