Are pickles good for your health?
You may NOT be surprised to hear that the answer to that question is a resounding, YES!
Many of us make the promise (or resolution on New Year’s Eve), to make a real effort to improve our health with each and every year that comes and goes.
But this time, it’s for real…
And pickles, well, they just might be what the doctor ordered.
First, we have the vegetables. They themselves are full of vitamins, minerals and important fiber.
These commonly pickled vegetables, offer the following:
- Cucumbers contain antioxidants, flavonoids and tannins and many important vitamins and minerals. In addition, their high water and fiber content assist in hydration and digestive regularity.
- Bell Peppers have a lot of beta-carotene; vitamins B6, C, and A; and potassium.
- Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A and K, and potassium.
- Onions are rich in soluble fibers called fructans and have a good amount of vitamins C, B9, B6 and potassium.
- Cabbage is high in vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, potassium, and fiber.
- Beets are high in dietary fiber, have low glycemic load and are a good source of B9, manganese, potassium, Iron and vitamin C
- Green Beans are a good source of vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and potassium.
And what about the brine? That, in itself, is a huge feature!
In a similar way, pickle juice itself has seemingly picked up on that same healthy theme, and perhaps, with an even a better case.
Why is that?
Let’s first look at some of the ingredients and properties that are in pickle juice, and which make this non-alcoholic “potent potable” so attractive.
VINEGAR.
Studies show that vinegar can help prevent spikes and dips in blood sugar. Studies have also shown that it’s easier to control your appetite and lose weight when your blood sugar’s stable. More importantly, unregulated blood sugar can cause serious health problems such as blindness, heart damage, and kidney damage.
Regarding weight control, in one 12-week study, participants who had consumed either about 1/2 ounce or 1 ounce of vinegar daily had lost more weight and fat than those who hadn’t consumed any vinegar at all.
Vinegar also encourages the growth and healthy balance of good bacteria and flora in your gut AND, it can also be a remedy for an upset tummy!
SALT.
Pickle juice contains electrolytes in the form of sodium and some potassium and magnesium. These electrolytes assist in replenishing your body with what you loose of them during exertion, workouts, or just sweating on a hot summer’s day.
About 1/3 cup of pickle juice is all it takes to have this re-hydration benefit.
Pickle juice relieved cramps more than drinking the same amount of water. It also helped more than drinking nothing at all.
This could be because the vinegar in pickle juice may help with rapid pain relief. Vinegar may also help stop the nerve signals that make tired muscles cramp.
HERBS AND SPICES.
The all-natural dried herbs and spices used in our pickle pouches also add their own nutritional health benefits such as: garlic, coriander, turmeric, tomato powder, horseradish, celery, ground mustard, chiles, bell pepper, cumin, dill and onion.
In addition, making a pickle, such as our Granny’s Bread & Butter Pickles without a yellow dye and additional preservatives, is important.
The Great Lakes Pickling Pouches, have neither dyes nor additional / artificial preservatives.
And just in case you’re wondering, the yellow color in our NEW Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickling Pouch comes from the afore mentioned spice, turmeric, which in itself is a terrific nutritional source.
WATER.
Of course. The largest component of pickle juice is water. It’s truly the elixir of life and an essential component in hydrating your body. Our word hydrate comes from the ancient Greek word Hydor, which means water.
If you need any more convincing reasons why pickle juice might just be something to try, here are 2 more to consider.
INEXPENSIVE!
If you are already making pickles, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive workout beverages.
Gatorade may have found its match.
SWEETENS YOUR BREATH?
Yep, while drinking pickle juice may give you a sour face, it just might make for a sweeter breath, as both dill and vinegar, have antibacterial properties which kill the bad bacteria in your mouth that can cause bad breath.
There you have it. Pickled vegetables and pickle juice are indeed one of the healthiest foods an snacks you can enjoy.
So instead of reaching for that cookie jar, think about reaching for the pickle pouch once in a while.
Because a pickle a day, might just keep the doctor away!
All of us at The Great Lakes Pickling Company wish you and your family a very healthy and Happy New Year!
