What do cucumber and celery do for your body?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

A cucumber is composed of roughly 95% water, making it one of the most hydrating vegetables available. Paired with celery, these two powerhouses offer a potent combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can significantly benefit your body in numerous ways.

Quick Summary

Cucumber and celery are nutrient-rich, hydrating vegetables that support digestive health and reduce inflammation. They are packed with antioxidants and vitamins beneficial for overall wellness and skin health, making them a superb addition to any diet.

Key Points

Deep Hydration: With extremely high water content, both cucumber and celery are excellent for maintaining hydration and helping the body flush out toxins.
Digestive Support: The high fiber in celery promotes regularity, while the water in cucumber aids overall digestive processes.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Action: Both vegetables contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that help combat inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Skin Health Enhancement: Rich in silica and vitamins, they contribute to collagen production and skin hydration, leading to a healthier, more radiant complexion.
Weight Management Aid: Their low-calorie and high fiber/water profiles help promote a feeling of fullness, assisting with weight loss and calorie management.
Rich in Essential Nutrients: Provides important vitamins like K, A, and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium, crucial for various bodily functions.

The Hydration Powerhouse

Both cucumbers and celery are famous for their extremely high water content. Cucumbers are about 95% water, and celery is a close second at nearly 95%. This makes them an excellent choice for maintaining hydration, especially during warmer months or after exercise. Proper hydration is critical for nearly every bodily function, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal. By consuming these vegetables, either raw, juiced, or infused in water, you can easily increase your fluid intake without consuming sugary beverages.

How Hydration Affects Your Body

Supports kidney function: Adequate fluid intake helps the kidneys flush out waste products from the body.
Promotes skin health: Staying hydrated keeps skin moisturized and supports elasticity.
Boosts energy levels: Dehydration can lead to fatigue, so maintaining proper fluid levels helps keep you energized.

Aiding Digestive Health

Both vegetables offer unique benefits for the digestive system. Celery is an excellent source of dietary fiber, with one cup of chopped celery providing a substantial amount of soluble and insoluble fiber. This fiber adds bulk to stool, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Cucumber, with its high water content, also helps in the smooth movement of food through the digestive tract. Additionally, animal studies suggest that pectin-based polysaccharides in celery may help protect the stomach lining and reduce instances of stomach ulcers.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Chronic inflammation is linked to many health issues, and both cucumber and celery offer powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Celery contains various antioxidants, including flavonoids, vitamin C, and phytonutrients, which protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Similarly, cucumbers possess compounds like cucurbitacins and other flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Supporting Radiant Skin

The combination of cucumber and celery is fantastic for skin health, both from the inside out and topically. The high water content in both vegetables ensures your skin stays hydrated. Cucumber contains silica, a trace mineral that promotes connective tissue health and can help boost collagen production, improving the skin's appearance. Celery's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness and irritation, contributing to a clearer complexion. Some people also use cucumber slices or masks to soothe irritated or puffy skin due to its cooling effect.

Aiding Weight Management

If weight management is a goal, incorporating cucumber and celery into your diet is a smart move. They are both incredibly low in calories—a cup of chopped celery has only about 14 calories, and a whole cucumber has around 45 calories. This allows you to fill up on a large volume of food for minimal caloric cost. The high water and fiber content further contribute to satiety, helping you feel full for longer and reducing the urge to snack.

Nutritional Value Comparison

While both vegetables are healthy, their nutritional profiles have subtle differences.


Feature	Cucumber	Celery
Primary Benefit	Hydration, Cooling	Fiber, Anti-inflammatory
Key Vitamins	Vitamin K, Vitamin C, some B vitamins	Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Folate
Key Minerals	Potassium, Magnesium	Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Sodium
Calorie Count (Low)	Very low, around 8 calories per 1/2 cup	Very low, around 14 calories per 1 cup
Fiber Content	Low, aids water-based digestion	High, promotes regularity
Best for	Infused water, salads, soothing skin	Juicing, soups, raw snacks

Optimal Ways to Consume Cucumber and Celery

There are numerous ways to enjoy these versatile vegetables, from simple to complex preparations.

Raw Snacks

Enjoy cucumber and celery sticks with hummus or another healthy dip for a crunchy, satisfying snack.
Add sliced cucumbers and chopped celery to your favorite salads for extra crunch and nutrients.

Juicing and Smoothies

Blend them into a green juice for a powerful dose of vitamins and hydration. A popular combination includes cucumber, celery, a green apple, and ginger.
Add them to a morning smoothie to increase its nutrient and water content without adding a lot of calories.

Infused Water

Create a refreshing detox water by adding slices of cucumber and celery to a pitcher of water with some mint and lemon. This is an excellent way to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Cooking

Celery is a classic ingredient in soups, stews, and stir-fries, providing flavor and texture.
Cucumber can be used in cold soups, such as gazpacho, for a refreshing twist.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Garnish

Both cucumber and celery are more than just simple salad ingredients; they are nutritional powerhouses with far-reaching benefits for the body. From providing deep hydration and aiding digestion to offering potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support, their combined effects contribute significantly to overall health and wellness. Incorporating these two vegetables into your diet, whether raw, juiced, or cooked, is a simple yet effective step toward a healthier lifestyle. For further information on general health and wellness from a reputable source, explore the Mayo Clinic Health System.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both methods have benefits. Juicing provides a concentrated dose of nutrients that are easily absorbed, but eating them whole provides more dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.

Yes, drinking this juice can aid weight loss. It is low in calories, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain hydration, which can curb appetite.

Absolutely. Their high water content hydrates the skin from within. Cucumber contains silica, which promotes collagen production, while celery's antioxidants fight inflammation, contributing to clearer, more radiant skin.

Cucumber's high water content aids in the smooth movement of food through the digestive tract. Celery's dietary fiber adds bulk to stool and its compounds can protect the stomach lining.

Both are good sources of Vitamin K and Vitamin C. Celery is also rich in Vitamin A, while cucumber provides some B vitamins and minerals like potassium.

Yes, celery contains anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoids and phytonutrients. These compounds help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the digestive tract.

Yes, infusing water with cucumber and celery is an excellent way to boost hydration and add a subtle, refreshing flavor. It's a great, calorie-free alternative to sugary drinks.

For most people, consuming a healthy amount is safe. However, consuming a very large quantity of celery's high fiber can cause digestive issues like bloating or gas in some individuals. Those on blood thinners should also monitor their vitamin K intake.