Is It Safe To Eat Celery During Pregnancy?

Wash your celery well to prevent food infections during pregnancy.

Reviewed by Shivani Sikri, PGDPHN Shivani Sikri Shivani SikriPGDPHN MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Holistic, Therapeutic and Functional Nutrition Experience: 13 years
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Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
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Celery During Pregnancy

Image: MomJunction Design Team

Celery is a highly nutritious vegetable commonly used in salads and soups. Although the vegetable is consumed routinely, many women are apprehensive about eating celery during pregnancy.

Since celery is loaded with antioxidantsiSubstances that may prevent or slow down some types of the cell damage caused due to harmful molecules called free radicals. , enzymes, and different vitamins, it is good for pregnant women. In addition, the vegetable also helps reduce inflammation and relieves symptoms of various diseases. However, you should consult a doctor before eating the vegetable because raw celery may lead to certain infections.

Read this post to learn more about the safety of consuming celery during pregnancy and the health benefits it offers.

In This Article

What Is Celery?

Celery is a vegetable plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, and native to North African and Mediterranean regions. Today you can find vegetables in all parts of the world. Usually, you can find celery in salads, soups, and certain cultural cuisines. Celery is also a common snack that many individuals enjoy eating since it contains no fats. Nutritional content in the vegetable offers you several health benefits during pregnancy. Read on to learn all about consumption of celery for pregnancy (1).

protip_icon Did you know?
The stalk type of celery is said to be a better choice for raw dishes such as fresh salads, while the leaf variety infuses strong flavor into soups and stews.

Is It Safe To Eat Celery During Pregnancy?

Wash celery well before eating them during pregnancy

Image: Shutterstock

Yes, it is safe to eat celery while expecting. Consuming various raw vegetables during pregnancy can add to your fiber intake and offer several vital nutrients that contribute to your and your baby’s health. However, when it comes to food safety you need to wash the vegetable properly before you eat it. Unwashed celery may contain several harmful parasites and bacteria that can make you suffer from hazardous food-borne diseases, such as listeriosisiA bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated food, largely affects newborns, pregnant women, and older people. and toxoplasmosisiAn infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, typically found in undercooked meat, animal feces, and contaminated soil. , during pregnancy. Celery usually doesn’t cause allergy but in some cases it may cause allergies and may have fatal effects. Therefore, it is better to have a word with your nutritionist or your doctor before you go for eating the vegetable while expecting.

8 Health Benefits Of Eating Celery While Pregnant

The high nutritional content of celery provides you several health benefits during pregnancy, therefore you can incorporate it into your healthy diet. Health benefits include:

1. Acts as a diuretic

Celery helps prevent water retention during pregnancy

Image: Shutterstock

Celery is packed with nutrition and is an excellent source of minerals potassium and sodium that help you have appropriate fluid balance in your body during pregnancy. The vegetable acts as a natural diureticiA substance that enables the kidneys to produce more urine and get rid of the excess fluid from the body. , and helps you lose excess water, thus preventing the risk of water retention in your body.

2. Regulates blood pressure

Celery comprises organic chemical compounds popular as phthalidesiOrganic, natural chemical compounds present in plants and fungi. that help reduce stress hormones, dilate your blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and reduce blood pressure appropriately. The vegetable thus helps minimize the risk of atherosclerosisiPlaque deposition up on the inner lining of walls of the arteries, preventing blood flow. , stroke, and heart problems.

3. Lowers cholesterol levels

Phthalides present in celery triggers the secretion of bile that helps in minimizing your cholesterol levels during pregnancy. Low cholesterol levels ensure less deposition of plaque on your artery walls. So, consuming celery enhances your heart health substantially. Also, the fiber content in celery works to eliminate cholesterol in your blood, supports digestion, and smooth bowel movements.

4. Promotes healthy joints

Celery promotes healthy joints in pregnant women

Image: Shutterstock

Anti-inflammatory properties of celery help in minimizing the pain and swelling around your joints during pregnancy. Celery is one of the natural remedies that act as a natural diuretic. It helps in eliminating the accumulation of uric acidiA waste product in the blood. crystals around your joints and reduces discomfort and pain in your joints. High calcium content in the vegetable helps you have strong and healthy bones. Also, the vegetable enhances the regeneration of tissues in your inflamed joints.

5. Calms nerves

High calcium content in celery helps calm your nerves during pregnancy and promotes good health of your nervous system.

6. Helps with weight management

Celery helps regulate body weight in pregnant women

Image: Shutterstock

Drinking fresh celery juice before your meals can help you lose weight and maintain appropriate weight during pregnancy. The low-calorie and high-fiber content in celery prevents you from overeating and regulates weight gain effectively.

7. Boosts immunity

High vitamin C content helps in improving your immunity and minimizes the risk of catching a cold during pregnancy, making it an essential nutrient for prenatal care. Also, antioxidants in the vegetable enhance your immunity and protect you and your unborn baby from several health diseases and ailments.

8. May help prevent cancer

Celery is rich in phthalides, polyacetylenesiOrganic compounds found in certain plants and have antifungal and antibacterial properties. , and flavonoidsiA group of naturally-occurring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in plants and fruits. that help prevent the risk of developing cancer and detoxify carcinogensiAny substance or organism that is responsible for causing cancer. . Also, coumarinsiNatural bioactive compound known for antibacterial, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. in the vegetable help improve the efficiency of white blood cells and wards off the risk of development of cancer while expecting. Antioxidants in celery neutralize free radicals and safeguard your cells and organs from damage effectively.

protip_icon Research finds
Celery has components that may be effective in reducing blood sugar, protecting the liver, improving skin problems, and reducing vomiting. These may be useful in addressing various pregnancy complications (6).

Recipes For Incorporating Celery Into Your Pregnancy Diet

Adding celery to your meals can help boost your health during pregnancy. Here are a couple of nutritious and simple recipes to get you started.

1. Celery apple salad

You will need:

  • 2 tart apples
  • 1tsp lemon juice
  • 1⁄8 – 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 celery ribs
  • 1tsp cider vinegar
  • 1tbsp mustard
  • 1⁄2tsp sugar
  • 1⁄2tsp dried tarragon
  • Salt for taste

How to:

  1. Mix the diced apples with the lemon juice.
  2. Add the diced celery to the mix.
  3. Add mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and tarragon to a bowl and whisk until well blended.
  4. Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the salad and stir well.
  5. Add salt to taste if you like.
  6. Chill the salad before serving.

2. Celery smoothie

You will need:

  • 1 large banana
  • 4 stalk celery
  • Ginger
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ½ Cup cubed cucumber

How to:

  1. Add chopped celery, chopped fresh ginger, frozen banana, chopped cucumber, and chilled orange juice to a blender.
  2. Blend the mixture until smooth.
  3. Pour the smoothie into two glasses and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are celery seeds safe for pregnant women to eat?

Although consuming celery in moderation is safe, experts suggest that you stay away from celery seeds when pregnant as they might put you at risk of complications such as uterine bleeding and contractions (3).

2. Is there any specific dose of celery consumption during pregnancy?

You may include a cup of fresh, thoroughly washed and chopped celery as a part of your pregnancy diet (4). You may consume it as a snack or incorporate it in recipes such as vegetable salad preparations (5).

3. Can eating celery help with managing gestational diabetes?

Celery does not pose the risk of increased blood sugar and is recommended as a part of the diet for women with gestational diabetes (7).

4. Can celery help with morning sickness during pregnancy?

Yes, celery may help soothe nausea associated with morning sickness. However, since individual experiences may vary, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider (8).

Celery is a fibrous vegetable rich in vital nutrients, such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium, and incorporating it into a healthy lifestyle can offer many benefits. Most healthy pregnant women can safely eat celery during pregnancy. However, you should clean and store it hygienically to avert the risk of pathogen contamination. You can use celery to prepare smoothies and juice. Alternatively, you can use it to prepare snacks, celery soup and salad that can contribute to your daily nutritional needs. Though celery is a nutritious food, keep its intake in moderation as a part of a well-balanced diet.

Infographic: Advantages Of Consuming Celery During Pregnancy

Celery has a high nutritional value and can be a part of a healthy and balanced pregnancy diet. Expectant mothers will benefit from this green veggie immensely. You can consume it as part of soups and salads to enrich your body with calories and energy. Read this infographic to discover the ways it helps you.

benefits of celery for pregnant women(infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Celery is safe for pregnant women to consume.
  • It functions as a diuretic, regulates blood pressure, and enhances immunity.
  • Properly washing celery before consumption is crucial to prevent infections.
  • Consulting a doctor before modifying your pregnancy diet is recommended.

Illustration: Is It Safe To Eat Celery During Pregnancy?

Celery During Pregnancy_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team


Celery juice has amazing health benefits, but what about pregnant, breastfeeding, or medicated individuals? Find out the unbelievable side effects of celery juice for these groups in this video!

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Celery.
    http://nhb.gov.in/report_files/celery/CELERY.htm
  2. Yong Lin et al. (2009); Luteolin a flavonoid with potentials for cancer prevention and therapy.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2615542/
  3. Celery seed.
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/celery-seed
  4. Celery May Help Bring Your High Blood Pressure Down.
    https://health.clevelandclinic.org/celery-may-help-bring-your-high-blood-pressure-down/#:~:text=Celery%20stalk%20salt%20content%20is,Laffin%20says
  5. Have a healthy diet in pregnancy.
    https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/have-a-healthy-diet/
  6. Wesam Kooti and Nahid Daraei; (2017); A Review of the Antioxidant Activity of Celery (Apium graveolens L).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871295/
  7. Healthy Eating for Gestational Diabetes.
    https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/article/healthy-eating-for-gestational-diabetes-721271
  8. Morning Sickness.
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16566-morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
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Shivani Sikri
Shivani SikriPublic health and Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
Shivani Sikri is the chief nutritionist and co-founder of Nutri4Verve and holds about 13 years of experience in the field of nutrition. After completing her Masters, Shivani Sikri did a postgraduate in nutrition and health education, a postgraduate diploma in public health and nutrition (PGDPHN), and a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and clinical dietetics.

Read full bio of Shivani Sikri
Ria Saha
Ria SahaB.Tech
Ria is a techie-turned-writer and writes articles on health, with special emphasis on nutrition. She did her B.Tech from West Bengal University of Technology and was previously associated with IBM as SAP ABAP technical consultant.

Read full bio of Ria Saha
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Lorraine Teron
Lorraine TeronMSc
Lorraine is a postgraduate in Life Science from Mount Carmel College and previously worked as a freelance scientific illustrator. As a project associate and lab technician at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Lorraine received valuable insights into Covid-19, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, and neuro-degenerative diseases.

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