How Long Does It Take to Digest Celery?

Can our bodies digest celery easily? Is it better to eat it raw or cooked? May too much celery harm you? Find out how long it takes for celery to digest in the body and how to incorporate it into your healthy eating routine for maximum benefits.

We all know that celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in a lot of nutrients and vitamins. But it also helps to improve the digestive system.

In general, celery is considered a relatively easy food to digest and is not known to cause digestive issues in most people. However, there are a few things that you should pay attention to. Read further to find them out if you plan to add celery to your healthy diet.

How Long Does It Take to Digest?

As celery is composed mostly of water and insoluble fibers, it passes through the digestive system in around 40 minutes.

The exact time may differ from many factors, such as the individual’s metabolism, the amount of celery consumed, if it is raw or cooked, and the presence of other foods in your stomach.

Can Humans Digest it Easily?

Yes, human bodies can digest celery without difficulties, and it is often recommended as a part of a balanced and healthy diet.

It is low in calories, contains many vitamins and minerals, and has a high water content, around 95%. Because of that, celery is a popular option for people who are trying to lose or maintain their weight.

Does Celery Juice Help With the Digestion?

Yes, celery will help your digestive system as it is rich in fibers and enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food, and its high water content can help keep the digestive system hydrated and functioning properly.

Also, celery juice has been shown to have a mild laxative effect, which can help prevent constipation.

Is Cooked Celery Easier to Digest?

It depends from person to person. Someone may find that for them cooked celery is easier to digest because it is easier to chew, especially if it is chopped or pureed in a soup.

On another side, many people may find that raw celery will be easier to digest because it contains more nutritious foods that promote and improve digestive health.

Quick Note: If you plan to cook the celery, it is recommended to boil or steam instead of grilling or roasting because if you boil the celery, it will become soft and mushy, and it will be a lot easier for our bodies to digest it. If you grill, you will make it more fibrous and difficult to chew and digest.

To find an answer to this question, you should try both variants and listen to your body to determine what option it prefers the most.

May it Cause Stomach Pain?

Generally speaking, celery is safe to eat and is unlikely to cause stomach pain in most people. However, some people may have other intolerances that can cause stomach pain after eating it.

This may happen because celery contains a type of carbohydrate called fructans, which some people have difficulty digesting.

If, after eating the celery, you notice any discomfort in your stomach or you have symptoms like bloating or gas, then the celery isn’t for you. Or at least you should eat it in moderation.

Also worth mentioning is that if you are allergic to carrots, parsley, or fennel, you will probably be allergic to celery because it is also a member of the Apiaceae family of plants.

Is It Possible to Eat Too Much Celery

Yes, if you will eat a large amount of celery, you may harm your body instead of giving it a shock of vitamins.

This is because your body will consume excessive vitamin K, which can negatively affect health. So, because of that, consider eating celery in moderation and avoid consuming excessive amounts of it.

The Effects of Celery on Your Digestive System:

Celery has several effects on the digestive system that can benefit your overall digestive health. As it is a good source of fiber, it will help to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.

Celery also acts as a prebiotic in the gut because it contains a carbohydrate called fructooligosaccharides (FOS).

These bacteria help support a healthy digestive system by aiding in digestion and absorption of nutrients and supporting the immune system.

And last but not least, by adding celery to your diet, you will reduce inflammation as the celery contains a compound called apigenin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the digestive system.