^{by Sharon Quercioli}

It’s that time of the year when the weather is changing, flowers and crops are in bloom, and I start looking for ways to stay healthy and cool at the same time. While keeping my ears tuned into the latest food trends, I’ve noticed that celery has been on the tips of everyone’s tongues and disappearing from grocery stores. So, let’s talk about this fascinating vegetable, shall we?

The Miracle of Celery Juice?
Celery is a great source of flavonoids, fiber, vitamins C and K, potassium and folate. There have been studies that conclude celery may help against liver disease and cancer, that it can boost cardiovascular health, and reduce inflammation. It also improves digestion, lessens bloating, sustains energy, improves mental clarity, and stabilizes moods, just to name a few.

The studies show that celery can aid in weight loss because of its low sugar content, high dose of fiber and low caloric content. I try to drink 16 ounces of celery juice every morning on an empty stomach. I love how I feel, and, when I miss a day, my body just screams for more! It really has made a difference in how I feel.

According to the Medical Medium, Anthony William, it helps to counteract acidosis, purify the bloodstream, aid in digestion, prevent migraines, relax the nerves, reduce blood pressure and clear up skin problems. Don’t let the simplicity of humble celery mask its strength.

The Pros about Celery Juice

Celery juice also increases your body’s ability to break down protein and fat. Often, the protein and fat we eat go undigested in our stomach and just sits there to rot. This is what causes bloating and many other digestive issues, and celery works to break down that undigested food.

Celery is filled with fiber and all the good things that celery can offer you. Not to mention, it is easy to do! When you juice most vegetables and fruits, you need a juicer, which you can get (a decent one) for under $100. According to the Medical Medium, the best type of juicer for celery is a cold press masticating juicer, as opposed to centrifugal juicers. 

So you have another option … you can just use a blender or emulsifier. Then pour the contents into a cheese cloth (held over a glass). Squeeze the pulp in the cheesecloth to get out as much juice as possible, then you can either:

• Use the pulp in soup (freeze it in an ice cube tray for later use)
• Throw it in your compost bin
• Or use it in veggie burgers or fritters

The Cons about Celery Juice

Just like with any other fruit/vegetable diet or with any other change in your diet, there are cons that you’ll have to get used to. You may need to stay close to the bathroom at first! Some who have tried the diet have stated that it gave them gastro-intestinal upset for the first few days. I did not have that problem. It may have been the fiber content or the fact that they were adding something drastically new to their diet. For most, that discomfort only lasted for a short time. 

In addition, don’t be surprised if your first experience tastes salty. That should change as your taste buds become more familiar.

What About Incorporating Celery into Your Diet in a Sustainable Way?

If you’re having trouble incorporating celery into your diet, I would like to share with you, my favorite celery recipes.

Celery Juice
If you try the celery juice for a week and end up liking it, by all means, continue to have a glass each morning. Luckily, it’s easy to make. The classic Celery Juice consists of organic celery. That’s it. 

Directions:

1. Take two bunches of organic celery. Wash them and cut them into sections that will fit well into your juicier. One package of celery will make 16 oz of juice.
2. Serve the juice and enjoy all the health benefits. 

Celery, Fennel, and Pomegranate Salad

What You’re Going to Need:

• Three (bulbs) of fennel, cut thin

• Five (stalks) of celery, also cut thin, and diagonally 

• A shallot, also thinly sliced (rings)

• A half of a cup of parsley, chopped coarsely (don’t spend too much time on them)

• A fourth of a cup of celery leaves

• A fourth of a cup of lime juice

• A fourth of a cup of olive oil

• A half of a cup of pomegranate seeds (you’ll need to divide it in half)

What You Need to Do with Those Things:

1. Toss the celery, fennel, shallot, celery leaves, parsley, and half of the pomegranate seeds in a bowl. 
2. Drizzle the mixture with the lime juice and oil. Stir until it’s all coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve with the rest of the pomegranate seeds.

Thai Celery Salad
What You’re Going to Need:

• A couple of tablespoons of lime juice
• A couple of tablespoons of avocado oil
• A couple of teaspoons of fish sauce
• Five celery stalks, sliced diagonally and thinly
• Three scallions, sliced thinly
• A red chili, also sliced thinly
• A cup of cilantro leaves
• A fourth of a cup of peanuts, salted and roasted

What You Need to Do with Those Things:

1. Whisk all the wet ingredients together (lime juice, avocado oil, fish sauce).
2. Toss all the dry ingredients together, then drizzle with the dressing mixture.
3. Serve immediately.