Is it OK to add lemon juice to celery juice?

Celery juice has become hugely popular in recent years as a health drink. Proponents claim it has an array of benefits, including reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, aiding digestion and more. Some people add lemon juice to their celery juice to enhance the flavor and increase the health benefits. But is this OK or does it mess with the properties of the celery juice?

What is Celery Juice?

Celery juice is made by juicing celery stalks. It has become popular thanks to the “Medical Medium” Anthony William who touts it as a miracle health cure. He recommends drinking 16 ounces of pure celery juice every morning on an empty stomach.

According to William, celery juice contains undiscovered cluster salts that have powerful healing abilities. These cluster salts supposedly revitalize the body by helping to balance mineral deficiencies. However, there is limited scientific research to back up these claims.

That said, celery juice does contain some beneficial vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin K – Important for blood clotting and bone health.
• Vitamin A – Supports immune system and vision.
• Potassium – Helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
• Sodium – Important electrolyte that supports nerve transmission and muscle function.
• Antioxidants – Help protect cells from damage.

The main reason people drink celery juice is to take advantage of these nutrients and support overall health.

Potential Benefits of Celery Juice

Here are some of the key benefits associated with drinking celery juice:

May reduce inflammation

Celery contains antioxidants like polyphenols that can help reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to diseases like cancer, diabetes and autoimmune conditions.

May aid digestion

Celery juice is high in fiber, which can keep your digestive system healthy and regular. It also contains compounds that act as natural laxatives like phthalides.

May boost hydration

Celery is about 95% water, so celery juice can help you stay hydrated. Proper hydration is vital for all bodily functions.

May lower cholesterol

Animal studies have found celery can reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. This may be due to its phytosterol content.

May help lower blood pressure

Celery contains the compound 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh) which can help relax arterial walls and lower blood pressure. However, more studies in humans are needed.

May reduce cancer risk

Celery contains flavonols like apigenin and luteolin which have been shown to combat cancer cells in test tube studies. But more research is needed.

Is Lemon Juice a Good Addition?

Many people add lemon juice to their celery juice to enhance the flavor. But is this a good idea or does it undermine the potential benefits?

Here’s a look at the pros and cons of adding lemon juice to celery juice:

Potential Benefits

• Boosts flavor – Makes the taste more palatable for some.
• Increases vitamin C – Excellent source of immune-boosting vitamin C.
• Aids digestion – Helps stimulate digestion and bowel motility.
• Antibacterial properties – Contains citric acid which can help kill bacteria.

Potential Drawbacks

• Alters pH levels – Lemon juice has an acidic pH which could affect the properties of celery juice.
• Damage tooth enamel – High acidity can erode tooth enamel over time.
• Upsets stomach – Too much can cause stomach irritation in sensitive people.
• Interacts with medicines – The citric acid may interact with certain medications.

Overall, adding a small amount of lemon juice to celery juice is likely fine for most people. But it’s best to keep it to a minimum of 1/4 to 1/2 lemon squeezed into 16 ounces of juice.

You’ll still get the benefits of the celery juice along with a vitamin C boost from the lemon. But aim to drink it through a straw and rinse your mouth after to protect your tooth enamel.

How Much Lemon Juice Should You Add?

Here are some general guidelines on how much lemon juice to add to 16 ounces of celery juice:

• 1/4 lemon – Adds mild flavor
• 1/2 lemon – Provides light lemon flavor
• 1 whole lemon – Gives strong lemon flavor

Most recommendations are to stick to no more than 1/2 a lemon per 16 oz juice. This keeps the celery as the main ingredient while providing a vitamin C boost.

You can adjust the amount based on your personal taste preferences. But avoid going overboard as too much lemon juice could lead to stomach upset.

Should You Add Lemon Juice at All?

Opinions differ on whether you should add any lemon juice to celery juice. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Reasons to Add Lemon Juice

• Enhances flavor so you’re more likely to drink it
• Provides immune-boosting vitamin C
• May aid digestion
• Preserves juice for longer

Reasons to Avoid Lemon Juice

• Alters celery juice’s pH level
• Potential tooth enamel erosion over time
• Too much can cause stomach irritation
• Purists argue it reduces benefits of celery

There’s no definitive answer here – it comes down to your personal preferences and tolerance. The best advice may be to try the juice both with and without lemon to see which you prefer.

How to Make Celery Juice With Lemon

If you want to add some lemon juice to your celery juice, here is a simple recipe to follow:

Ingredients

• 1 bunch organic celery
• 1/2 fresh lemon
• 16 oz filtered water

Instructions

1. Wash celery thoroughly and cut off ends.
2. Run celery through a juicer according to manufacturer’s directions.
3. Pour juice into a glass.
4. Squeeze 1/2 lemon into juice and stir briefly.
5. Dilute with filtered water if desired. Aim for ratio of 3/4 celery juice to 1/4 water.
6. Enjoy immediately for maximum nutrients.

Be sure to drink the juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. You can gradually work up to drinking 16 oz if starting with a smaller amount.

The Bottom Line

Adding a small amount of lemon juice to celery juice is unlikely to cause major issues for most people. The biggest benefits of celery juice come from its vitamin and mineral content rather than any special healing properties. Lemon juice can enhance the flavor and provide an extra dose of vitamin C.

However, each person may respond differently. Pay attention to how you feel after drinking the combo. Reduce the lemon or omit it altogether if you experience any stomach discomfort.

Try alternating between straight celery juice and celery juice with lemon to compare. This allows you to take advantage of the benefits of both while avoiding high consumption of lemon juice.

Overall, it’s fine to customize your celery juice to your tastes – just don’t completely overwhelm the celery component. Aim to keep the ratio at least 3:1 in favor of the celery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lemon juice help or hinder celery juice benefits?

In moderation, lemon juice neither significantly helps or hinders the benefits of celery juice. It can enhance the flavor and provide vitamin C. But too much may disrupt the natural properties of celery juice.

Should you drink celery juice with or without lemon?

It’s generally recommended to drink pure celery juice without any additives to get the maximum benefits. However, a small amount of lemon won’t negatively impact the nutrients and can improve the taste.

Does lemon juice break the fast from celery juice?

No, a small amount of lemon juice is very unlikely to break your fast as it has almost no calories or carbohydrates. As long as you stick to 1/2 lemon or less per 16oz, it should be fine.

Is it better to add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar?

Most experts recommend lemon juice over apple cider vinegar when adding a flavor enhancer to celery juice. The vinegar has a strong taste that overwhelms the celery. The acidity is also harder on tooth enamel.

Should you add anything else to celery juice?

Purists recommend drinking straight celery juice without any additions for maximum benefits. But small amounts of lemon, ginger or mint are unlikely to cause issues. Avoid fruit or vegetable additives high in sugar.