While they are tasty, there are many health benefits of ingesting pickles and pickle juice.
Pickles and pickle juice are both rich in nutrients and have a number of potential health benefits. These benefits coming from their low calories, nutrients, improved digestion, and anti-inflammatory properties.
We see athletes sipping pickle juice for the salt but it goes much deeper than that. Here are some of the ways that eating pickles and drinking pickle juice may be beneficial to your health. Since pickles can refer to fermented and non fermented pickles, we will cover benefits that span both varieties.
Calories and Nutrients
Pickles and pickle juice are low in calories and fat: A single pickle or serving of pickle juice is typically low in calories and fat, making them a good choice for people trying to watch their weight or maintain a healthy diet.
Pickles and pickle juice are rich in nutrients: Pickles and pickle juice are both rich in a number of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and iron. Pickle juice is also a good source of electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, which can help to replenish lost fluids and minerals during exercise or hot weather.
Gut Health and Antibacterial
Pickles and pickle juice may help to improve digestion: The fermentation process that occurs during pickling can help to improve digestion by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can help to reduce symptoms of digestive disorders such as constipation, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Pickles and pickle juice may have antibacterial properties: The vinegar used in many pickle recipes has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which may help to kill off harmful bacteria in the body. In addition, the fermentation process that occurs during pickling can also help to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.
Inflammation and Immune System
Pickles and pickle juice may help to reduce inflammation: Some studies have found that pickles and pickle juice may have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body. This could be especially beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis or asthma, which are characterized by chronic inflammation.
Pickles and pickle juice may help to boost the immune system: The fermentation process that occurs during pickling can help to boost the immune system by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome is thought to be important for overall immune health, as the gut is where 70-80% of the immune system is located.
Cramping
Pickles and pickle juice may help to reduce muscle cramps: Pickle juice has been shown to be effective in reducing muscle cramps, especially during exercise. This may be due to the high electrolyte content of pickle juice, which can help to replenish lost fluids and minerals and reduce the risk of muscle cramps.
Pickles have numerous benefits and can be part of a balanced diet. As with any food that is higher in sodium, do not forget to drink water.