How much celery should I juice per day?
Celery juicing has become an increasingly popular health trend in recent years. Proponents claim that drinking pure celery juice on an empty stomach each morning can provide a wide range of health benefits. But how much celery juice should you actually drink per day to reap these rewards? Let’s take a closer look at the recommended celery juice dosage and the potential benefits and side effects.
Recommended Celery Juice Dosage
Most experts recommend drinking 16 ounces (2 cups) of pure celery juice per day. This amounts to juicing roughly 1 large bunch of celery. Here is a quick overview of the commonly recommended celery juice dosage:
| Amount | Volume |
|---|---|
| 1 bunch celery | 16 oz (2 cups) |
This 16 ounce serving is typically recommended as a daily morning ritual, consumed on an empty stomach at least 15-30 minutes before eating breakfast. Some people may work up to drinking 32-64 ounces of celery juice per day, but start slowly with 16 ounces.
Benefits of Celery Juicing
Why has celery juicing become so popular? Advocates claim it provides the following benefits:
Nutrient Dense
Celery contains vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate and over a dozen other antioxidants and nutrients. Juicing celery allows you to consume more nutrients than you could by eating whole celery stalks. Some research suggests antioxidant and nutrient levels are up to 5 times higher in juice compared to whole vegetable form.
Hydration
Celery juice is comprised of about 95% water, making it an excellent way to hydrate and refuel your body first thing in the morning.
Detoxification
Celery juice contains nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and B vitamins that are known to support detoxification. It may help stimulate liver function and elimination of toxins.
Anti-Inflammatory
The antioxidants in celery juice like polyacetylenes and flavonoids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Immune Support
Celery juice is rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune health. Celery also contains beneficial plant compounds that may boost immunity.
Gut Health
Some claim celery juice containing important minerals like sodium and potassium can create an environment inhospitable to harmful pathogens in the gut. It may also have a cleansing effect in the digestive tract.
Weight Loss
As a low calorie, nutrient-dense beverage, celery juice may support weight loss and healthy digestion. The extra hydration it provides can also increase satiety.
Possible Side Effects
Celery juice is generally quite safe, especially when consumed in moderation. However potential side effects may include:
- Bloating or gas due to increased fiber intake
- Allergic reaction (especially in those with celery allergy)
- Dangerously low sodium levels when consumed in excess
- Kidney problems resulting from high potassium levels
- Photosensitivity from increased phytonutrient intake
People on certain medications or with certain conditions like kidney disease may also want to exercise caution with high celery juice intake.
How to Prepare Celery Juice
It’s important to follow proper preparation methods to get the most health benefits from your celery juice. Here are some tips:
Always Juice Celery Stalks
Use whole, tightly packed celery stalks rather than chopping and adding leaves. The stalks contain less naturally occurring sodium than the leaves.
Juice Celery Alone
Celery juice is most effective when you juice celery by itself. Avoid mixing it with other vegetables and fruits.
Drink Immediately
Try to drink your celery juice immediately after juicing. Allowing it to sit exposes the nutrients to oxygen, which can start to break them down.
Use Organic Celery
Choose organic celery whenever possible to minimize exposure to pesticides.
Drink on an Empty Stomach
Drink your celery juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This allows your body to best absorb the nutrients.
Clean Produce and Equipment
Wash celery stalks thoroughly and scrub juicer parts well to remove any dirt or bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why drink celery juice on an empty stomach?
Drinking celery juice on an empty stomach allows your body to best absorb the nutrients and maximize the benefits. Having food in your stomach dilutes the juice and may minimize the effects.
Can I eat celery after juicing?
Yes, you can still consume celery sticks or chopped celery after juicing. The juicing process extracts the liquid content but much of the fiber and nutrients remain in the pulp.
Is celery juice safe for kids?
In small amounts, celery juice is likely safe for older children. But avoid giving it to infants under 1 year old due to the choking hazard. Introduce gradually to monitor for allergies.
Can you juice too much celery?
Consuming very large amounts of celery juice may cause low sodium levels or increase your risk of pesticide exposure. Stick with the recommended 16 ounces per day maximum to be safe.
What do you do with celery juice pulp?
The leftover pulp from juicing still contains fiber and nutrients. You can add it to soups, smoothies or baked goods. Some people dehydrate it for use as celery powder.
The Bottom Line
Drinking 16 ounces of fresh celery juice on an empty stomach each morning may provide hydration and important antioxidants and nutrients. Research on the specific health benefits of celery juicing is limited, but it appears relatively safe for most people when consumed in moderation. Make sure to use organic celery and proper juicing techniques for best results.
