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

Some research suggests it may be beneficial for conditions like 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. Juicing just three medium celery stalks consists of almost 4 ounces (oz) of water. Adding other hydrating fruits, like lemon or grapefruit, to celery juice may contribute to this hydration effect.

2. Low in Sugar

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

At least one study showed celery’s low glycemic index positively impacts blood sugar levels in older adults with prediabetes who regularly consumed celery leaf.

3. Inflammation Relief

Some research suggests that consuming a diet high in flavonoids can help lower the risk of heart 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 concluded that consuming probiotic-fermented celery juice resulted in a healthier gut bacterial environment. Probiotics are often touted for their gut bacterial-healing properties.

However, additional studies on the human gut microbiome are needed to confirm these findings.

5. May Prevent Cancer

Celery’s powerful antioxidants help combat 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 of beneficial antioxidants and free radicals). This damages cell DNA and increases the risk of developing conditions like heart disease and cancer.

One research review on animals found that luteolin may potentially 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 cancer tumors. However, more human studies are needed.

6. May Ease Allergies

Research suggests celery could be beneficial for 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. While these results are promising, additional human research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

7. May Help Lower High Blood Pressure

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

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

8. May Protect Against Neurodegenerative Diseases

Celery’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are likely useful for protecting against neurodegenerative diseases. These are conditions in which cells in the central nervous system do not perform 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 like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. One study found that U.S. adults who consumed more flavonoids had a 19% lower risk of developing cognitive decline than those with a 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 offers 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

While some anecdotal claims suggest that drinking celery juice on an empty stomach helps bolster the body’s detoxification process and has other benefits, there isn’t any scientific evidence to support this claim.

Because celery juice’s main benefits are its hydration and antioxidant effects, it likely won’t matter whether you drink it on a full, partially full, or empty stomach. Try drinking celery juice at a time 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.

While 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 promote the body’s natural detoxing methods.

However, consuming celery juice and a nutritional diet is likely safe for most healthy adults.

Downsides to Consider

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

• Sodium level: Because a cup of celery juice can contain almost 200 mg of sodium, consuming it frequently may not be a healthy option for people looking to limit their daily sodium intake.
• Reduced fiber content: Juicing removes pulp and fiber from the fruit or vegetable. Because of this, most celery juice has a lower fiber content than raw celery. The absence of fiber (which helps you feel full) means that celery juice is digested more quickly, resulting in potentially feeling hungrier soon after drinking it.
• Blood sugar spikes: Limiting your calorie intake and removing most of the fiber and sugar from celery when it’s juiced can lead to headaches and blood sugar level spikes, which can make you feel tired and weak.
• Potential for allergic reactions: Some people may have a celery allergy, typically linked to a cross-reaction with pollen. Mild to moderate allergic reaction symptoms include itchiness and mouth, lips, and throat swelling following consumption. A true allergy to celery is not as common but can involve severe symptoms like anaphylaxis.

Is It Good for You?

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

Most healthy adults may consider trying celery juice as part of a balanced diet. But some people may want to reconsider celery juice, particularly if you:

• Have a digestive disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), due to potential gastrointestinal side effects
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, to ensure that it’s safe for you and fetus or baby
• Are taking certain prescription medications, as 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 contains numerous antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Some initial research suggests that it could 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.