Benefits of pickles: Dietitian lists all pros and cons
What are the benefits of pickles (photo: Freepik)
Nobody can resist crispy pickles, as they are the perfect addition to sandwiches or salads. It's worth knowing whether such a product is beneficial for the body, according to the Real Simple website.
Benefits of pickles
Dietitian Amy Shapiro explained that some pickles are more beneficial than others. They contain a lot of prebiotics, which support a healthy balance of gut bacteria and improve digestion.
Increased hydration
Pickles provide the right amount of potassium, which is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the body. Potassium is an electrolyte that supports hydration among other important processes.
Digestive health
Pickles are vegetables, and all plant products contain fiber. This fiber helps maintain regular digestion and can also help lower cholesterol levels.
Nutritional content
Pickling is also a good source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, and vitamin A for eye health.
Gut microbiome
The gut microbiome is a group of over three trillion microorganisms living in our digestive tract. These microorganisms, including bacteria, play a crucial role in digestion and in the absorption and production of nutrients in the body.
The live microbes in fermented vegetables can offer unique advantages compared to non-pickled and non-fermented microorganisms, providing greater support for gut health and metabolism.
Health concerns
High sodium content
Pickles contain a high amount of sodium. The human body needs a small amount of sodium daily for essential functions.
As a primary electrolyte, sodium plays a central role in fluid balance and helps transport oxygen and nutrients. However, less than 500 milligrams of sodium per day is sufficient for these functions.
Excessive sodium consumption can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health issues.
Unhealthy additives
Some store-bought pickles may contain added sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives, and other additives, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and reduce their potential benefits.
Since pickled cucumbers have minimal carbohydrates, they can be great for those with diabetes as they do not cause blood sugar spikes.
Potential harm to teeth
Excessive acidity is harmful to any part of the body, especially teeth. Pickles are acidic, which over time can damage tooth enamel, particularly if consumed in large quantities.
Earlier we reported on whether cucumbers improve the skin under the eyes.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
