It is rich in nutrients and is said to help with everything from easing constipation to curing autoimmune diseases. I’m talking about celery juice, that drink that celebrities, influencers, and your yoga instructor have been talking about nonstop. Fans of the juice say they drink 16 ounces of celery juice on an empty stomach the morning (which is about the equivalent of one bunch of celery) to feel energized and ready to tackle the day. This health food has its share of health benefits, so we talked with Amy Kimberlain, RD, to get her perspective on just how beneficial it is to drink celery juice on an empty stomach.
Kimberlain says, “Anytime I see trends like this one popping up on my social media feeds, I like to look at the science to see if there is any current research that backs up what others may be passing on as factual information.”
In the case of celery juice, there is, unfortunately, very minimal information available that is based on scientific studies.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider adding it to your diet. Below are some of the health benefits of celery and celery juice that you should consider if you’re considering to start drinking celery juice on an empty stomach.
1. Celery is full of nutrients
As Kimberlain states, “Celery is still a very nutritious vegetable with loads of fiber, plus C, K, and B vitamins and minerals like copper, manganese, and calcium. In addition, celery contains phytochemicals and polysaccharides that contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”
Studies show that celery and celery juice can be included as part of a healthy diet. However, there is no hard evidence as of yet that drinking a daily glass of celery juice will cure certain conditions or eliminate diseases.
2. Celery juice can improve digestion
Because it’s a fibrous vegetable, celery is one of many foods that can improve digestion. There are 1.6 grams of fiber in a single stalk of celery, and you’ll need a whole bunch to make celery juice.
However, Kimberlain reminds us that the process of juicing involves removing much of the fibrous content from whatever piece of fruit or vegetable you are juicing. That fibrous content helps us stay regular plus makes us feel fuller for longer. It can also stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce our risk of heart disease.
If you want to drink your celery without getting rid of the beneficial fiber, consider blending it instead of using a juicer. The drink won’t be as smooth, but it will still include every part of the celery so that you can get the digestive benefits.
3. Celery juice is alkalizing
There have not been studies on humans yet to determine whether or not this is a genuine benefit of drinking celery juice. However, some argue that celery juice can help your body maintain a balanced pH level.
The benefit of this, the argument goes, is that diseases like cancer can thrive in an acidic environment. If your body is too acidic, you can develop other ailments like indigestion or Chron’s disease. Therefore, we should all eat more alkaline foods, like celery.
Some examples of alkaline foods:
- Celery
- Spinach
- Kale
- Avocado
- Ginger
- Coconut oil
Although there isn’t definitive proof that it can help your body become less susceptible to cancer or other diseases, it shows it may result in benefiting chemotherapeutic agents that require a higher PH.
4. Celery juice has anti-inflammatory compounds
There are many anti-inflammatory compounds in celery that can help reduce inflammation. Many chronic diseases and conditions, including arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Crohn’s disease, involve inflammation. Several anecdotes are available online that talk about how incorporating celery juice into your diet can minimize symptoms or provide relief for people who have any of these conditions.
Celery juice can help to reduce inflammation, but the general recommendation would be to follow an ‘anti-inflammatory diet’, one that focuses not only on fruit and vegetables but also whole grains, nuts, and limited animal protein. Celery can be a part of this diet.
There has been some research done to show that celery can have anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. However, Kimberlain’s notes that these findings aren’t necessarily the same as they would be if they were done on humans. So, more research on humans is needed before we can say that you’ll notice the anti-inflammatory benefits of drinking celery juice.
5. Celery juice can help you lose weight
Unfortunately, celery juice alone won’t help you lose weight. You won’t lose weight if you drink a glass of celery juice a day but don’t incorporate exercising, practicing portion control, or making healthy and nutritious food choices.
In addition, adding more vegetables to your diet can be beneficial for helping you reach your weight loss goals. If you were to replace a glass of juice with a glass of celery juice, this could be an alternative as it does have fewer calories, sugar, and carbs than most juices. Starting your day with a glass of celery juice can help you create a healthier mindset that reminds you to eat healthier throughout the day.
What Are Some Possible Side Effects Of Drinking Celery Juice?
Although drinking celery juice on an empty stomach can have some positive health benefits, there are also some possible side effects that you may want to look out for.
Allergic reaction
Some people are allergic to celery. Signs of a celery allergy include respiratory problems, a skin reaction (rash or itching are common), and digestive issues. In rare cases, some people could have an anaphylactic reaction to celery. Signs of this are rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, tight throat, sweating, dizziness, fainting, and abdominal pain. If you start feeling these symptoms after drinking celery juice, put your glass down and call your doctor immediately.
High salt content
For all its benefits, celery has one downfall—it’s full of salt. There are about 30 milligrams of sodium in one celery stalk. So, if you’re already on a low-sodium diet, introducing a salty morning juice to your daily routine could throw you off.
Digestive issues
It’s a blessing and a curse. You want to go, but maybe not quite so … abruptly. For some people, the impact celery juice has on their digestive tract is more trouble than it’s worth. If you’re finding that drinking celery juice is making your digestive tract miserable, but you still want the health benefits, try to eat celery throughout the day instead.
Should You Drink Celery Juice on an Empty Stomach?
It is important to note that some people should be mindful of their consumption of celery. For instance, people who are taking certain medications that can interact with vitamin K. Also, those who are sensitive to sodium for their blood pressure might end up having adverse side effects from celery juice. Talk to your doctor about any specific concerns.
One cup of juice made from 100-percent vegetables is considered a full serving of vegetables.
Kimberlain says, “If you enjoy drinking celery juice (and there are no contraindications), you can count your morning glass of celery juice as one serving of vegetables. Keep in mind, though, that there is no evidence to support the idea that starting your day on an empty stomach with 16 ounces of celery juice will cure disease or prevent you from getting a disease.”
There is, unfortunately, no one food that is a cure-all.
Kimberlain advises to “eat a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Mix it up from one day to the next! Each one has a different variety of nutrients and antioxidants that contribute their benefits to your overall health.”
So, instead of only having celery all day long, incorporate as many different fruits and vegetables as you can.
If you’re looking for a healthy start to your morning and want to give celery juice a try, go for it! You might find that it helps you improve your lifestyle choices by reaching for healthier options and keeps you from indulging in unhealthy treats later on in the day.
Kate Williams has a Ph.D. in English and freelance writer. She is also the CEO of People First Content, a…
Disclaimer:
This website is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or lifestyle habits, always consult your doctor or physician first.
