Why Shouldn’t You Eat Celery In Pregnancy?

It is well known that during pregnancy, the food the mother eats influences the health of the baby. Hence the importance of knowing how to take care of yourself and eat in a healthy way. However, it is normal that when faced with certain foods, such as celery, certain doubts arise. Would Eating Celery During Pregnancy Be Harmful?

Why is celery good?

Celery is a hollow-stemmed herbaceous plant with external grooves. Its use as a remedy dates back to ancient times, both in Chinese, Greek and Roman cultures. Its taste and smell are characteristic, it also has different medicinal properties. Among the diseases it fights are:

• Gout.
• Arrhythmias
• Cholesterol.
• Rheumatism.
• Nervousness.
• Headache.

It is also used as an expectorant and stomach sedative. and to start menstruation or treat your discomforts, reduce the flow of breast milk, among other functions.

For external use, it is recommended to apply it by means of poultices. They heal sores, wounds (Vulneraria) and chilblains. It can also be used as a mouthwash and for voicelessness problems (aphonia).

Contraindications and side effects of celery

The consumption and use of celery is safe for most of the people. But, when ingested in large quantities, as part of “medicinal” remedies (celery juice, celery infusion and other related preparations) for a short period of time, excluding other foods, it can bring side effects. 

In fact, it may cause reactions such as skin inflammation and sensitivity to the sun. However, these are not the only disadvantages that the use of celery can have on people’s health.

Why should celery not be taken in pregnancy?

As we have seen, celery (also known as celery) has several benefits for women’s health. It is interesting that a large number of Internet sites promote the use of celery in pregnancy and lactation. However, it is important to clarify that, within the medical community, the consumption of celery in pregnancy is contraindicated.

Among the first reasons, administering celery oil, or high doses of seeds, has been found to stimulate the uterus. As a result,  there is a risk of causing a miscarriage.

In fact, celery has long been known to have emmenagogue properties . The term emmenagogue refers to any substance that stimulates blood flow. For that reason, celery is used to promote menstruation.

However, some abortifacient herbs are also known by this name. There are those who classify them as mild, moderate and strong natural emmenagogues.

Celery is classified as a moderate emmenagogue food. As a result, a good number of specialists consider that it is preferable to avoid taking celery in pregnancy.

Emmenagogue substances

Apiol

Apiol is a substance obtained by distilling the seed of parsley. However, this active ingredient is also found in some other herbs such as celery.

For many years, apiol has been used  as a medicine to cause menstruation and abortions. In fact, this substance increases the tone and force of the uterus contraction and causes the death of the placental tissue.

According to a historical review, it has been concluded that the oral use of essential oils rich in apiol are a latent danger in pregnant women since they present a high risk of abortion.

Apigenin

This substance is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in celery, but also in other fruits and vegetables. According to some scientific studies, apigenin can have abortifacient effects.

And that’s not all, the effects continue after the administration time. Apigenin has a slow metabolism and possibly accumulates in the body. For this reason, it is important not to take large amounts of celery in pregnancy.

Myristicin

It is an active principle that has hallucinogenic and anticoagulant properties. Like the previous active components, this substance stimulates the muscles of the uterus. As a result, it can create risky complications and even miscarriage.

In what other cases should celery consumption be avoided?

If you have any of these conditions and consume large amounts of celery, you should discuss it with your specialist. This will serve to verify that there is no dangerous interaction and it is harmful to your health .  You must pay special attention in cases of:

• Allergies
• Renal problems.
• Low blood pressure.
• Bleeding disorders.
• Cases of surgery in which anesthesia is used.

Can you eat celery in moderation?

Celery is a plant with multiple benefits and unique properties that can be safe for most people when consumed in meals.

However, it has been shown that celery in pregnancy should be consumed in moderation and responsibility. It is even recommended to avoid its use as much as possible so as not to expose yourself to risks or negative interactions.