Does eating celery cause skin darkening?

Apr 26, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
It may cause skin darkening. Additionally, individuals with deficient and cold spleen-stomach function, chronic diarrhea or loose stools, low blood pressure, or men planning to marry should avoid consuming celery. Celery is a phototoxic food; after ingestion, exposure to sunlight or other strong light sources can enhance melanocyte activity, leading to skin darkening and hyperpigmentation. Generally, to achieve skin whitening, one should limit intake of phototoxic foods—or consume only a small amount at dinner.

In daily life, celery is a common vegetable that contributes to human health and helps replenish essential vitamins. Some people claim that consuming celery affects the skin, causing it to darken. So, does eating celery actually lead to skin darkening?

Does eating celery cause skin darkening?

Yes, it may. Additionally, individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, chronic diarrhea or loose stools, hypotension, or men planning to marry soon should avoid consuming celery. Celery is a phototoxic food—after ingestion, exposure to sunlight or other strong light sources can stimulate melanocytes, increasing melanin production and thereby causing skin darkening and pigmentation spots. Generally, for those aiming to achieve fairer skin, intake of phototoxic foods should be limited—or consumed only at dinner. It is also advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to intense light after eating celery; otherwise, skin darkening may occur more readily.

Celery has a sweet, cool nature and functions to clear heat, promote diuresis, lower blood pressure, and reduce lipid levels. It is rich in protein, carbohydrates, beta-carotene, B-group vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, and other nutrients. Its therapeutic effects include calming liver yang and clearing heat, dispelling wind and resolving dampness, relieving irritability and reducing edema, cooling blood and stopping bleeding, detoxifying and promoting lung function, strengthening digestion, regulating intestinal motility, moistening the lungs, and alleviating cough. When prepared as a decoction, celery helps lower blood pressure and lipid levels, serving as an adjunctive therapy for early-stage hypertension and hyperlipidemia; it also moistens the lungs and relieves cough, aiding in the management of bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Alkaloid compounds isolated from celery seeds exhibit sedative effects in animal studies and possess calming properties in humans, helping stabilize mood, relieve irritability, and treat headaches and insomnia.

Pay close attention to skin care and sun protection measures to prevent skin darkening caused by multiple factors. This is especially important in everyday life. We hope this information proves helpful to you!