Pickles are often a polarizing food. Those who love them swear by their crunchy, tangy, salty flavor and the many creative ways to incorporate pickles into meals or snack on them on their own. But for those who don’t like pickles – well, let’s just say you won’t catch them throwing barrel points with a dill spear as a sidekick anytime soon! Despite its shared appeal, the health benefits of eating pickles make it an increasingly popular snack among people from all walks of life. In this article, we’ll see why eating pickles is good for you and teach you new ways to enjoy this favorite snack!
Here are 8 reasons why you should incorporate pickles into your diet:
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Better digestion:
Pickles contain beneficial probiotics that help maintain the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut, aiding digestion and preventing gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and indigestion. The lacto-fermentation process used to make pickles produces lactic acid which is great for your digestive system as it helps break down food particles and makes them easier for your body to absorb.
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Rich in vitamins:
Pickles are high in vitamins C, K, and B-complex, which helps boost your immune system and ensure your diet has all the important nutrients. In particular, vitamin K plays an essential role in blood clotting, while vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are key elements in the production of energy in our body.
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Decreased blood pressure:
The sodium content of pickles is responsible for their salty taste, but it can also be beneficial when eaten in moderation. It has been linked to lower blood pressure due to its water-binding abilities which reduce pressure on the heart muscles over time.
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Disease prevention:
Due to their high antioxidant properties, pickles can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease by neutralizing free radicals present in our body that can cause cell damage. Also, their acidity helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on our food, which could otherwise pose serious health risks if ingested.
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Aid in weight loss:
Pickles contain very few calories compared to other snacks, but they satisfy the urge to crunch or salt without causing unwanted pounds. Thanks to their low sugar content and high fiber content, which increase the level of satiety by making us feel full longer after consumption.
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Food for the brain:
Pickles contain choline, which has been shown to support the development of memory and cognitive abilities. So snacking on these delicious treats could give you a welcome mental boost throughout the day!
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Natural detoxifier:
Pickle juice contains electrolytes that can act as natural detoxifiers when consumed regularly; they help rid our bodies of any toxins left behind after physical exercise or periods of stress or illness where dehydration is common.
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Healthy skin:
Pickles are an underrated food, but they turn out to be incredibly beneficial for those looking to have great skin. Pickles contain antioxidants, vitamin C and lactic acid which minimize the appearance of wrinkles, moisturize the skin and act as a natural exfoliator. Many beauty products use lactic acid and vitamin C as key ingredients for their anti-aging properties, which makes pickles a more affordable and natural option! Additionally, pickles have anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen the swelling associated with acne breakouts. Although pickles can have a negative connotation due to their salty taste, why not give them a chance in your beauty routine?
Unfortunately, some can do without it.
Some people cannot eat pickles due to more specific health issues. For example, people with digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the high amount of salt and vinegar in pickles may be too harsh on their digestive system. Leading to cramps, abdominal discomfort and even nausea.
Additionally, people watching their sodium intake for health reasons should also avoid pickles. A single serving contains nearly 20% of the recommended daily sodium intake.
Savor this green condiment differently!
A great way to enjoy pickles as a snack is to use them as an alternative to potato chips. Instead of grabbing a bag of unhealthy chips, opt for some crunchy pickle slices! You’ll get the same satisfying crunch as crisps, but healthier and more nutritious.
Another great way to incorporate pickles into your snacks is to add pickle juice or brine to your smoothies. This gives you all the nutritional benefits of drinking water, plus the antioxidants and electrolytes of brine. You can also make your own version of pickles with a few simple ingredients, including pickle slices, fat-free cream cheese, and dried herbs like dill or parsley. By preparing these tasty little snacks in advance, you’ll have a quick and easy way to snack on something healthy when the hunger strikes!
Finally, don’t forget one of the easiest ways to enjoy pickles: straight from the jar! A few crispy slices are perfect for snacking on their own or to add to sandwiches or salads. Pickles are low in calories, but full of flavor. They are therefore an ideal snack between meals, when hunger strikes you and you want something light and healthy. They are also naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it easy to incorporate into any diet.
