Save the juice the next time you open a jar of crisp pickles! Maybe you've always admired that delectable pucker. Or maybe the notion of drinking pure pickle juice is repulsive. Pickle juice, whether you like it or not, may be beneficial to your health.
"Pickle juice has certain advantages, but it all depends." It's important to know what kind of pickle juice you're using. "As does the health benefit you're seeking for," says Camille Skoda, RDN, LD, IFNCP, a functional medicine dietician. "You won't get such advantages from a jar full of colours and preservatives."
Pickle juice is healthy for you, and there are six ways to get the advantages.
Health Benefits of Drinking Pickle Juice
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1. Probiotics are found in pickle juice.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in naturally fermented pickles and their juice. Probiotics are living, tiny bacteria and yeasts that may be found in a variety of foods, including:
- Kimchi.
- Miso.
- Sauerkraut.
- Yogurt.
"Many bacteria species in the gut are useful to metabolism, general health, digestion, and disease prevention. Skoda adds, "They're also associated to decreased anxiety, sadness, and a better mood."
Probiotics may aid in the maintenance of a healthy gut flora. Probiotics are used for these reasons, particularly to help digestion.
Probiotics may be found in non-vinegar-based refrigerated pickles, according to Skoda. They should be organically fermented in water with salt and spices.
"Eat a pickle a day to get these advantages." However, bear in mind that probiotics are tolerated differently by various people. Start with a modest quantity if you're drinking pickle juice for probiotics," Skoda advises. "Also, don't drink so much that you're getting too much salt."
2. Pickle juice may aid in post-workout recovery.
Electrolytes keep your body's fluid balance in check and all systems running smoothly. When you sweat, though, you run the danger of losing too many. What is the antidote?
"Electrolytes are found in pickle juice in the form of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. As a result, it may be used as a natural electrolyte," Skoda explains. "It may aid in rehydration after exercise."
Skoda recommends picking a vinegar-based pickle that is free of preservatives and yellow colouring. Pickle juice as an electrolyte may be beneficial for those who:
- Have a chronic illness that necessitates a higher salt intake.
- Do not enough salt in my diet.
Pickle juice as a recovery drink, however, isn't for everyone. "A daily sodium intake of no more than 2,300 mg is recommended." "And depending on the brand, 3 ounces of pickle juice provides you 900 milligrams right there," she explains. "Electrolyte supplements with just 150 mg of sodium and additional potassium and magnesium are available."
3. Pickle juice may aid with blood sugar control.
According to research, vinegar may help avoid blood sugar spikes and drops. That's a victory for vinegar-based pickle liquids. "Vinegar-based salad dressings and apple cider vinegar would also have the same advantages," Skoda says.
4. Pickle juice may help you lose weight.
When it comes to the benefits of pickle juice on weight reduction, the evidence is a bit murkier. However, it's more about the vinegar than the pickles.
"By regulating blood sugar, pickle juice may help you lose weight." When your blood sugar is consistent, it's simpler to lose weight and regulate your hunger," Skoda explains. "Improving digestion and metabolism might undoubtedly help you lose weight if you're drinking pickle juice for the probiotic benefit."
5. If you're suffering from a hangover, try drinking pickle juice.
You may get dehydrated if you consume too much alcohol. According to Skoda, electrolytes may help lessen some of these consequences. "If pickle juice is the electrolyte you select, drinking it as a hangover treatment may assist."
6. Pickles contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
For the cucumbers, it's a win! You get to count some of that vegetable goodness, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, since pickles are fermented cucumbers.
Antioxidants may help to protect your cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are chemicals found in the human body that have been related to cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. "Although pickle juice contains antioxidants, eating the pickle is more helpful."
If you appreciate the briny deliciousness of pickles or pickle juice, enjoy! While pickle juice isn't a panacea, it may certainly be included into a balanced diet.
