Nigella Lawson has hit back at accusations she was a regular cocaine user, telling a court: "I promise you, regular cocaine users do not look like this."
"They are scrawny and look unhealthy," she told Isleworth Crown Court.
The TV chef said, "If you want to put me on trial, put me on trial," a day after she admitted using cocaine on a number of occasions.
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Nigella Lawson appeared in court for a second day
She denied stashing the class A drug in a box containing her late husband's wedding rings as she gave evidence in the fraud trial of two of her former personal assistants.
"If you think I'm going to sabotage my health and leave my children as orphans, you are very wrong."
Under cross-examination at Isleworth Crown Court in west London, Ms Lawson said she had "never knowingly" met a drug dealer and had never exchanged money for cocaine.
"In my life, I'm reliable, professional and calm," she said.
Nigella said regular cocaine users are scrawny and unhealthy looking
"I have no sense of being a drug taker of a habitual nature. I have owned up to drug use.
"If I was taking cocaine and cannabis to the extent you say, I wouldn't be standing here."
As questions of her drug use continued, Ms Lawson said: "I really feel if you want to put me on trial, put me on trial. I don't feel it is right to have me here as a witness for the Crown and treat me like this."