Does Celery Juice Remove Plaque From Arteries? Fact vs. Fiction

Affecting millions of people, atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries, requires medical intervention and significant lifestyle changes to manage effectively. The question, "Does celery juice remove plaque from arteries?", has become a popular topic, but the simple, science-backed answer is no.

Quick Summary

Celery juice does not remove arterial plaque, but its bioactive compounds may help reduce risk factors for atherosclerosis like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Effective treatment relies on proven methods including lifestyle changes, medication, and, in severe cases, surgery.

Key Points

• Does not remove plaque: Despite popular belief, celery juice cannot reverse or remove arterial plaque once it has formed.

• Supports heart health: Celery contains beneficial compounds like phthalides and apigenin that can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular function.

• Reduces risk factors: By lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, celery juice may help reduce risk factors that contribute to atherosclerosis over time.

• Juice lacks fiber: The juicing process removes most of celery's dietary fiber, which is essential for managing cholesterol and digestive health.

• Medical intervention is necessary: Established atherosclerosis requires medically proven treatments, including lifestyle modifications, medication (like statins), and potentially surgical procedures.

• Combine with healthy habits: For optimal heart health, celery juice should be a supplement to, not a replacement for, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medical guidance.

Debunking the Celery Juice Myth

For years, various health trends have promised a quick fix for complex medical conditions, and celery juice has found itself at the center of one such claim: the ability to dissolve arterial plaque. While celery juice has undeniable nutritional benefits, the idea that it can scrub plaque from artery walls is a myth that lacks scientific support. The process of atherosclerosis is a chronic disease where plaque hardens and narrows arteries over time, and reversing this requires comprehensive medical and lifestyle interventions, not a single food item.

The Real Heart-Healthy Benefits of Celery

While celery juice does not remove existing plaque, the plant does contain compounds that can contribute to overall cardiovascular health. These benefits are often what fuel the exaggerated claims. Several studies, particularly on celery extract in animal models, have identified specific components responsible for positive effects on the heart.

• Blood Pressure Regulation: Celery contains compounds known as phthalides, such as 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), which have been shown to help relax artery wall tissues and act as a diuretic, potentially lowering blood pressure. By regulating blood pressure, celery can help reduce a key risk factor for atherosclerosis.
• Lowered Cholesterol: Research, primarily in animals, suggests that celery leaf and seed extracts can help lower cholesterol levels. This is attributed to antioxidants in celery and its fiber content, which help bind to cholesterol and remove it from the bloodstream. Lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol is crucial for slowing the progression of plaque buildup.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to atherosclerosis. Celery is rich in flavonoids like apigenin and other antioxidants that combat free radicals and reduce inflammation throughout the body, thereby protecting against arterial damage.

The Difference Between Celery Juice and Whole Celery

It's important to differentiate between consuming whole celery and drinking its juice, as the preparation method significantly alters the nutritional profile.

Feature	Celery Juice	Whole Celery
Fiber Content	Significantly reduced	Rich source of dietary fiber (insoluble and soluble)
Nutrient Concentration	Higher concentration of certain vitamins and minerals per serving, but less overall fiber.	All nutrients are intact, including fiber, which aids digestion and cholesterol management.
Satiety	Less filling, may lead to higher calorie consumption if not balanced with other foods.	Higher fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness and supports weight management.
Effect on Blood Sugar	Can cause a quicker spike in blood sugar due to lack of fiber buffering absorption.	Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugars, preventing sharp blood sugar spikes.
Practicality	Convenient for consuming a large quantity of celery's nutrients quickly.	Better for overall dietary health due to full nutritional profile, especially fiber.

Juicing removes most of the fiber, which is a key component for scraping cholesterol out of the bloodstream and promoting overall cardiovascular health. While juice delivers a concentrated dose of vitamins and antioxidants, it is not a superior option to the whole food, especially when considering fiber's benefits for cholesterol and digestion.

Proven Methods to Manage Arterial Plaque

For those seeking to prevent or manage atherosclerosis, relying on scientifically proven methods is paramount. A comprehensive strategy, often guided by a healthcare provider, includes a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and, in advanced cases, medical procedures.

• Dietary Changes: Adopt a heart-healthy eating plan, such as the DASH or Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats while limiting saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
• Regular Exercise: Engaging in consistent physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and aid in weight management.
• Medication: For many, medications are essential for controlling risk factors. Statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol and help stabilize plaque. Other medications may address blood pressure or blood clots.
• Lifestyle Habits: Quitting smoking is one of the most effective actions for improving arterial health, as smoking severely damages blood vessels. Additionally, managing stress and maintaining a healthy weight are critical for reducing the risk of plaque formation.

For severe blockages, surgical interventions like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery may be necessary to restore proper blood flow. These procedures are a testament to the severity of established atherosclerosis and why relying on home remedies alone is insufficient and potentially dangerous.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Celery Juice and Plaque

While celery juice is a nutrient-rich beverage with benefits for blood pressure and inflammation, it does not possess the power to remove plaque from arteries. The claim is a widespread myth that oversimplifies a complex and serious medical condition. A healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes a variety of whole foods, regular exercise, and medical supervision for at-risk individuals is the most effective approach to preventing and managing atherosclerosis. Incorporating celery—either as juice or whole—into a heart-healthy diet can contribute positively, but it should be viewed as one small part of a larger, medically-guided health strategy. For more information on managing heart health through diet and lifestyle, the Mayo Clinic offers extensive, evidence-based resources.(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-healthy-diet/art-20047702)

Note: This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making changes to your treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any food or drink naturally remove plaque from arteries?

No single food or drink can naturally remove or reverse arterial plaque. While a heart-healthy diet and certain foods can help prevent buildup and manage risk factors, established plaque requires medical treatment.

How does celery juice benefit heart health if it doesn't remove plaque?

Celery juice contains compounds like phthalides and apigenin that can help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, which are both significant risk factors for heart disease. It also has antioxidants that protect against cellular damage.

Is whole celery better for heart health than celery juice?

For cholesterol management, whole celery is arguably better because it retains all of its dietary fiber. This fiber helps bind to cholesterol and aids in its removal from the body. The juicing process eliminates this fiber.

What is the best way to treat existing arterial plaque?

Treatment for established arterial plaque, or atherosclerosis, typically involves significant lifestyle changes, medication prescribed by a doctor (such as statins to lower cholesterol), and, in advanced cases, medical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Can drinking celery juice help lower my blood pressure?

Yes, some studies have shown that celery, in various forms, can have a beneficial effect on lowering blood pressure due to its bioactive compounds that act as vasodilators. However, it is not a substitute for prescribed blood pressure medication.

Are there any downsides to drinking celery juice daily?

While generally safe, juicing removes fiber, and celery is high in sodium. For individuals with blood pressure concerns or a salt sensitivity, high daily intake should be monitored. Excessive consumption could also be an issue for those prone to kidney stones due to oxalates.

What lifestyle changes are most effective for managing plaque buildup?

The most effective strategies include eating a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fat, high in fiber), getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking. Managing blood pressure and cholesterol through these methods and medication is key.

How long does it take for lifestyle changes to impact arterial health?

The time it takes to see results varies depending on individual factors, but lifestyle changes can slow the progression of atherosclerosis and stabilize existing plaques. In some cases, improvements in cardiovascular health and reductions in risk factors can be seen within months.