"Word on the street (or internet, rather) is that a certain down-to-earth (quite literally) crunchy vegetable that’s usually the sidekick to peanut butter or a pile of Buffalo wings offers up a range of health benefits when juiced that beat out its fellow green superfoods (sorry, kale). And wellness influencers and celebrities—from Gwyneth Paltrow to Jennifer Aniston and Miranda Kerr—are juicing celery for its bloating-reducing, inflammation-fighting, and skin-enhancing effects. Its latest disciple? Amanda Seyfried.
In her recent Vogue Beauty Secrets video, she shared that the first step in her morning routine is drinking Morning Celery Juice from Raw Generation. I chatted with registered dietitians to find out if celery juice lives up to the hype. Can a few celery stalks become the miraculous elixir A-listers make it out to be, and does sipping on it in the morning deliver the best results? Here’s what they had to say.
Experts Consulted
At The Everygirl, we believe that wellness advice should be grounded in accurate, science-backed information to ensure our readers can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. That’s why we prioritize consulting trusted, credible experts—so every piece of content is both reliable and empowering.
LISA TESTA, MS
Lisa Testa is the director of product development and chief nutrition officer for Raw Generation. With 20 years of experience as a holistic nutritionist, she has dedicated her career to helping clients address chronic health issues like stubborn weight gain, digestive problems, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal imbalances.
CHRISTINA BEER, PhD
Christina Beer is a senior research scientist at LifeVantage, leading new product development, ingredient research, and scientific validation of product claims. At the start of her career, she developed supplements and published research on raw materials. At LifeVantage, she brings her scientific expertise to support the company’s mission of advancing wellness through nutrigenomics.
What Exactly Is Celery Juice?
“Celery juice is the liquid extracted from the stalks of raw celery, leaving behind the fiber,” said Lisa Testa, MS, chief nutrition officer of Raw Generation. “This makes it very easy for your body to digest and absorb.” On the surface, celery doesn’t exactly scream mouthwatering or nutrient-rich, but the often-overlooked, yet adaptable green has a lot going for it. Christina Beer, PhD, senior research scientist at LifeVantage, explained that celery juice is a micronutrient-dense beverage, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support various bodily functions, like vitamin K (crucial for blood clotting and bone health), vitamin C (vital for immune function, collagen synthesis, and acting as an antioxidant), and potassium (plays a critical role in regulating fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions). “Together, these nutrients contribute to overall health when consumed regularly in adequate amounts,” Beer said.
What Are the Health Benefits?
It can support digestive health
It turns out the gut loves some celery juice. “Although celery juice has reduced fiber content compared to whole celery, it still contributes to digestive health by supporting hydration and improving gut motility,” Beer said. “The fiber in celery, especially the soluble variety, has been linked to improved gut health by promoting regular bowel movements and supporting beneficial gut microbiota. The sodium content in celery is also thought to stimulate the production of gastric juices, which can enhance digestive efficiency.” When the gut can perform at its best, it means it’s putting the nourishing foods you eat to good use.
“Better gut health means better uptake of nutrients,” Testa said. “The chlorophyll in celery juice does this by restoring the hydrochloric acid balance in your stomach. This means your body can actually begin to utilize the healing nutrients found in foods.” But that’s not all—Testa said you can expect to see major improvement with issues like constipation, bloating, and water retention, as celery is naturally a diuretic (thanks to its high water content and phytonutrients that relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels and lower blood pressure).
It can reduce inflammation
If inflammation is on everyone’s FYP and considered public enemy number one, then celery juice is the superhero wellness enthusiasts say it is. “Celery contains bioactive compounds such as luteolin and apigenin, which have been shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory effects,” Beer stated. “These flavonoids can inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are linked to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and arthritis.” According to Beer, research shows that these compounds can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which is particularly beneficial for preventing chronic diseases associated with long-term inflammation. Going back to the gut chat, celery juice’s anti-inflammatory qualities may also help reduce intestinal inflammation, which is a common symptom of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
It can increase hydration
Fun fact: Celery is made up of mostly water, providing close to a half cup of it. And we all know that staying well-hydrated goes hand in hand with healthier skin, digestion, hormone balance, sleep quality, and mood. “Celery juice contains around 95 percent water, making it an effective hydrator,” Beer said. By blending or juicing celery, a lot of that water is released, helping rehydrate the body. “Studies suggest that consuming water-rich foods like celery can improve hydration status, contributing to improved physical and cognitive performance,” she continued.
Another important factor of proper hydration is regularly replenishing electrolytes, especially when you engage in physical activities or experience excessive sweating due to hot weather or intense exercise. Sure, you can consume electrolytes in supplement form, but raw celery juice is naturally packed with them, specifically potassium and sodium. “Drinking raw celery juice is the much-healthier version of Gatorade,” Testa said. “Perfect for someone with an active lifestyle.”
It can improve skin health
Celery juice is also key for a glowing complexion (which is why it’s the first step in Seyfried’s beauty routine). “The high water and vitamin C content in celery juice can contribute to healthy skin by supporting collagen production and hydration,” Beer said. Testa added that celery juice is rich in vitamin C, which naturally brightens the skin, and its high antioxidant makeup reduces oxidative stress to the skin (AKA signs of aging). “It’s a super hydrator while also being naturally diuretic, which results in glowing skin with less puffiness, especially around the eyes,” she said.
Are There Potential Side Effects?
While it’s generally safe for most people, there are some situations where erring on the side of caution is necessary. “Excessive consumption [of celery juice] may contribute to high sodium intake, which could affect blood pressure, particularly in individuals sensitive to salt or those with hypertension,” Beer warned. Those with kidney disease should be wary of the potassium in celery juice and the potential for its dangerous buildup, and individuals on diuretics or blood pressure medications can be at risk for dehydration or electrolyte imbalances because of its enhanced diuretic effects. Pregnant women and individuals with low blood pressure should also consult a healthcare provider before consuming large amounts of celery juice. While side effects of drinking celery juice are not common, Testa said it can cause digestive issues like gas or bloating until the body adjusts to the larger volume of raw nutrition.
That said, celery juice is generally safe to drink every day for most people, providing a highly Instagrammable and TikTok-worthy means of hydration (if you’re into that), not to mention nutrients like vitamins K and C and potassium. Exactly how much should you drink? Healthline says it’s suggested that you consume one 16-ounce glass of celery juice every morning for at least one full week to reap many of the benefits. “While beneficial, celery juice should complement a balanced diet and not replace whole foods,” Beer said. “Moderation is key, and those with health concerns should consult a healthcare provider before consuming it daily.”
What Are the Pros of Drinking It Versus Eating Celery Whole?
Both drinking celery juice and eating raw celery have their health perks, but their drawbacks depend on what your health goals may be. “Celery juice offers a concentrated source of nutrients and can provide rapid hydration, as it is made from the water-rich stalks of the vegetable,” Beer said. “Additionally, celery juice is often touted for its potential digestive benefits, as it can help stimulate gastric juices and promote bowel movement due to its high water content.” Because a lot of the fiber is removed when celery is juiced, Testa said it’s easier for the body to utilize quickly without much digestive work. She also stands by drinking celery juice over eating celery by the stalk since you’re able to get a much larger volume of the nutrients and electrolytes in celery when juiced. Beer agreed: “Because it is easier to consume in larger quantities, it may be more effective for people seeking an immediate boost of hydration, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and folate.”
So, what are the trade-offs when choosing celery juice over whole celery? “While juice is more nutrient-dense per volume, it lacks the dietary fiber found in whole celery,” Beer pointed out. “Fiber is essential for gut health, contributing to digestive regularity and the maintenance of a healthy microbiome.” Moreover, consuming whole celery ensures the intake of this fiber, which helps with satiety and stabilizing blood sugar levels; the same can’t be said for a tall glass of celery juice. TL;DR: You can’t go wrong either way (heed the potential side effects above), but if you need a leg up in hydration, drink up. But if you’re lacking fiber (which most of us are) and reaching for a healthy snack to tide you over until your next meal, get chomping.
When Is the Best Time of Day to Drink It?
But first, celery juice? While there’s no definitive scientific consensus on an optimal time to drink celery juice, Beer cited that many proponents of celery juice suggest consuming it in the morning on an empty stomach for several reasons: “Drinking celery juice first thing in the morning may support digestion and hydration after a night’s rest when the body is dehydrated. The high water content of celery juice can help replenish lost fluids, while its naturally occurring sodium and potassium balance may promote optimal electrolyte levels and aid in maintaining blood pressure.” Plus, the anti-inflammatory compounds found in celery, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, may be more effective when consumed before anything else, potentially enhancing their bioavailability and absorption.
But from a scientific standpoint, Beer said drinking celery juice in the morning versus the afternoon or evening may not make much of a difference when it comes to its overall health benefits. “Nutrient absorption is primarily dependent on the consistency of consumption and dietary context rather than timing. Drinking celery juice at other times of day can still contribute to hydration, provide antioxidants, and support digestive health.” More than anything, the primary benefit of waking up and enjoying a celery juice might be psychological, as it creates a routine that can have a domino effect on other healthy habits (see: wellness stacking).
What Should You Look For in Celery Juice?
You may think celery juice is celery juice, but Testa emphasized that not all celery juice is created equal. “While Raw Generation celery juice is cold-pressed and immediately flash-frozen, which preserves all nutrients and enzymes of the juice, traditional store-bought celery juice is pasteurized or high-pressure processed, leaving it devoid of nutrition.” So when buying pre-made celery juice, look for products that are cold-pressed or fresh-pressed (read: avoid those that are pasteurized), organic, and free of added sugars, preservatives, or flavorings (celery should be the sole ingredient).
If you’ve got a juicer handy at home, Testa suggested using one large bunch of celery stalks that are wide and lighter in color, which will give you a mild, less bitter flavor. If you’re not used to the salty, bitter-y, a-bit-grassy taste at first, you can add half of a lemon or one apple to sweeten it and make it more palatable. No juicer? Don’t fret. You can DIY celery juice by combining celery and filtered water in a high-speed blender, then straining it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer before serving. Or, simply add celery to your favorite smoothie recipe for an extra hydrating and nutrient-dense pick-me-up.
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Katherine Chang, Wellness Staff Writer
Katherine Chang is The Everygirl’s Wellness Staff Writer with over five years of experience in the health and wellness space. She navigates the latest wellness topics and trends through expert interviews and studies, and she’s always first in line to try them firsthand.