Tonic Drinks & Waters
Celery & Apple Fresh Juice
Traditionally associated with reducing blood fats, supporting healthy blood pressure, and aiding weight management
Why people make this juice
Bro Niu’s live-in domestic helper arrived in good spirits and with a formidable appetite. Within just over a month of learning to cook from Bro Niu’s kitchen, she had gained more than ten pounds and her blood pressure was reading on the high side. Bro Niu encouraged her to watch her portions and avoid overly rich, salty food — and also suggested she drink a glass of freshly made celery and apple juice every morning. She followed the advice diligently: juice every morning, steamed vegetables instead of rice at dinner (though she kept her regular meals, as she truly loved eating). Within two days her blood pressure returned to normal. After one full week she stepped on the scale and had lost more than eight pounds. The results spoke for themselves, and Bro Niu wanted to share this simple, effective drink more widely. Celery has long been used in both Chinese and Western herbal traditions for its association with blood pressure moderation and diuretic effects; apples provide pectin, fibre, and natural sweetness.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults looking to support healthy weight management and blood pressure, or those who want a refreshing daily vegetable-fruit drink.
- People with diabetes can also drink this — use a small apple to keep the sugar content modest.
- People with cold constitutions or stomach weakness can add a small green (bell) pepper to the blend — it warms the juice and reduces the cooling effect of celery.
- Those taking blood pressure medication should wait at least 1 hour after taking their medication before drinking this juice.
- Those taking blood thinners (aspirin etc.) should limit celery to a single stalk at a time; confirm with your prescriber.
- Drink fresh juice within 5 minutes of juicing to preserve nutrients and enzymatic activity; morning on an empty stomach is ideal.
- Drink this daily for up to two weeks, then take a break before resuming.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Celery (xi qin): Rich in phthalides, which research associates with relaxing arterial muscles and supporting healthy blood pressure. Also provides apigenin (a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory associations) and dietary fibre. Its natural diuretic properties may help reduce water retention.
- Apple: Contains soluble fibre (pectin) that may help moderate blood cholesterol and stabilise blood sugar. Natural fructose adds gentle sweetness while keeping the glycaemic impact modest when using a small apple.
Ingredients (1 large glass)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Celery | 150 g | Washed, cut into chunks |
| Small apple | 1 piece | Washed with salt, skin left on, core removed, cut into chunks |
Method
- Scrub the apple skin with salt and rinse well (to remove wax and residues); remove the core and cut into small pieces.
- Rinse the celery and cut into sections.
- Feed the celery and apple through a cold-press or centrifugal juicer to extract the juice.
- Drink immediately — within 5 minutes — to preserve nutrients.
Bro Niu’s tips
If you do not have a juicer, a blender with a small splash of cool boiled water works well and produces a fibre-rich smoothie, which may actually be even more beneficial. This juice is best on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. It is also associated with supporting gallstone patients. Drink daily for two weeks, then rest before resuming.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Iris): I take blood pressure medication in the morning — how long should I wait before drinking this celery-apple juice? Bro Niu: Wait 1 hour after taking your blood pressure medication before drinking the celery-apple juice.
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Q (Amy): Can someone with diabetes drink this juice? If not, is there an alternative with similar benefits? Bro Niu: People with diabetes can drink this juice — just use a small apple to keep sugar levels in check.
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Q (Mo): I want to use this juice to lose weight, but my stomach runs cold and I also have high blood pressure and mild anaemia. Can I still drink it, and how often? Bro Niu: You can add a green (bell) pepper to the blend — the pepper’s warming nature balances the cooling celery. Have one glass before breakfast each morning. Try it for two weeks and see how you feel.
Published March 2, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
