Pickles are known to add a savoury and spicy flavour to any meal when it is served. Be it regional, traditional or even international, they all have a sour taste. This particular taste is attained by a process called fermentation, where various vegetables and fruits are fermented to make a pickle, which marinades and matures in brine made with vinegar and other components.
The spices added to the pickle, which makes it salty and savoury, also act as the preservative, making sure that pickles are long-lasting and serve as great sides. From dil cucumber pickle to mango achar, did you know all pickles have health benefits in common, no matter how they differ in taste from place to place?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Pickled foods improve gut health and reduce blood pressure by supplementing probiotics, including Bifidobacteria. Also, pickles can help you maintain your diet with fewer calories and more nutrients, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient content list. Read more to know more.
5 Pickle Benefits You Don’t Know About
1. Healthy Guts
Fermented pickles undergo a natural lacto-fermentation process, creating an environment conducive to the growth of beneficial bacteria or probiotics. Research from the NIH indicates that a diverse and balanced gut microbiota is crucial for various aspects of health. Probiotics found in pickles can help maintain this balance, promoting digestive health, nutrient absorption, and a robust immune system. Regular consumption may contribute to a healthier gut environment and potentially reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues.
2. Helps Improve Diet
If you are dieting, the importance of managing calorie intake for weight control and overall health becomes essential. Pickles, being a low-energy-density food, makes an excellent choice. Choosing pickles as a snack over higher-calorie options can help individuals maintain a calorie deficit, supporting weight management goals. The enjoyable taste and low-calorie nature of pickles make them a convenient and guilt-free snack. You can also add pickles to salads including them regularly in portions for optimals diet.
3. Rich in Antioxidants
Cucumbers or vegetables with high water content, like apples, are the primary ingredient in pickles. Then, they are known for their antioxidant content. NIH studies show that antioxidants neutralise free radicals, helping protect cells from oxidative stress. By consuming pickles, individuals can introduce these antioxidant benefits into their diet, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall health.
4. Blood Sugar Regulation
As mentioned before, vinegar is a key component in pickle brine. The NIH also shows evidence of its potential in regulating blood sugar levels. Research suggests that consuming vinegar with meals may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce postprandial blood sugar spikes. While further investigation is needed, you can be sure of incorporating pickles into the diet as a potential way of regulating the blood sugar-regulating effects of vinegar.
5. Electrolyte Balance
The salt content in pickles not only contributes to amazing taste but serves as a source of essential electrolytes, such as sodium. The study "Electrolyte and Plasma Responses After Pickle Juice, Mustard, and Deionized Water Ingestion in Dehydrated Humans" shows the significance of electrolytes in maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Moderation is advised due to concerns about excessive sodium intake leading to high-calorie intake. Pickles, as part of a balanced diet, can be good for electrolyte balance.
Now that you know pickles are healthy for you, try them out more often and include them in your balanced diet. Happy Snacking!