Better than green beer: Treat your body to this St. Paddy’s Day elixir

We can all have the Luck-o-the Irish this St. Patrick’s Day by enjoying something green – and full of vitamins and other micronutrients:  green juice!  This Juice Therapist is here to tell you that Celery juice has become the darling of green juices for good reason as it’s low-calorie and packed with nutrients.

Some juicing recipes for energy can include celery, basil, cucumber and green apple. The stats for one cup of celery juice: 43 calories, 2 grams protein, 9.5 grams carbs, and 5 grams of natural sugar.  Plus, it packs between 5 to 14% of your daily vitamin requirements for calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and vitamins A, C, and K.  Need more evidence of this superfood?  It’s also rich in zinc, copper, folate, biotin, and other B vitamins, plus other antioxidants, says Healthline.  It does contain sodium, so people on a sodium-restricted diet should be aware of the 240 ml per cup.

Because it’s mainly water, it keeps you hydrated, which is beneficial for regulating blood pressure and other bodily functions. A lot of people use celery in recipes for a juice cleanse.

It just keeps getting better:  celery juice contains plant compounds called phytonutrients, which may reduce inflammation.  Healthline explains, “These compounds act as antioxidants, which help lower oxidative stress.  Oxidative stress occurs when unstable molecules called free radicals accumulate in your body.

“Antioxidant-rich diets are linked to lower rates of chronic ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.  They may boost skin health as well.”

Now for some Juice Therapy, here’s how to make this green sipper that will have you shouting “Slainte,” (pronounced slawn-cha) in no time, and mean it.  That’s an official Irish drinking toast, which translates as “health.”  Drinking this green powerhouse juice is indeed healthy, whether you enjoy it at the “top of the morning,” or anytime.

To prepare, just run 4 washed celery stalks through your juicer.  Ideally, use organic celery to avoid pesticides.  The juice can be made in a blender too; cut and blend 4 stalks of celery with some water until smooth, and strain, using either nut-milk bags, cheesecloth, or a strainer.  To add a flavor boost, add a spritz of lime or lemon juice.  Slainte!

Want to try juicing but not sure where to start? Download your free copy of Evie’s Enlivening Juice List featuring my enlightened list of juicing essentials plus some of my favorite recipes.