Fact Check: Blood sugar, obesity cannot be reduced by celery stick recipe; lifestyle changes mandatory

An Instagram video which suggests a home remedy for reducing blood sugar levels and obesity has gone viral.

The video is a recipe involving celery sticks, ginger, parsley leaves and cucumber, soaked in olive oil and refrigerated for three days. The video recommends consuming a teaspoon of the oil twice a day to reduce sugar levels in the blood and lose weight.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading. Although there may be some short-term benefits, more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

Dr G Sandeep Reddy, consultant endocrinologist at Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, said, “The celery recipe in the video has some weight loss benefits for a short period. But these claims need long-term studies and investigations.”

The ingredients used in the recipe, like celery sticks, parsley leaves and cucumber, are low in calories and can replace high-calorie drinks like aerated drinks and processed juices.

“Consuming the oil preparation alone cannot help in reducing weight or lowering blood sugar levels. Weight loss can be achieved by reducing the intake of calories and regular exercise. The concoction can be considered as a supplement in a healthy diet,” Dr Sandeep added.

Celery sticks have antioxidants, Vitamin C, beta carotene and flavonoids, as well as anti-inflammatory properties which help in digestion and have a low glycemic index and alkalising effect.

Parsley leaves also have some medicinal benefits, including the capacity to reduce blood clotting and provide antioxidant properties.

“Adding cucumber promotes hydration and having more fibre will have many benefits. However, all these benefits are arbitrary and anecdotal and have not been proven scientifically,” Dr Sandeep added.

Hence, the claim is misleading.