Everyone’s talking about celery juice, especially after Amanda Seyfried’s recent appearance in Vogue Beauty Secrets, where she praised the sharp-tasting drink. This surge in popularity prompts the question: does celery juice live up to the growing hype surrounding it?

Initially touted in the 1990s diet culture, celery was labelled a “negative calorie” food—suggesting it expends more energy to digest than it provides in calories. However, this notion has since been debunked. While celery is indeed low in calories and can contribute to a healthy diet, the idea that it offers a caloric deficit upon consumption is a myth. Even though celery has a thermic effect—ranging around 8%—this is far from the 100% needed to classify it as negative calorically.

Despite its widespread acceptance among wellness influencers and celebrities, including the likes of Anthony William, known as ‘the Medical Medium’, the scientific support for the extravagant claims made about celery juice is limited. Advocates highlight potential benefits such as low sugar content—around 3 grams per cup—and antioxidant properties that might help alleviate inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. However, experts caution that the majority of these assertions lack robust scientific validation.

An article from CNN underscores this viewpoint by stating that while celery does contain beneficial flavonoids and serves as a low-calorie snack, the health claims made about drinking celery juice are often overstated. Just because a celebrity endorses a product doesn’t guarantee its efficacy; no single food or beverage can significantly alter one’s health or remedy ailments.

Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the benefits lost during the juicing process, which strips away much of the fibre and essential nutrients present in whole celery. This is particularly concerning for health professionals, who warn against developing distorted views on food, which can occur when individuals focus too heavily on a single ingredient.

In summary, while celery juice may offer some health benefits and can serve as a refreshing low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks, it appears insufficiently supported by science to warrant its acclaim as a miracle health tonic. As many health experts advise, a balanced diet incorporating a variety of whole foods remains the best approach to wellness.

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Source: Noah Wire Services