Celery juice: 5 side effects on health

The global craze for celery juice can be attributed to one Anthony William, a self-proclaimed medical influencer who offers pseudoscientific health advice. He claims to be the ‘originator’ of celery juicing, and has spoken extensively about the benefits of celery juice since 1975. Thus, began the celery juice movement. Many contradictory theories have come by since that time, emphasising the simultaneous need to understand the side effects of celery juice.

While it has been established that celery juice may help when it comes to constipation or reducing inflammation, there are also some celery juice side effects that can hamper your health. Nutritionist Archana S tells us all about the side effects of celery juice and how much may be too much.

What is celery juice?

Celery juice is a juice made from squeezing the liquid out of celery sticks. Celery juice has nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to its potential health benefits, including supporting heart health and boosting immunity. It is also ‘the recommended juice’ for weight loss, says Archana. It is a popular choice for those looking to hydrate and nourish their bodies without consuming excess calories therefore aiding in weight loss.

What are the side effects of celery juice?

Here are the side effects of celery juice.

1. Allergic reactions

Some people may be allergic to celery, experiencing symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. A study, conducted by the Scientific Committee for Food, claims that even if celery is boiled before use, it can still lead to multiple allergic reactions.

2. Digestive issues

Celery juice can cause digestive discomfort in some individuals, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. According to this study, published in Clinical and Experimental gastroenterology, the starch present in celery can ferment the gut and this can lead to bloating or discomfort.

3. Skin sensitivity

Celery contains psoralens. These can make the skin very sensitive to sunlight, and can cause sunburns or rashes in some people. This study, published in International Journal of Dermatology, supports this claim as well.

4. Kidney problems

Celery contains oxalates, and this leads to the formation of stones in the kidneys. This study, published in The American Journal of Medicine, states that oxalate rich juice can lead to renal failure.

5. Low in fibre

Celery juice has very little fibre content. This study, published in Nutrition and Metabolism, says that low fibre drinks and food gets digested quickly and you will be hungry again. So this can actually lead you to eat more.

Also Read: Is drinking green juice in the morning healthy? Nutritionist spills the beans

How much celery juice should be had every day?

The recommended amount of celery juice to consume daily varies depending on individual tolerance and health goals. “However, I would recommend starting out with a rather small amount, such as 4-8 ounces per day, and gradually increasing as tolerated is safe and advisable,” says Archana.

Can celery juice be made at home?

The way to make celery is rather simple. It can definitely be made at home as long as your have a blender. Learn effective celery juice recipes here!

What to keep in mind while make celery juice?

Points to keep in mind while making celery juice:

1. Use organic celery, if possible, to avoid exposure to pesticides.
2. Wash the celery thoroughly before juicing to remove any dirt or contaminants.
3. Remove any leaves or tough parts of the celery before juicing.
4. Drink the juice immediately or store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness.
5. Consider adding other fruits or vegetables to the juice for added flavour and nutrients, if desired.
6. Clean the juicer or blender thoroughly after use to prevent bacterial growth.