What Is Celery Juice Good For?

Celery juice is rich in numerous nutrients and has many potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Some research suggests that it may be beneficial for conditions such as obesity, cancer, acne, and thyroid issues. However, evidence is lacking, and more research is needed.

1. Hydrating

Celery is 95% water and is known for its high water content. The juice is just three medium-sized stalks of celery with almost 4 ounces (oz) of water. Adding other hydrating fruits, such as lemon or grapefruit, to celery juice may enhance this hydrating effect.

2. Low in Sugar

One cup of celery juice offers 3 grams (g) of natural sugar, compared to other sweetened sports drinks, soft drinks, or energy drinks that can include more than a third of the daily intake of added sugar.

At least one study showed that the low glycemic index of celery has a positive effect on blood sugar levels in older adults with pre-diabetes who regularly ate celery leaves.

3. Relief of Inflammation

Some research suggests that eating a diet high in flavonoids can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases by protecting against:

These compounds may also support overall skin health.

4. May Aid Gut Health

Celery contains luteolin, a plant compound that studies suggest may help lower overall inflammation in the gut. One animal study found that consuming probiotic fermented celery juice resulted in a healthier gut bacterial environment. Probiotics are often touted for their gut bacterial healing properties.

However, further studies of the human gut microbiome are needed to confirm these findings.

5. May Prevent Cancer

Celery’s powerful antioxidants help fight free radicals, harmful, natural compounds that form in the body from exposure to environmental pollutants. High levels of free radicals lead to oxidative stress (an imbalance between beneficial antioxidants and free radicals). This damages the cells’ DNA and increases the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

​​​​One review of animal research found that luteolin could stop and prevent the growth of certain types of cancer cells. Researchers theorize that the antioxidant does this by interfering with the development of blood vessels around cancerous tumors. However, more human studies are needed.

6. It May Ease Allergies

Research suggests that celery may be beneficial in protecting against allergies and inflammation. One animal study found that the compound luteolin can reduce inflammation in the airways and reduce responses to allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis. Although these results are promising, further human research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

7. It may help lower high blood pressure

Celery flavonoids and phthalides may help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. They may also reduce blood vessel inflammation and stimulate nitric oxide to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.

One study found that celery juice reduced blood pressure levels in people with hypertension. Other initial results showed that celery leaf extract reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels in animals with high blood pressure (hypertension).

8. It May Protect Against Neurodegenerative Diseases

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of celery are likely to be useful in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases. These are conditions in which cells in the central nervous system do not function properly and eventually die. Antioxidants can prevent damage at the cellular level by neutralizing negative compounds that damage lipids, DNA cells, and proteins.

This, in turn, may protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. One study found that US adults who consumed more flavonoids had a 19% lower risk of developing cognitive decline than those with limited flavonoid intake.

Celery Juice Nutrition

One cup of celery juice contains the following:

• Calories:33
• Protein: 2 grams (g)
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Calcium: 94 milligrams (mg)
• Magnesium: 26 mg
• Potassium: 614 mg
• Sodium: 189 mg
• Vitamin K: 69 mg
• Folate: 85 mg

In addition, celery juice provides smaller amounts of other vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, phosphorus, zinc, and copper.

When and How to drink Celery Juice

Although some anecdotal claims suggest that drinking celery juice on an empty stomach helps strengthen the body’s detoxification process and has other benefits, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

As the main benefits of celery juice are its hydration and antioxidant effects, you should probably not drink it on a full, full or empty stomach. Try drinking celery juice at a time that is convenient for your daily schedule to test what works best for you and your body.

Are Celery Juice Cleanses Safe?

Juice cleanses are a detox diet that some people use to support weight loss or to help rid the body of toxins.

Although they can help increase your intake of certain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, it’s worth pointing out that there is limited evidence on the potential benefits of juice cleanses and whether they enhance the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms. advanced.

However, most healthy adults are likely to consume celery juice and a nutritious diet.

Disadvantages to Consider

Celery juice can be a healthy, nutritious option to include in your diet. But there are some potential downsides to be aware of, including:

• Sodium level: Because a cup of celery juice can contain nearly 200 mg of sodium, consuming it frequently may not be a healthy choice for people trying to limit their daily sodium intake.
• Reduced fiber content: Juices remove pulp and fiber from the fruit or vegetable. Because of this, most celery juice has a lower fiber content than raw celery. The lack of fiber (which helps keep you full) means that celery juice is digested more quickly, which can make you feel hungrier soon after drinking it.
• Blood sugar spikes: Limiting your calorie intake and removing most of the fiber and sugar from celery when it is digested can lead to headaches and blood sugar level spikes, making you feel tired and weak.
• Potential for allergic reactions: Some people may have a celery allergy, which is usually linked to a cross-reaction to pollen. Symptoms of a mild to moderate allergic reaction include itching and swelling of the mouth, lips, and throat after consumption. A true allergy to celery is less common but can cause serious symptoms such as anaphylaxis.

Is It Good For You?

Before incorporating celery juice into your regular diet, check with a healthcare provider to make sure this option is safe, especially if you have an underlying health condition.

Most healthy adults might consider trying celery juice as part of a balanced diet. But some people may want to rethink celery juice, especially if:

• Have a digestive disordersuch as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), due to possible gastrointestinal side effects
• Are you pregnant or breastfeedingmake sure it is safe for you and the fetus or baby
• Taking certain prescription medicationsbecause there may be drug interactions
• Have heart disease or high blood pressure due to celery’s higher sodium content

Summary

Celery juice is a hydrating, low-sugar juice that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Some early research suggests that it may support heart health, help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, prevent neurodegenerative disorders, and reduce inflammation. However, more scientific evidence is needed to confirm these claims.

Before trying celery juice, consider checking with a healthcare provider and incorporating it into a nutritious diet rather than isolating it as part of a juice cleanse.