Anyone who’s health conscious knows that the term “superfood” has been bandied about on social media over the last few years and used to describe everything from açai berries to chia seeds.
But, really all the term means is that a food is packed full of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that can be beneficial to our health.
Basically, it’s a food with a concentrated amount of good stuff inside!
One such food that’s been celebrated online for having a multitude of benefits in recent years is celery juice.
Model Miranda Kerr reportedly drinks it every morning and Gwyneth Paltrow’s website, Goop, calls it a “miracle potion” – make from that what you will.
It doesn’t sound that appetising, but served ice cold it can actually be a refreshing way to start the day. But, does it actually have any health benefits or is it another fad?
Here at the Daily Star, we spoke to Dr Alona Pulde, a nutritionist who works for the leading global nutrition app, Lifesum.
She said: “Celery juice is rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals including Vitamin K, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folate and calcium.
“These nutrients contribute to heart health and blood pressure reduction, decreasing inflammation in the body, promoting immune and gut health, fighting free radicals to help protect our skin and overall hydration.
“Eating celery over drinking its juice provides the additional benefit of fibre which helps bulk up our stool and keeps it regular as well as supporting gut health by flushing out toxins. Fibre also helps us feel fuller longer, a benefit in weight loss efforts.”
And, Nutritionist Gabriela Peacock, who has worked with Prince Harry, told the Telegraph: “Celery juice has been known to have anti-inflammatory properties due to phytosterols [plant chemicals].
“So this may help those with digestive issues such as IBS.
“It also contains vitamin K, which is needed for good bone and heart health, and vitamin C for immunity and skin health.”
Alona added: “Apps like Lifesum provide tonnes of plant-based recipes and meal plans that help you to get more celery in your diet, plus a convenient veg and food tracker that allow you to track your veggie intake and see the nutritional value of your meals.”
She continued: “Celery is healthy as are all vegetables. Whether or not you include it in your diet depends on how much you like it. Not a fan? Pick another vegetable!
“And for optimal health, choose a variety of these vegetables allowing you to get a diversity of the nutrients you need.”
So – will it cure all your woes? Probably not, but if you like the taste then it’s definitely a great way to get more greens and vitamins into your diet.
And, it might just give you fabulous glowing skin to boot.