How Celery Juice Affects Your Body

Celery juice has earned a cult-like following among wellness enthusiasts, with claims that it detoxifies, heals, and energizes the body. While some of those benefits are overstated, celery juice does deliver real health advantages mainly thanks to its hydration, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Here’s a closer look at what actually happens in your body when you drink celery juice regularly, what science supports, and what to watch out for.

1. It Boosts Hydration

Celery is about 95% water, making celery juice a naturally hydrating drink especially if you’re tired of plain water. Juicing just three medium stalks provides nearly 4 ounces of water. When combined with hydrating fruits like lemon or grapefruit, celery juice can be a great way to start your day hydrated and refreshed.

2. It May Help Balance Blood Sugar

Unlike sugary drinks or energy beverages, celery juice contains just 3 grams of natural sugar per cup. It's low on the glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause sharp blood sugar spikes.

One study found that older adults with prediabetes experienced better blood sugar control when they regularly consumed celery leaf. More research is needed, but the low sugar content makes celery juice a smarter option than most sweetened beverages.

3. It Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Celery contains flavonoids natural plant compounds with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Diets rich in flavonoids may help reduce inflammation linked to:

• Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)

• Blood clots

• Chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes

Some flavonoids in celery, such as luteolin, may also support skin health by calming inflammation and oxidative stress.

4. It May Support Gut Health

Although juicing removes most of the fiber from celery, its antioxidant content may still support a healthier gut. Research on animals has shown that fermented celery juice can improve gut bacteria balance, and luteolin may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

That said, celery juice shouldn’t replace probiotic-rich foods or fiber-filled vegetables if gut health is your goal.

5. It May Have Cancer-Fighting Potential

Celery is rich in antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals unstable molecules that can damage cell DNA and promote chronic disease, including cancer. Some studies suggest that luteolin may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells by interfering with blood vessel formation around tumors.

However, these findings are preliminary and mostly based on animal models. More human research is needed to draw solid conclusions.

6. It Might Ease Allergy Symptoms

In animal studies, luteolin was found to reduce inflammation in the airways, lessening symptoms of allergic asthma and rhinitis. While these effects are promising, we don’t yet have enough human data to confirm celery juice as a reliable allergy remedy.

7. It Could Lower Blood Pressure

Celery contains compounds called phthalides, which may help relax the muscles of blood vessels, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. Studies have found that both celery juice and leaf extract helped reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.

This may be due to the combination of anti-inflammatory flavonoids and nitric oxide-boosting compounds that enhance blood flow.

8. It May Support Brain Health

Celery’s antioxidants may protect the brain from oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. One long-term study showed that adults with higher flavonoid intake had a 19% lower risk of cognitive decline compared to those with low intake.

Again, drinking celery juice won’t replace a brain-healthy diet but it can be part of one.

Nutrition Snapshot: One Cup of Celery Juice

• Calories: 33

• Protein: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Sugar: 3g

• Potassium: 614mg

• Sodium: 189mg

• Calcium, Magnesium, Folate, Vitamin K: Present in modest amounts

You’ll also get small amounts of vitamins A, B, and C, along with zinc, copper, and phosphorus.

How and When to Drink It

Despite trendy advice to drink celery juice on an empty stomach for “detox,” there’s no scientific proof that timing impacts its effectiveness. Celery juice is best enjoyed:

• Anytime of day you can stay consistent

• As part of a balanced diet

• Freshly juiced, if possible, to preserve nutrients

Store-bought options may contain added sodium or preservatives, so check labels.

Is Celery Juice Safe for Everyone?

While generally safe for most people, there are some downsides:

• High sodium: One cup has about 189mg of sodium. If you're watching your salt intake or managing high blood pressure, this could be a concern.

• Low fiber: Juicing strips away the pulp, which means fewer gut-supporting benefits and faster digestion. This could leave you feeling hungry soon after.

• Potential blood sugar spikes: Without fiber and protein, some people may experience headaches or fatigue due to rapid blood sugar changes.

• Allergies: Rare, but possible. Symptoms may include itching, throat swelling, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

• Drug interactions: Celery juice could interact with medications, especially those for blood pressure or blood thinning. Always check with your provider.

Who Should Be Cautious

You may want to consult a healthcare professional before adding celery juice to your routine if you:

• Have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gut issues

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Take prescription medications

• Have heart disease and need to monitor sodium intake

Bottom Line

Celery juice offers several potential health benefits from hydration and blood pressure support to antioxidant protection and digestive health. But it’s not a cure-all. If you enjoy it and it fits your lifestyle, it can be a nutritious addition to your day.

Just don’t skip the rest of your veggies and be mindful of the sodium content and lack of fiber if you’re drinking it daily.

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